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Fairs and Festivals of Arunachal Pradesh

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Fairs and Festivals of Arunachal Pradesh

  • Festivals are plentiful in Arunachal. Each tribe has its own festival, which provides a creative forum for expressing the distinctness of their art forms, dresses, designs, dance forms, musical instruments, etc.
  • The festivals are generally related to agricultural activities like sowing and harvesting.
  • There are collective rituals performed and celebrated in public by the community as a whole.
  • Both women and men dance during the festivals.
  • The songs of the festivals show that they are celebrated for the harmony and prosperity of the people and fertility of the land.
  • The women actively and publicly participate during the time of festivals, work in the fields and engage in the trade of buying and selling goods in the market without any discrimination or insecurity.
  • In recent times, the presence and participation of women in offices is also quite pre-ponderous. Some of the local festivals are—
  1. ‘Solung’ celebrated by the Adis in Siang and Dibang valley, ‘
  2. Nyokom’ celebrated by Nyishis,
  3. ‘Mopin’ by Gallongs,
  4. ‘Lossar’ by Monpas,
  5. ‘Dree’ by Apatanis,
  6. ‘Loku’ by Noctes
  7. ‘Boori-Boot’ celebrated by the Hill Miris, etc.
  • Like the dance which takes place in all festivals, prayers and sacrifices are also common.
  • The indigenous dress, which is a product of local people’s long interaction with their ecological settings, makes the festivals exceedingly lively and colourful.
  • In Arunachal, Durga Puja, Vishwakarma Puja, Christmas, Baisakhi and Eid are also celebrated with equal zest and fervour, especially in urban centres like Pasighat, Ziro, Itanagar, Along, Tezu and Bomdila, where there is a visible presence of non-Arunachali population.
  • A common feature of all festivals, including tribal festivals is that while the festivals may be organised by the followers of a concerned faith, people from all walks of life participate in them enthusiastically.
  • This is a product of the co-habitation of innumerable tribes and sub-tribes in the region coupled with their distinct religious faiths, and above all their growing interaction with others in modern times.

Major Fairs and Festivals of Arunachal Pradesh

Siang-River-Festival

  • The Siang River Festival is held to celebrate the communal harmony in Arunachal Pradesh.
  • Earlier this festival was celebrated in the form of Brahmaputra Darshan Festival in Tezu and Pasighat but since the year 2005, the festival is celebrated as Siang River Festival in places like Tuting, Yingkiong and Pasighat in the month of December each year.
  • It is one of the most popular festivals in Arunachal Pradesh and is an attempt to promote eco-tourism and offer a lot of adventure and fun activities like elephant race, traditional boat race, Didi – the mock war game of Mishmis, River rafting, Food Festivals, Folk dances, Cultural Shows, Hot air balloon & Para gliding and Exhibition of local model house.
  • Apart from this an exhibition of handloom and handicrafts by the different districts is also held.

Pangsau Pass Winter Festival

  • Pangsau-Pass-Winter-Festival is a modern day winter festival which started in the year 2007 and since then has been gaining a lot of popularity in the state.
  • This festival is celebrated in Nampong which is situated in Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh.
  • Pangsua Pass Winter Festival (PPWF) is a three-day fest that takes place in the month of January each year.
  • At this festival, the people of Arunchal Pradesh celebrate their extravagant ethnicity and perform folk dances and sing folk songs.
  • Also, handicraft and handloom articles from different parts of the state are put up for exhibition.
  • Along with displaying the variety of culture and tradition of Arunachal, PPWF offers a platform for the neighbouring country of Myanmar to exhibit its culture as well.
  • The festival conjoins the tribes of both North East and Myanmar and gives them the opportunity to showcase their culture and traditions to each other.

Ziro-Festival-of-Music

  • This festival is Arunachal’s own version of the Sunburn Festival.
  • Ziro Festival of Music is the biggest outdoor music festival in the state and is the most happening event in Arunachal Pradesh as well.
  • Music lovers from all over the state and the North East region gather at Ziro, where this festival takes place.
  • It is a four-day festival where the music lovers enjoy the performances of international and domestic music artists.
  • Folk acts from all across the North East are also organized; therefore it is a good opportunity to learn about the different cultures here.
  • People make merry and spend four unforgettable days at the Ziro Festival of Music.

Solung-festival

  • An agriculture festival, Solung is celebrated in the month of monsoon (July /August).
  • This 10 days festival is amongst the most famous festivals in North East India, especially celebrated by the Adi community in West Siang district, East Siang district, Lower Dibang Valley district, Upper Dibang Valley district and Upper Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh.
  • The date for the festival is different each year and is decided by Kebang or the village council keeping the convenience of the villagers in mind and once the date is fixed the preparation of the local beer Apong starts.
  • On the first day, the Indian Bison along with pigs are slaughtered in the early hours of the morning. On the second day, 1/3rd of the meat is distributed among the relatives; also a grand dinner feast is arranged for neighbours, women and children.
  • On the fourth day of the festival which is also called the Oinnyad, one of family member goes to the field and sacrifices a fowl especially for ‘Kine Nane’.
  • On the seventh day or Ekob, men assemble at the village dormitory known as ‘Mosup’ to make bows and arrows, which are then fastened on the doors of every house in the village.
  • On the tenth and final day of the festival, village people uproot the weak plants of paddy that get spoiled by worms and insects and this process is known as Irni.
  • This act is done in the hope that ‘Kine Nane’ (the Goddess) will drive away the worms and insects out of the fields.

