Itanagar: In a decisive move to safeguard local wildlife and preserve the region’s ecological balance, the Mebo sub-divisional administration in Arunachal Pradesh’s East Siang district has issued an executive order prohibiting the use, sale, and possession of airguns.
The ban, which follows growing concerns over the indiscriminate killing of birds and squirrels, was officially announced after a community consultation meeting held on February 8 with Head Gaon Burahs (HGBs), Gaon Burahs (GBs), and village secretaries.
During the meeting, Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) of Mebo, Sibo Passing, highlighted the alarming impact of modern airguns fitted with telescopic sights, which have significantly contributed to the depletion of local bird and small mammal populations.
In response, the administration has directed all airgun owners to surrender their weapons by February 20, coinciding with the Statehood Day celebrations.
The ban has been enforced under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita 2023, citing the urgent need to curb widespread wildlife destruction.
Beyond airguns, the administration has also taken a firm stand against illegal fishing practices, announcing a ban on the use of inverters, generators, chemical poisoning, and blasting techniques that threaten aquatic ecosystems.
Additionally, harmful pesticides such as Round-up will be prohibited to prevent soil and water contamination, ensuring long-term environmental sustainability in the region.
Officials confirmed that while the airgun ban takes immediate effect, restrictions on illegal fishing methods and pesticide usage will follow through formal orders in the coming weeks.
Community leaders have expressed strong support for the initiative, emphasizing its necessity in restoring ecological balance. Monggu Banggo Gaon Burah President Kalom Lego and Mebo Banggo Gaon Burah President Okar Megu underscored the importance of eliminating airgun hunting, which has disrupted local biodiversity.
They also voiced their endorsement of the crackdown on destructive fishing techniques that not only deplete fish populations but have also resulted in accidental human electrocutions in the past.
Echoing these concerns, Ralling Village Secretary Bani Apum highlighted the dangers posed by electrical fishing methods, warning that their unchecked use could lead to further loss of life and irreversible damage to aquatic habitats.
The administration’s decision has been widely welcomed as a crucial step towards preserving Mebo’s rich natural heritage while promoting responsible environmental stewardship.
With strict enforcement measures in place, the administration aims to curb harmful practices that threaten the region’s wildlife and ecosystems. The move signals a broader push towards sustainable conservation, reinforcing community participation in protecting Arunachal Pradesh’s fragile biodiversity.
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