The Namdapha National Park and Tiger Reserve Authority, in partnership with conservation organisations and local communities, successfully hosted the 8th Namdapha Butterfly Festival from November 26-28 at Khachang Village in Changlang district, Arunachal Pradesh. The three-day event brought together butterfly enthusiasts, conservationists, and community members to promote environmental awareness and strengthen biodiversity protection in the Eastern Himalayas.
Despite the butterfly season nearing its end, participants documented an impressive 126 butterfly species, providing valuable insights into the rich diversity within Namdapha National Park and Tiger Reserve. The festival attracted participants from across India, including Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal, and Assam, alongside representatives from prestigious institutions such as the Wildlife Institute of India, Rajiv Gandhi University, Mizoram University, and the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment.
“The success of this event marks an important step forward in promoting long-term, community-driven conservation efforts in one of India’s most ecologically significant landscapes,” said N Tam, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, who attended as Chief Guest.
Local participation formed the cornerstone of the festival’s success. Youth organisations including Khachang-Maithingpum Youth Forum, New Yumchum Youth Association, and Miao Singpho Ramma Hpung joined forces with educational institutions like Kendriya Vidyalaya Miao and North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology. Local self-help groups and homestays provided hospitality to visiting guests, creating economic opportunities while promoting sustainable tourism.
The inaugural session featured vibrant cultural performances by Singpho, Longchang, and Tikhak communities, celebrating the intrinsic connection between cultural heritage and conservation values. Deputy Commissioner Vishal Sah and Gaon Burahs from Kachang, New Yumchum, and Maithungpung villages were present on the occasion.
Throughout the festival, participants engaged in butterfly trail walks, nature-based games, stone painting, and craft sessions. Educational presentations covered butterfly ecology, the critically endangered White-bellied Heron, and community-led conservation practices inspired by the Mishmi community’s protection of Mishmi Takin. These sessions, led by experts including Dr Sarika Baidya, Yumlam Benjamin Bida, Gaurav PJ, and Aditya Das, demonstrated how traditional ecological knowledge complements modern conservation science.
“This festival has deepened ecological understanding among participants while strengthening community stewardship for biodiversity protection,” the organisers said.
The Namdapha National Park and Tiger Reserve Authority expressed gratitude to all collaborators, participants, and village communities whose collective efforts made the festival a resounding success in advancing conservation awareness across the region.