Nyokum-festival

  • Nyokum is the festival of the Nyishi tribe and is celebrated for the harmony and prosperity of the people.
  • Nyokum is celebrated on the 28th of February every year in East Kemang district, Lower Subansiri district, Kurung Kummey district and Papumpar district.
  • The term Nyokum came from two words from the native dialect and can be broken as Nyok meaning Land and Kum meaning People.
  • It is a 2-day festival in which the Nyishi tribe enjoys singing, dancing and gathering up.
  • Men and women hold hands and form a circle to perform a traditional dance.
  • The major rituals are performed by the high priest and prayers are offered to the spirits to bring tranquility and prosperity to each household.

Lossar-Festival

  • It is the festival of the Monpa tribe in Arunachal Pradesh and is celebrated to welcome a new year.
  • Monpa is the dominating tribe of Tawang and West Kemang district; therefore one can consider Lossar as one of the major festivals here.
  • Tawang is amongst the most popular tourist attractions in North East India and visiting it during the festival is indeed the ideal time.Fairs and Festivals of Arunachal Pradesh
  • The festival falls usually in the month of February or in early March and lasts for about 8 to 15 days during which homes are cleaned, prayers are offered, religious flags are hoisted atop each house, holy scriptures are read and lamps with butter are lit in all the houses.
  • The local deity is also worshipped by the Monpas for the welfare of the society and the people. Losar is also the time to relish the taste of local made drinks and savour the traditional cuisine.

Dree-Festival

  • Celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm, Dree Festival is a crucial part of the Apatani tribe of Lower Subansiri district. Ziro is the ideal place to see the celebration of Dree.
  • During the festival people offer sacrifice of fowls, eggs and animals to the Gods and pray to the deities of Tamu, Metii, Danyi and Harniang.
  • Prayers are offered to God Tami so that he protects the plants from harmful pests and insects. Metii is worshipped for controlling of famine and epidemics.
  • Danyi, on the other hand is offered prayer for the protection and prosperity of mankind.
  • God Harniang is worshipped for ensuring the fertility of soil and preventing the paddy plants from getting dried. During the fest a local beer called Apong is prepared by each house.
  • The venue for the worship is decided by the high priest (Nyibu), which is often a placed near the paddy fields.

Boori-Boot-festival

  • This festival is the way to offer gratitude for successful harvest of the crops.
  • It is a 3 days festival that is celebrated by the Hill-Miris in the Upper Subansiri and Lower Subansiri district in the month of February (4 – 6 Feb).
  • Boori Boot means to get together irrespective of caste, creed, age and sex to celebrate the arrival of spring.Fairs and Festivals of Arunachal Pradesh
  • Another aspect of this festival is that people pray to the spirit of Boori Boot so that it blesses them with prosperity and frees them from diseases.
  • People from all over Arunachal Pradesh come to Upper and Lower Subansiri districts to be a part of this festival and and zealously participate in all the activities organized during the fest.
  • The high priest who is known as Nibu’ performs the rituals and conducts the sacrifice on behalf of the people.

Loku-festival

  • Loku is the main festival of the Nocte Tribe of Tirap district and is celebrated to bid farwell to the winter.
  • The term Loku came from two words from the local dialect – Lofe, which means to drive out and Rangku, which means the season.Fairs and Festivals of Arunachal Pradesh
  • Loku or Chalo Loku is celebrated in the month of February and is considered an agriculture festival.
  • The date of festival is decided by the elders and is according to the days of the waxing moon.
  • It is a 3 days festival which starts with a day called Phamlamja; on this day animals like pigs and buffaloes are slaughtered for meat and the village people engage in preparations for the next day.
  • Also people check their traditional costumes, which would be worn during the celebrations.
  • The second day of the festival is known as Chamkatja and on this day the Noctes enable the male members of the family to become full-fledged members of the Paang (decision-making committee).
  • It is in fact mandatory that each household performs a ritual called Chamkat for each of its male member who has attained adolescence on the day of Chamkatja.
  • The third and final day is called Thanlangja, and on this day villagers, irrespective of sex, age or social status participate in folk dances.
  • The dances are performed at the house of the Chief and in the premises of the Paang.
  • The families who have observed Chamkat invite the dancers to perform at their houses and in return offer food and drinks to the participants.
  • Thanlangja is also a day for the people to visit their relatives and friends.

Sanken-festival

  • This is one of the most important religious festivals in Arunachal Pradesh and is celebrated on 14th February each year.
  • It is mainly celebrated by the Khampti tribe of Lohit district; however, it is celebrated in entire Arunachal Pradesh.
  • Sanken or Sangken is a three-day festival in which people bathe the idol of Buddha.
  • The festival also marks the beginning of the New Year.
  • On the first day of the festival prayers are offered for the well-being of all by beating of drums and gongs.
  • During the entire festival, people abstain from killing animals, taking intoxicating drinks and indulgence in illicit sexual activities.
  • People also refrain from all forms of manual work, gambling and even cutting trees.
  • After ritual bathing of the images of Buddha and holy shrines, people sprinkle clean water on each other and exchange greetings.
  • On the final day, the idol of Lord Buddha is installed back in the main temple and a community feast is organized.

Other Fairs and Festivals of Arunachal Pradesh

Along with these above mentioned festivals, there are many other festivals that the people of Arunachal Pradesh celebrate throughout the year. These festivals also revolve around the successful harvest seasons, religious beliefs and socio-cultural norms. Khan, Gomkum Gompa, Si Donyi, Mopin, Aran, Tamaldu, Shapawng Yawng Manau Poi, Reh, Oriah and Mol are other festivals celebrated in Arunachal with equal zeal and enthusiasm.

ECOLOGY- An Introduction

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Ecology is  defined “as a scientific study of the relationship of the living organisms with each other and with their environment.”

