Itanagar: While the world marked World Environment Day with widespread calls to action, one family in Arunachal Pradesh has truly walked the talk, creating a striking oasis of tradition and sustainability in the heart of the state capital. As concrete structures increasingly dominate the urban landscape, this initiative stands as a vibrant testament to eco-conscious living and the rich legacy of indigenous architecture.
In a poignant nod to heritage and environmental stewardship, Tassar Tai, a revered Gaon Burah from Tabiang village in Kra Daadi district and a proud member of the Nyishi community, officially opened a traditional Galo-style bamboo residence named “Tassar Heritage” in Itanagar’s Lekhi village. This groundbreaking endeavour, perfectly echoing this year’s World Environment Day clarion call to “Beat Plastic Pollution,” delivers a resounding message about the enduring value of sustainable practices and the urgent need to safeguard ancestral building methods.
The meticulously crafted Galo house, a marvel of natural engineering, is fashioned entirely from bamboo, grass, and other readily available local materials. It evokes a nostalgic glimpse into the traditional dwellings that once graced the landscapes inhabited by various tribes of the larger Abotani community, including the Galos, Nyishis, Apatanis, Adis, and Tagins. Sadly, such invaluable heritage structures are now a vanishing sight, particularly within bustling urban environments.
“Even though I belong to the Nyishi community, I chose to build a traditional Galo house to show that we all are part of the larger Abotani family. This house is not just about tradition, it’s about sustainability,” Tassar Tai shared with India Today, highlighting the profound unity and shared heritage among the Abotani tribes. He further underscored the inherent practicality and resilience of these indigenous homes, especially pertinent in a seismically active region, asserting that bamboo constructions offer superior safety and stability during earthquakes.
Despite his children opting for contemporary concrete residences in the capital, Tassar Tai’s unwavering commitment to residing in a traditional dwelling serves as a powerful statement of his desire to live in harmony with nature. “My children built RCC homes, but I wanted to return to our roots. This is a message to the younger generation that traditional doesn’t mean outdated—it means sustainable,” he affirmed, encapsulating his vision for a future that honours the wisdom of the past.