Hornbill News

  MECHUKHA, July 25:  Arunachal Pradesh Tourism Minister Pasang Dorjee Sona on Saturday inaugurated the Mechukha Trout Quest 2.0 at the pristine Yargyap Chu River in the scenic Mechukha Valley of Shi-Yomi district. Held under the theme "Catch, Conserve  and Celebrate," the event aims to promote responsible catch-and-release fishing while showcasing Mechukha's crystal-clear rivers, rich trout habitat and breathtaking natural landscapes. The event has drawn enthusiastic participation from anglers representing Bhutan, Thailand, and several Indian states, including Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Nagaland and Assam.  Their participation reflects Mechukha's growing recognition as an emerging destination for world-class sport fishing and eco-tourism. Speaking on the occasion, Minister Pasang Dorjee Sona said the Trout Quest is more than just a fishing competition.  He said the initiative reflects the state's commitment to promoting respo...

  ITANAGAR, July 22:  Dr. Joram Aniya, Member of NITI Aayog, visited Gyekar Sinyik (Ganga Lake) in Arunachal Pradesh to assess its potential for sustainable eco-tourism while reviewing measures to enhance climate resilience and disaster preparedness in the ecologically sensitive area. The visit was attended by senior officials from NITI Aayog, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the Central Water Commission (CWC), and other concerned agencies, who conducted a comprehensive assessment of the lake and its surrounding ecosystem. During the visit, the delegation held discussions with local officials and community representatives on the need for detailed scientific studies of the lake's hydrology, geology, and catchment dynamics.  The experts stressed that a better understanding of changing water levels and the region's environmental conditions is essential for developing long-term strategies to mitigate potential risks and ensure sustainable management of the l...

  Ziro, July 11: The Bamin Michi Tourism Promotion Committee (BMTPC) has launched a year-long cleanliness and awareness campaign aimed at transforming Bamin Michi into a clean, sustainable and model tourist village through active community participation and lasting behavioural change. Nestled in the picturesque Ziro Valley of Arunachal Pradesh, Bamin Michi is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and scenic beauty. The village is historically recognised as the only settlement in the region known for its traditional pottery craftsmanship before the widespread use of modern utensils.  It is also home to Pamu Yallang, one of Ziro's most popular viewpoints, offering panoramic views of the valley and attracting visitors throughout the year. As part of its vision to strengthen tourism while preserving the village's natural and cultural identity, BMTPC has initiated a sustained campaign focusing on cleanliness, environmental conservation and responsible waste management. The campai...

  TALI, June 28:  Tali in Kra Daadi district has emerged as a promising destination for bird conservation and ecotourism after its first-ever systematic bird survey documented 74 bird species, leading to the creation of the area's inaugural bird checklist. The four-day survey, conducted from June 22 to 25, was undertaken by the Arunachal Pradesh Birding Club (APBC) in collaboration with the Hapoli Forest Division. The initiative was spearheaded by the Arunachal Pradesh Ecotourism Development Board with support from the Tali Administration and local Panchayati leaders. Survey teams explored community forests spread across elevations between 800 and 2,000 metres, recording a wide range of bird species that reflect the region's exceptional ecological wealth.  The data collected during the exercise has been uploaded to the eBird India platform, providing an important scientific reference for future biodiversity studies and conservation efforts. The survey recorded several not...

  New Delhi/Itanagar, June 16: Arunachal Pradesh has earned national recognition at the India Today Tourism Survey & Awards 2026, with two of its tourism attractions receiving prestigious honours. Nawang Chotta Homestay in Tawang district and Siang River Rafting were recognized for their outstanding contribution to cultural and adventure tourism respectively, further strengthening Arunachal Pradesh's position as one of India's most unique travel destinations. Receiving the awards on behalf of the state, Tourism Minister P.D. Sona expressed pride in the achievements and congratulated all stakeholders, local communities, tourism entrepreneurs, and industry partners who have contributed to the growth of tourism in Arunachal Pradesh. Nawang Chotta Homestay Wins Special Award for Best Tribal Homestay Located in Lumpo Village under Zemithang Circle in Tawang district, Nawang Chotta Homestay was honoured with the Special Award for Best Tribal Homestay at the India Today Tourism Su...

  Ziro, Lower Subansiri, May 14: The 4th edition of the flower plantation programme, titled “Bloom Ziro – Flower Plantation Drive 2026,” was successfully conducted on Thursday in Ziro, Lower Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh, with massive participation from various sections of society. Organised by the Flower Plantation Society Ziro, the plantation drive was carried out on May 14 along the NH-13 roadside stretch from Zimin Ziro Hotel to Lempia (Lankhii) village with the aim of promoting environmental awareness and enhancing the scenic beauty of the valley. Held under the theme “Each One Plant One,” the programme focused on encouraging community participation in creating a greener, cleaner and more attractive Ziro Valley. Hundreds of flower saplings were planted along the highway stretch as part of the beautification initiative. The event witnessed participation from several organisations and individuals including the Apatani Youth Association, Apatani Students’ Union, politic...

  Tawang, April 1: In a landmark boost to winter sports and tourism, Arunachal Pradesh is set to host the 1st Open National Ski Mountaineering Championship at PT Tso in Tawang, marking the Northeast’s first-ever organized snow sports event. The initiative includes an inaugural Ski and Snowboarding Training Program scheduled from April 5 to 14, followed by the national championship on April 15. The event is expected to draw athletes and enthusiasts from across the country, introducing a new competitive platform in the region. Set against the pristine, snow-covered landscape of PT Tso, the event aims to unlock Arunachal Pradesh’s vast potential for winter sports. Officials emphasize that beyond athlete development, the championship is a strategic move to position Tawang as a premier winter tourism destination. This historic event signals the beginning of a new chapter for Indian winter sports, with Arunachal Pradesh emerging as a key player in expanding the country’s adventure and sn...