The classical texts of the Vedic period such as the Vedas, the Samhitas, the Brahmanas and the Aranyakas-Upanishads contain many references to ecological concepts .The Indian treatise on medicine, the Caraka- Samhita and the surgical text Susruta-Samhita. contain classification of animals on the basis of habit and habitat, land in terms of nature of soil, climate and vegetation; and description of plants typical to various localities.

Caraka- Samhita contains information where air, land, water and seasons were indispensable  for life and that polluted air and water were injurious for health.

The environment is defined as ‘the sum total of living, non-living components;  influences and events, surrounding an organism.

Components of Environment

  1. Abiotic – Energy, Radiation, TEMP, Water, etc.
  2. Biotic- plants, animals, man, DECOMPOSER ETC.

Diesel engine exhaust fumes can cause cancer, humans” and it belong to the same potentially deadly category as asbestos, arsenic and ‘mustard gases.

Six main levels of organisation of ecology are:

  1. Individual- Organism is an individual living being that has the ability to act or function independently.
  2. Population-Population is a group of organisms usually of the same species,

occupying a defined area during a specific time,

  1. Community- Communities in most instances are named after the dominant plant form

(species). A community is not fixed or rigid; communities may be large or small.

Types of Community-

On the basis of size and degree of relative independence communities may be divided into two types-

(a)  Major Community

These are large-sized, well organized and relatively independent. They depend

only on the sun’s energy from outside and are independent of the inputs and

outputs from adjacent communities.

E.g: tropical ever green forest in the North-East

 

(b) Minor Communities

These are dependent on neighbouring communities and are often called societies.

They are secondary aggregations within a major community and are not therefore completely independent units as far as energy and nutrient dynamics are concerned.

e.g: A mat of lichen on a cow dung pad.

The environmental factors determine the characteristic of the community as well as the pattern of organisation of the members in the community

The characteristic pattern of the community is  termed as structure which is reflected in the roles played by various population, their range, the  type of area they inhabit, the diversity of species in the community and the spectrum of interactions between them

Eco-System-An ecosystem is defined as a structural and functional unit of biosphere consisting of community of living beings and the physical environment, both interacting and exchanging materials between them. It includes plants, trees, animals, fish, birds, micro-organisms, water, soil, and  people.

When an ecosystem is healthy (i.e. sustainable) it means that all the elements live in balance and are  capable of reproducing themselves

Arunachal Pradesh: Relief and Structure

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Arunachal is the largest of all the Northeastern states in India.Total Area of Arunachal Pradesh is 83,743 square kilometer. Latitudinal and Longitudinal position of Arunachal Pradesh is between 26.28° N and 29.30° N latitude and 91.20° E and 97.30° respectively.

The land is mostly mountainous with the Himalayan ranges running north south. Relief of Arunchal Pradesh divides it into 5 river valleys:

  1. the Kameng,
  2. the Subansiri,
  • the Brahmaputra or the Siang,
  1. the Lohit and

 

 

Fig: Arunachal Pradesh: Political Map

 

The entire above river are snow-fed. Most important of these is Brahmaputra (called Siang locally), which have Lohit and Subansiri as its tributaries.

Most of Arunachal Pradesh is covered by the Himalayas. However, parts ofLohit, Tirap and Changlang comes under Patkai bum hills which is art of Eastern Himalayas. Kangto, NyegiKangsang, the main Gorichenpeak, and the Eastern Gorichen peak are some of the highest peaks in this region of the Himalayas

The Himalayan ranges that extend up to the eastern Arunachal separate it from Tibet. The ranges extend toward Nagaland, and form a boundary between India and Burma in Changlang and Tirap district, acting as a natural barrier called Patkai Bum Hills. Mountains of Himalayas range comes under Shivalik rage. Therefore, their height is lower than the Greater Himalayas.

 

The Arunachal’s terrain is full of deep valleys alternating with highland plateaus and ridges. These features rise in the north adjacent to the peaks of the Himalayan range.

We can divide the topography in 3 categories:

  1. Northern Part
  2. Middle Part
  • Lower Part

 

  1. Northern Part is the extension of Greater Himalayas. It forms boundary between India and Tibet. This part has very rough terrain and it is covered with snow most of the year. Kangto is the highest peak of this range with height of 7,060 meter.
  2. Middle part has somewhat lesser high mountain and it is very narrow stretch.
  • Southern Part lies in the foothills of the Himalayas and is extension of Shivalik range of Himalayas, with height ranges from 1,000 to 3,300 feet

 

It can be seen that three broad features characterise thetopography of the region: Farthest south is a series of foothills, much like the Siwalik Range — a narrow sub-Himalayan belt stretching across much of northern India — that ascend from the Assam plains to elevations of 1,000-3,300 feet.

These hills rise rapidly northward to the lesser Himalayas, where some ridges and spurs reach 10,000 feet.

 

Paintings of Arunachal Pradesh

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Paintings of Arunachal Pradesh

  • Indian paintings provide an artistic continuum that extends from the early civilization and culture to the present day.
  • From being essentially religious in purpose in the beginning, Indian painting has evolved over the years to become a fusion of various cultures and traditions.
  • The Indian painting was exposed to Greco-Roman as well as Iranian and Chinese influences.

 

Classification of Indian Paintings

  • Indian Paintings can be broadly classified as the mural paintings and miniature painting.
  1. Murals are huge works executed on the walls of solid structures, as in the Ajanta Caves and the Kailashnath temple. They are also called as wall paintings.
  2. Miniature paintings are executed on a very small scale on perishable material such as paper and cloth.

