Itanagar: Contestants of Miss AAPSU 2025 participated in a massive cleanup drive at the Yagamso River inside IG Park, Itanagar, to mark World Wildlife Day. The drive resulted in the removal of approximately 1,700 kg of waste, highlighting the growing environmental responsibility within beauty pageants.
The cleanup was a joint initiative organized by the Youth Mission for Clean River (YMCR) and the Miss AAPSU Organizing Team, with support from Itanagar Smart City.
Khoda Yallam, AAPSU Women Cell General Secretary and Miss AAPSU Organizing Chairperson, spoke about the significance of this hands-on experience for the 28 contestants, who represent various tribes of Arunachal Pradesh. “We wanted these young women to step into the reality of environmental challenges. By cleaning the Yagamso River, they’re not just participants in a pageant—they’re gaining a deeper understanding of why our rivers matter and how they can inspire others to protect them,” she stated.
The cleanup also served as a prelude to the upcoming AAPSU Inter-Tribe Festival, underscoring a commitment to both cultural celebration and environmental responsibility.
YMCR Convenor and AAPSU Art & Culture Secretary Kanku Kabak commended the contestants for prioritizing environmental consciousness. He also highlighted the importance of integrating environmental conservation as a judging parameter for Miss AAPSU 2025. “This is a commendable step toward responsible pageantry,” Kabak said.
The drive aimed to promote sustainable practices such as waste segregation, reducing plastic use, and adopting the principles of Reuse, Reduce, and Recycle.
AAPSU Women Wing Cell President Ponung Darang and Convenor Techi Tannu also supported the initiative, which emphasizes the collective role of society in protecting the environment.