  Tawang, March 17, 2026: In a significant step towards fostering community development and promoting sustainable tourism in remote border regions of Tawang district, the Indian Army inaugurated the Border Brew Cafe at Zemithang under its flagship Op Sadbhavna initiative on 18 March 2026. The project has been developed with a focus on improving the socio-economic conditions of the local Monpa tribal community in Tawang district while simultaneously enhancing tourism potential in the strategically important border area. The cafe is expected to serve as both a livelihood source for locals and a new attraction for visitors exploring the scenic region. What sets the Border Brew Cafe apart is its unique construction. Built on a decommissioned Bailey Bridge spanning the River Nyamjang Chu, the structure creatively repurposes heritage military infrastructure into a modern, functional public space. This innovative approach not only preserves a piece of history but also transforms it into a...

  Ziro, February 21, 2026 Marking the 40th Statehood Day celebrations, the Hapoli Forest Division , in collaboration with the Birding Club, Ziro , released the region’s first bilingual English–Apatani pocket guide documenting 119 bird species found in Ziro Valley . The guide was unveiled by MLA Hage Apa , representing the 17th Ziro-Hapoli Assembly Constituency, during the Statehood Day celebrations held at the District Secretariat. The event was attended by Deputy Commissioner Oli Perme, Superintendent of Police Keni Bagra, ZPC Hibu Dumi, former minister Tage Taki, Divisional Forest Officer Tilling Taker, heads of departments, ZPMs, and members of the public. Published by the Hapoli Forest Division under the Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in collaboration with the Arunachal Pradesh Birding Club , Ngunu Ziro, and Ziro Bird Walk, the pocket guide represents the second major effort to document the valley’s avifauna . It follows the 2022 coffee table book Birds o...

  Mechukha, February 17, 2026: The Homestay Convention 2026 concluded at Mechukha Valley in Arunachal Pradesh , with the valedictory programme attended by Tourism Minister Pasang Dorjee Sona along with Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein , dignitaries, homestay owners, and tourism stakeholders from across the state. Organised by the Department of Tourism, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, the three-day convention brought together homestay entrepreneurs, tour operators, government officials, and domain experts to discuss the future of sustainable community-based tourism . The event celebrated Arunachal Pradesh’s rich cultural heritage and the growing role of homestays in promoting responsible travel while strengthening local livelihoods. The convention featured keynote addresses, panel discussions, networking sessions, business-to-business interactions, and presentations highlighting successful homestay models . Cultural exchanges reflecting the state’s diverse traditions added vib...

  Aalo , Feb 11, 2026 Aalo court has issued a non-bailable warrant against influencer Ratna Maya Chetri and her associate Subhodir Ghosh after taking cognizance of a case linked to multiple complaints. The Officer-in-Charge of Aalo Police Station has been directed to proceed in accordance with the law. The next hearing is scheduled for February 24, 2026. Earlier, on November 14, 2025, the Aalo Court had issued summons directing the two to appear on January 12, 2026, following complaints filed before the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) court. Both accused remained absent on that date, though Chetri’s advocate submitted a vakalatnama on her behalf. The matter was subsequently listed for February 11, 2026, however, their continued absence prompted the court to issue a non-bailable warrant. The cases include several FIRs lodged by the All Arunachal Pradesh Gorkha Welfare Society (West Siang Unit) and a separate defamation complaint filed by the Aalo Area Students’ Union (AASU). The...

  Anini took a meaningful step toward eco-tourism with the unveiling of a statue of the endangered Mishmi Takin on Wednesday, the district's iconic wildlife symbol in the heart of the town. The event was led by Hon’ble MLA-cum-Advisor to the Tourism Minister Shri Mopi Mihu , along with Deputy Commissioner Shri Bekir Nyorak, SP Shri Ringu Ngupok, and other officials. The statue highlights Anini's commitment to balancing development with biodiversity conservation. The programme included flower plantations at the Mishmi Takin Point, enhancing its appeal, followed by an oath-taking ceremony where participants pledged against killing or consuming wild meat and vowed to protect wildlife. Herd of Mishmi Takin in Darjeeling Zoo The Mishmi Takin ( Budorcas taxicolor taxicolor ) is a rare, endangered subspecies of takin, a large, sturdy goat-antelope native to the eastern Himalayas, particularly the Mishmi Hills in Arunachal Pradesh , northern Myanmar, and parts of southern China. Dep...

  Longding, January 17: In a dramatic rescue operation, two tourists from Sapekhati in Assam were pulled out alive after the vehicle they were travelling in met with an accident and plunged into a deep gorge along the hilly road stretch between Ngissa and Wakka in Arunachal Pradesh’s Longding district. According to reports, the accident occurred during late-night travel on the narrow and challenging mountain road. The vehicle reportedly lost control and veered off the road before falling into the gorge, leaving the occupants stranded in a difficult-to-access location. Upon receiving information about the incident, local villagers, district authorities, and emergency response teams immediately launched a coordinated rescue operation. Despite the difficult terrain and challenging conditions, rescuers successfully reached the accident site and safely retrieved both victims from the gorge. Officials said the timely response and collective efforts of the local community and rescue perso...