 

Famous Tangkha Paintings of Arunachal Pradesh

  • Tangkha painting is one of the most artistic craft; it is prevalePaintings of Arunachal Pradeshnt mainly in Buddhist dominated area like Tawang, West Kameng and Upper Siang Districts.
  • The motif of the painting is mostly religious subject along with traditional value.
  • It is a traditional form of Tibetan Buddhist art. Learning this craft can take three years and is part of a monk’s education.
  • Monks who have left monastic life can continue painting Tangkhas in craft centers like in Bomdila.

 

Weaving Pattern in Paintings of Arunachal Pradesh

  • It is not known when the people of Arunanchal Pradesh learned the art of weaving. According to one of the legends, the art of weaving was learnt in a dream from the goddess Podi Barbi.
  • A Galo song narrates a full story of how the cotton is grown, plucked, spun and how it is woven with cotton yarn in a loom.
  • The song, which is sung with the dance by the village girls, narrates that in the olden days when the cotton was not grown and the people had not enough clothes, they started the cultivation of cotton.Paintings of Arunachal Pradesh
  • Thus weaving among the people of Arunachal Pradesh is as old as the story itself. The people knew of clothes as a means of protecting themselves against the rigours of the climate.
  • The women of this area are good weavers and they have a good colour choice and artistic designs of their own.
  • The colour and design have their symbolic meaning among some of the tribes of Arunachal Pradesh.
  • The use of certain kinds of clothes and ornaments is often associated with a family’s social position and achievements in the fields of hospitality and war.
  • Though there has not been much external influence on the designs of the fabrics in Arunachal Pradesh there has been some borrowing of motifs from the neighbouring areas.
  • The motifs, designs and patterns, however are quite complex and their symbolic meaning and usages are rather significant.
  • The elaborate processes of spinning, dying and finally weaving remind us of the rich discoveries of the women, who were supposed to weave respective clothes for their families.

Common Feature of Tribal Paintings of Arunachal Pradesh

Wall Painting

  • The tradition of wall paintings has been passed down from pre-historic times to today.
  • As society moved from forest dwellings to agricultural-based communities, the art of painting continued as a part of their life, tradition, culture and to transmit their traditional beliefs through their art.
  • Wall painting forms part of the universal culture of most agricultural societies and forest dwelling societies.
  • Paintings are done on walls to invoke the gods to bless the soil, keep animals healthy for work in the field, grant a family healthy progeny after marriage, and bless a newly constructed home.
  • Paintings found on the walls of religious buildings depict a human quest to understand a larger universe, natural life and power

 

Wood Carving Paintings of Arunachal Pradesh

  • Wood carving is a tradition with some of the tribes of Arunachal Pradesh.
  • The Monpas, Khamtis, Wanchos, Phom, Konyak tribes occupy significant place in this art.
  • Wood carving like in the case of Nagaland finds expression mainly under three categories;firstly, with head hunting, secondly with the decoration of the morungs or men`s youth dormitory and thirdly, the funerary images erected for warriors and other important person.
  • In carving of the human figure, special attention is paid to the head. The features are carved in low relief and are fairly realistic.
  • Usually the image depicting a warrior is decorated with special cowerie belt and several other artefacts.
  • The top of the head is rounded and usually has some indication of hair-cut. Tattoo marks are carefully represented, and most figures are dressed up with little bits of cloth and even ornaments with tufts on head or beads in the ear.
  • Wancho woodcarvers have deep sense of proportion, despite their pre-occupation with the head.
  • Of late departure from the traditional fixed form is noticed in many carved figures. Symmetrical postures are replaced by assymetrical ones, relief works are experimented in various themes.
  • The Monpa wood carver make beautiful cups, dishes, fruit bowls and carve magnificant masks for ceremonial dance and pantomimes.
  • The Sherdukpen The Khampa and the Monpa make masks which appear almost like real faces, while other represent birds and animals and some represent apes and men twisted mouths, women with goire to drive away the evil spirit.
  • The masks are made of a single block of wood hollowed inside; holes are usually but not always, made for eyes and mouths; most masks are painted, but the older ones are generally found dark and discoloured.
  • Women never wear the mask which are used only by men and boys.

 

Carpet Making Paintings of Arunachal Pradesh: 

  • The Carpet Making is one of the important occupations in the districts of Tawang, West Kameng, Changlang and Upper Siang. Carpet making is the specialty of the Monpas.
  • They weave lovely colorful carpets with dragon, geometric and floral designs. Carpet weaving has today become a major occupation of the womenfolk and with an increase in demand; production of the carpets is now being undertaken on large scale.
  • The Arunachal Pradesh’s carpet has been acclaimed to be of National & International repute by considering the quality of carpet weaving in different motive and design.
  • The items produced are wall hanging, cushion pad, telephone pad, floor covering, etc. These are being promoted through Government Craft Centre with provision for training.

 

Pottery Crafting Paintings of Arunachal Pradesh: 

  • Pottery is another area which finds artistic expression in the life of the Arunachalis.
  • Some brilliantly designed products like vessels, vases and earthenware, which are a collector’s item, can be found in the state.
  • The craftsmen also use multicolored beads, feathers of birds and wings of the green beetles in many of the crafts as an embellishment.
  • Dafla women are skilled in this craft.
  • The legend is that Abo Takam was the first Dafla potter and from him the art passed on to the women.

