Over 2,400 Airguns Surrendered in Arunachal to Protect Wildlife As Part of State’s ‘Airgun Surrender Abhiyan’
First Published: 5th July, 2025 14:21 IST
The campaign, launched in March 2021 in Lumdung village of East Kameng district, aims to curb illegal hunting and safeguard biodiversity.
In a landmark move for wildlife conservation, more than 2,400 airguns have been voluntarily surrendered across Arunachal Pradesh under the state’s ‘Airgun Surrender Abhiyan,’ officials announced on Friday.
The campaign, launched in March 2021 in Lumdung village of East Kameng district, aims to curb illegal hunting and safeguard biodiversity.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu, in a social media post, stated, “The Airgun Surrender Abhiyan reflects our people’s ecological values and commitment to safeguarding Arunachal’s rich biodiversity,” linking it to the state’s ‘PEMA 3.0 – Year of Reforms and Growth Framework.’
What began as a local initiative has grown into a state-wide movement. Citizens have not only surrendered airguns but also licensed firearms and power chainsaws, often used in illegal hunting and logging. Led by CM Khandu and Home Minister Mama Natung, the campaign has been celebrated nationally and internationally, including recognition by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his Mann Ki Baat and at UNESCO’s 2021 conference.
The Environment and Forest Department, along with NGOs, local leaders, and student bodies, has fuelled the campaign through awareness drives and voluntary engagement. Officials report increased bird sightings and signs of revived wildlife across multiple districts, marking the campaign’s clear ecological success.
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