 

Ornaments: 

  • Ornaments making is another craft widely practiced in Arunachal Pradesh.
  • Besides heads of various colors and sizes blue feathered wings of birds and green wings of beetles are used in decoration.
  • The Akas make bamboo bangles and ear ornament which are sometimes decorated with pucker work design.
  • The Wancho girls particularly are very excellent in beads work. Various ornaments of colored glass beads hold a special fascination for the people of state.
  • Silver ornaments are a specialty of the Mishmis.
  • The Idu Mishmi women wear silver fillet necklace with lockets and beautiful earrings. The Sherdukpens and the Khamptis at one time were also renowned for silver work

 

Structure, relief and physiographic divisions Three Geological divisions: 1. The peninsular block 2. The Himalayas and other Peninsular Mountains 3. Indo-Ganga-Brahmaputra Plain • Peninsualar block is made of gneisses (metamorphic) and granites (igneous). Six physiographic divisions: 1. The Northern and North-eastern Mountains 2. The Northern Plain 3. The Peninsular Plateau 4. The Indian Desert 5. The Coastal Plains 6. The Islands Northern and North-Eastern Mountains Approximate length of the Great Himalayan range: 2500 KM. Width: 160-400 KM Impact of Himalayas on the climate of India? It can be divided into five sub-divisions: 1. Kashmir (or Northwestern) Himalayas 2. Himachal and Uttaranchal Himalayas 3. Darjeeling and Sikkim Himalayas 4. Arunachal Himalayas 5. Eastern Hills and Mountains Kashmir Himalayas • Ranges: Karakoram, Ladhakh, Zaskar, Pir Pinjal • Glaciers: Baltoro, Siachen • Passes: Zoji La (Great Himalayas), Banihal (Pir Pinjal), Photu La (Zaskar) and Khardung La (Ladakh) • Lakes: (freshwater) Dal and Wular; (saltwater) Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri • Pilgrimage: Vaishno Devi, Amarnath Cave, Charar-e-Sharif • They are also famous for Karewa formations which are useful for the cultivation of Zafran (a local variety of Saffron). Karewas are the thick deposits of glacial clay and other materials embedded with moraines. • Kashmir is located on the banks of Jhelum river. • Meanders is a typical feature associated with the rivers in this region. • In South, there are longitudinal valleys called duns; Jammu dun and Pathankot dun Himachal and Uttarakhand Himalayas • Lies between rivers Ravi and Kali • Drained by two major river systems: Indus and Ganga • Northernmost part is an extension of the Ladakh desert, lies in Spiti. • Ranges: Great Himalayan Range, Lesser Himalayas (Dhaoladhar in HP and Nagtibha in Uttarakhand), Shivalik range • Pilgrimage: Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath, Hemkund Sahib and the five famous prayags (Refer to Panch Prayag) • Famous for hill stations: Dharamshala, Mussoorie, Shimla, Kaosani; Cantt.: Kasauli, Almora, Lansdowne, Ranikhet • The important distinguishing features of this area are the ‘Shivalik’ and ‘Dun formations’. • Important duns: Chandigarh-Kalka, Nalagarh, Dehra, Harike, Kota • Dehradun is the largest of all duns: Length – 35-45 KM, Width: 22-25 KM • Inhabited with the Bhotia They migrate to higher reaches (Bugyals) in summer and return to the valleys during winters. Darjeeling and Sikkim Himalayas • Between Nepal Himalayas and Bhutan Himalayas. • Fast flowing rivers such as Tista • Peaks: Kanchenjunga • Tribe: Lepcha • Has a mixed population of Nepalis, Bengalis and tribals from Central India. • Importance: Due to the moderate slope, it is best suited for tea plantations. • Duar formations are peculiar to this region. Arunachal Himalayas • From Bhutan Himalayas to Diphu pass in the east. • Direction: Southwest to Northeast • Peaks: Kangtu and Namya Barwa • Rivers: Brahmaputra, Kameng, Subansiri, Dihang, Dibang and Lohit. • These rivers are perennial and have the highest hydro-electric power potential in the country. • Tribes: Monpa, Daffla, Abor, Mishmi, Nishi and Nagas • These communities practice shifting cultivation known as Jhumming. Eastern Hills and Mountains • Direction: North to South • Ranges: Patkai Bum, Naga hills, Manipur hills, Mizo or Lushai hills • These are low hills • Tribes practice Jhum cultivation • Rivers: Barak. Most of the Nagaland rivers form a tributary of Brahmaputra. Rivers in eastern Manipur are the tributaries of Chindwin, which in turn is a tributary of the Irrawady of Myanmar. • Lake: Loktak • Loktak Lake: is an important lake in Manipur which is surrounded by mountains on all sides. It is the largest freshwater lake in northeastern India. Also called the only Floating Lake in the world due to floating masses of organic matter on it. It serves as a source for hydropower generation, irrigation and drinking water supply. • Keibul Kamjao National Park located in the Bishnupur district of Manipur is the only floating park in the world and is an integral part of the Loktak Lake. Home to the endangered Manipur Eld’s Deer or Brow-antlered Deer or Sangai or Dancing Deer. • Mizoram is also known as the ‘Molassis basin’ which is made up of soft unconsolidated deposits. The Northern Plains • Formed by the alluvial deposits of rivers – Indus, Ganga and Brahmaputra. • Length: 3200 KM; Width: 150-300 KM Three main zones: 1. Bhabar 2. Tarai 3. Alluvial Plains (Khadar and Bangar) Bhabar • Narrow belt. 8-10 KM wide. • Paralllel to Shivalik at the break-up of the slope. Hence, streams and rivers deposit heavy rocks (and at times disappear) in this zone. Tarai • South of Bhabar. 10-20 KM wide. • Rivers re-emerge and create marshy and swampy conditions known as Tarai. Alluvial Belt • South of Tarai. • Features of mature stage of fluvial erosional and depositional landforms such as sand bars, meanders, ox-bow lakes and braided channels. Riverine islands in Brahmaputra. • Brahmaputra takes a turn an almost 90 degree turn at Dhubri (Assam) before entering Bangladesh. Peninsular Plateau • Bounded by the Delhi ridge, Rajmahal Hills, Gir range and Cardamom hills. • Made up of a series of patland plateaus: Hazaribagh, Palamu, Ranchi, Malwa, Coimbatore, Karnataka etc. • One of the oldest and most stable landmass of India. • Physiographic Features: Tors, block mountains, rift valleys, spurs, bare rocky structures, hummocky hills and quartzite dykes offering natural sites for water storage. • Black soil in western and northwestern parts. • Bhima fault in this region has frequent seismic activity (Lathur earthquake) • NW part also has ravines and gorges: Chambal, Bhind and Morena. Three broad regions: 1. Deccan Plateau 2. Central Highlands 3. Northwestern Plateau Deccan Plateau • Bordered by Eastern Ghats, Satpura, Maikal range and Mahadeo hills • Important ranges: WG: Sahyadri, Nilgiri, Anaimalai and Caradamom hills; EG: Javadi hills, Palconda range, Nallamala Hills, Mahendragiri hills • EG and WG meet at Nilgiri hills. • Highest peak: Anaimudi (2695 m) on Anaimalai hills; Dodabetta (2637 m) on Nilgiri hills. • Rivers: Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri etc. Central Highlands • Bounded by the Aravali and Satpura range. • Relic mountains, highly denuded and form discontinuous ranges. • Near Jaisalmer it is covered by the longitudinal sand ridges and crescent-shaped sand dunes called barchans. • Elevation: 700-1000 m • Banas, a tributary of Chambal, originates in the Aravalli. Other tributaries of Yamuna originate from the Vindhyan and Kaimur ranges. • Minerals in Chotanagpur plateau. Northeastern Plateau • Extension of the main Peninsular plateau. • Meghalaya and Karbi Anglong plateau. • Megahalaya plateau: Garo hills, Khasi hills and Jaintia hills (named after the tribals inhabiting the region) • Rich in minerals like coal, iron, sillimanite, limestone and uranium. • Receives maximum rainfall from SW monsoon. Hence, Meghalaya plateau has a highly eroded surface. Cherrapuni and Myswarnam. Indian Desert • Aka Marusthali • Northwest of the Aravali hills • Dotted with longitudinal dunes and barchans. • Low rainfall: >150 mm per year Low vegetation cover • Evidence that this area was under the sea during the Mesozoic era. • Features: mushroom rocks, shifting dunes and oasis. • Rivers are ephemeral: Luni. Brackish lakes. Inland drainage. Coastal Plains Two divisions: 1. Western coastal plains 2. Eastern Coastal Plains Western Coastal Plains • Submerged coastal plain. Hence, a narrow belt. Narrow in middle and broader towards north and south. • Ports: Provides natural conditions for the development of ports and harbours due to submergence. Kandla, Mazagaon (Mumbai), JLN port Navha Sheva, Maramagao, Mangalore, Cochin etc. • Mumbai has the world’s largest natural harbour. • May be divided into: Kachchh and Kathiawar coast in Gujarat, Konkan coast, Goan coast and Malabar coast. • Rivers don’t form delta. • Kayals (Backwaters): Found in the Malabar coast. Used for fishing and inland navigation. Every year Nehru Trophy Vallamkali (boat race) is held in Punnamada Kayal in Kerala. Eastern Coastal Plains • Broader • Emergent coast. Hence, less number of ports and harbours. Chennai, Vizag, Paradwip, Haldia. • Delta formation The Islands Two major Divisions: 1. Andaman and Nicobar 2. Lakshwadeep & Minicoy Andaman and Nicobar • Two major island groups: Ritchie’s archipelago and the Labrynth island. • The group is divided into: Andaman in the North and Nicobar in the South. • Andaman and Nicobar separated by the Ten Degree channel. • Barren Island • Peaks: Saddle Peak (N.Andaman – 738 m), Mt. Diavolo (Middle Andaman – 515 m), Mt. Koyob (S Andaman – 460 m) and Mt. Thuiller (Great Nicobar – 642 m) • Coral deposits found • Convectional rainfalls and equatorial type of vegetation. Lakshadweep and Minicoy • Entire group built of coral deposits. • Total of 36 islands of which 11 are inhabited. • Smallest UT • Minicoy is the largest island • Separated by the 9 Degree Channel, north of which is the Amini Island and to the south Canannore island. • These islands have storm beaches consisting of unconsolidated pebbles, shingles, cobbles and boulders.

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Three Geological divisions:

  1. The peninsular block
  2. The Himalayas and other Peninsular Mountains
  3. Indo-Ganga-Brahmaputra Plain

 

  • Peninsualar block is made of gneisses (metamorphic) and granites (igneous).

Six physiographic divisions:

  1. The Northern and North-eastern Mountains
  2. The Northern Plain
  3. The Peninsular Plateau
  4. The Indian Desert
  5. The Coastal Plains
  6. The Islands

Northern and North-Eastern Mountains

Approximate length of the Great Himalayan range: 2500 KM. Width: 160-400 KM

Impact of Himalayas on the climate of India?

It can be divided into five sub-divisions:

  1. Kashmir (or Northwestern) Himalayas
  2. Himachal and Uttaranchal Himalayas
  3. Darjeeling and Sikkim Himalayas
  4. Arunachal Himalayas
  5. Eastern Hills and Mountains

Kashmir Himalayas

  • Ranges: Karakoram, Ladhakh, Zaskar, Pir Pinjal
  • Glaciers: Baltoro, Siachen
  • Passes: Zoji La (Great Himalayas), Banihal (Pir Pinjal), Photu La (Zaskar) and Khardung La (Ladakh)
  • Lakes: (freshwater) Dal and Wular; (saltwater) Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri
  • Pilgrimage: Vaishno Devi, Amarnath Cave, Charar-e-Sharif
  • They are also famous for Karewa formations which are useful for the cultivation of Zafran (a local variety of Saffron). Karewas are the thick deposits of glacial clay and other materials embedded with moraines.
  • Kashmir is located on the banks of Jhelum river.
  • Meanders is a typical feature associated with the rivers in this region.
  • In South, there are longitudinal valleys called duns; Jammu dun and Pathankot dun

 

Himachal and Uttarakhand Himalayas

  • Lies between rivers Ravi and Kali
  • Drained by two major river systems: Indus and Ganga
  • Northernmost part is an extension of the Ladakh desert, lies in Spiti.
  • Ranges: Great Himalayan Range, Lesser Himalayas (Dhaoladhar in HP and Nagtibha in Uttarakhand), Shivalik range
  • Pilgrimage: Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath, Hemkund Sahib and the five famous prayags (Refer to Panch Prayag)
  • Famous for hill stations: Dharamshala, Mussoorie, Shimla, Kaosani; Cantt.: Kasauli, Almora, Lansdowne, Ranikhet
  • The important distinguishing features of this area are the ‘Shivalik’ and ‘Dun formations’.
  • Important duns: Chandigarh-Kalka, Nalagarh, Dehra, Harike, Kota
  • Dehradun is the largest of all duns: Length – 35-45 KM, Width: 22-25 KM
  • Inhabited with the Bhotia They migrate to higher reaches (Bugyals) in summer and return to the valleys during winters.

 

Darjeeling and Sikkim Himalayas

  • Between Nepal Himalayas and Bhutan Himalayas.
  • Fast flowing rivers such as Tista
  • Peaks: Kanchenjunga
  • Tribe: Lepcha
  • Has a mixed population of Nepalis, Bengalis and tribals from Central India.
  • Importance: Due to the moderate slope, it is best suited for tea plantations. <India produces about 26 pc of tea in the world; second after China. Also, accounts for 12 pc of tea exports; fourth in the world.>
  • Duar formations are peculiar to this region.

 

Arunachal Himalayas

  • From Bhutan Himalayas to Diphu pass in the east.
  • Direction: Southwest to Northeast
  • Peaks: Kangtu and Namya Barwa
  • Rivers: Brahmaputra, Kameng, Subansiri, Dihang, Dibang and Lohit.
  • These rivers are perennial and have the highest hydro-electric power potential in the country.
  • Tribes: Monpa, Daffla, Abor, Mishmi, Nishi and Nagas
  • These communities practice shifting cultivation known as Jhumming.

 

Eastern Hills and Mountains

  • Direction: North to South
  • Ranges: Patkai Bum, Naga hills, Manipur hills, Mizo or Lushai hills
  • These are low hills
  • Tribes practice Jhum cultivation
  • Rivers: Barak. Most of the Nagaland rivers form a tributary of Brahmaputra. Rivers in eastern Manipur are the tributaries of Chindwin, which in turn is a tributary of the Irrawady of Myanmar.
  • Lake: Loktak
  • Loktak Lake: is an important lake in Manipur which is surrounded by mountains on all sides. It is the largest freshwater lake in northeastern India. Also called the only Floating Lake in the world due to floating masses of organic matter on it. It serves as a source for hydropower generation, irrigation and drinking water supply.
  • Keibul Kamjao National Park located in the Bishnupur district of Manipur is the only floating park in the world and is an integral part of the Loktak Lake. Home to the endangered Manipur Eld’s Deer or Brow-antlered Deer or Sangai or Dancing Deer.
  • Mizoram is also known as the ‘Molassis basin’ which is made up of soft unconsolidated deposits.

The Northern Plains

  • Formed by the alluvial deposits of rivers – Indus, Ganga and Brahmaputra.
  • Length: 3200 KM; Width: 150-300 KM

Three main zones:

  1. Bhabar
  2. Tarai
  3. Alluvial Plains (Khadar and Bangar)

Bhabar

  • Narrow belt. 8-10 KM wide.
  • Paralllel to Shivalik at the break-up of the slope. Hence, streams and rivers deposit heavy rocks (and at times disappear) in this zone.

Tarai

  • South of Bhabar. 10-20 KM wide.
  • Rivers re-emerge and create marshy and swampy conditions known as Tarai.

Alluvial Belt

  • South of Tarai.
  • Features of mature stage of fluvial erosional and depositional landforms such as sand bars, meanders, ox-bow lakes and braided channels. Riverine islands in Brahmaputra.
  • Brahmaputra takes a turn an almost 90 degree turn at Dhubri (Assam) before entering Bangladesh.

 

Peninsular Plateau

  • Bounded by the Delhi ridge, Rajmahal Hills, Gir range and Cardamom hills.
  • Made up of a series of patland plateaus: Hazaribagh, Palamu, Ranchi, Malwa, Coimbatore, Karnataka etc.
  • One of the oldest and most stable landmass of India.
  • Physiographic Features: Tors, block mountains, rift valleys, spurs, bare rocky structures, hummocky hills and quartzite dykes offering natural sites for water storage.
  • Black soil in western and northwestern parts.
  • Bhima fault in this region has frequent seismic activity (Lathur earthquake)
  • NW part also has ravines and gorges: Chambal, Bhind and Morena.

Three broad regions:

  1. Deccan Plateau
  2. Central Highlands
  3. Northwestern Plateau

Deccan Plateau

  • Bordered by Eastern Ghats, Satpura, Maikal range and Mahadeo hills
  • Important ranges: WG: Sahyadri, Nilgiri, Anaimalai and Caradamom hills; EG: Javadi hills, Palconda range, Nallamala Hills, Mahendragiri hills
  • EG and WG meet at Nilgiri hills.
  • Highest peak: Anaimudi (2695 m) on Anaimalai hills; Dodabetta (2637 m) on Nilgiri hills.
  • Rivers: Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri etc.

Central Highlands

  • Bounded by the Aravali and Satpura range.
  • Relic mountains, highly denuded and form discontinuous ranges.
  • Near Jaisalmer it is covered by the longitudinal sand ridges and crescent-shaped sand dunes called barchans.
  • Elevation: 700-1000 m
  • Banas, a tributary of Chambal, originates in the Aravalli. Other tributaries of Yamuna originate from the Vindhyan and Kaimur ranges.
  • Minerals in Chotanagpur plateau.

 

Northeastern Plateau

  • Extension of the main Peninsular plateau.
  • Meghalaya and Karbi Anglong plateau.
  • Megahalaya plateau: Garo hills, Khasi hills and Jaintia hills (named after the tribals inhabiting the region)
  • Rich in minerals like coal, iron, sillimanite, limestone and uranium.
  • Receives maximum rainfall from SW monsoon. Hence, Meghalaya plateau has a highly eroded surface. Cherrapuni and Myswarnam.

 

Indian Desert

  • Aka Marusthali
  • Northwest of the Aravali hills
  • Dotted with longitudinal dunes and barchans.
  • Low rainfall: >150 mm per year Low vegetation cover
  • Evidence that this area was under the sea during the Mesozoic era.
  • Features: mushroom rocks, shifting dunes and oasis.
  • Rivers are ephemeral: Luni. Brackish lakes. Inland drainage.

 

Coastal Plains

Two divisions:

  1. Western coastal plains
  2. Eastern Coastal Plains

Western Coastal Plains

  • Submerged coastal plain. Hence, a narrow belt. Narrow in middle and broader towards north and south.
  • Ports: Provides natural conditions for the development of ports and harbours due to submergence. Kandla, Mazagaon (Mumbai), JLN port Navha Sheva, Maramagao, Mangalore, Cochin etc.
  • Mumbai has the world’s largest natural harbour.
  • May be divided into: Kachchh and Kathiawar coast in Gujarat, Konkan coast, Goan coast and Malabar coast.
  • Rivers don’t form delta.
  • Kayals (Backwaters): Found in the Malabar coast. Used for fishing and inland navigation. Every year Nehru Trophy Vallamkali (boat race) is held in Punnamada Kayal in Kerala.

 

Eastern Coastal Plains

  • Broader
  • Emergent coast. Hence, less number of ports and harbours. Chennai, Vizag, Paradwip, Haldia.
  • Delta formation

The Islands

Two major Divisions:

  1. Andaman and Nicobar
  2. Lakshwadeep & Minicoy

 

Andaman and Nicobar

  • Two major island groups: Ritchie’s archipelago and the Labrynth island.
  • The group is divided into: Andaman in the North and Nicobar in the South.
  • Andaman and Nicobar separated by the Ten Degree channel.
  • Barren Island
  • Peaks: Saddle Peak (N.Andaman – 738 m), Mt. Diavolo (Middle Andaman – 515 m), Mt. Koyob (S Andaman – 460 m) and Mt. Thuiller (Great Nicobar – 642 m)
  • Coral deposits found
  • Convectional rainfalls and equatorial type of vegetation.

Lakshadweep and Minicoy

  • Entire group built of coral deposits.
  • Total of 36 islands of which 11 are inhabited.
  • Smallest UT
  • Minicoy is the largest island
  • Separated by the 9 Degree Channel, north of which is the Amini Island and to the south Canannore island.
  • These islands have storm beaches consisting of unconsolidated pebbles, shingles, cobbles and boulders.

Arunachal Pradesh Public Finance and Fiscal Policy

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Arunachal Pradesh Public Finance and Fiscal Policy

The own resource of the State to finance its budget is very low, and the state is highly dependent on the central inflow. Thus, the budgetary policy of the government is constrained by limited own resources on the one hand, and high unit cost of supply of public and merit goods, on the other.

The economic reform process initiated by the central government in the beginning of the 1990s has also constrained the state in terms of access to soft central resources. Adding to it, due to implementation of 6th pay commission, has resulted in bulging of the public debt which reached 68.9 per cent of the GSDP in 2006-07 and more than 100 percent in2008-09.Arunachal Pradesh Public Finance and Fiscal Policy

Further, easy access to market borrowing (after the implementation of 12th Finance Commission Report) has refueled the process, and as a result, outstanding liability of the state as shown in the budget of 2007-08 climbed to 100 percent of GSDP in 2008-9. It is with this background that the finance and fiscal issues of the state have to be considered.

Broad Budgetary trend

From 1993-94 to 2000-01, except the years 2000-01, the state had surplus in revenue account (Arunachal Pradesh Development Report, 2009). The surplus was more than 10 percent of GSDP. From 2001-02 to 2005-06 the surplus was less than 5 percent. From 2006-7 onwards the surplus became more than 10 percent in average up to the year 2012-13.

The trend in fiscal deficit is also same in line of revenue deficit. It was 3 to 9 percent of GSDP in between 1993-1998-99. In 1999-2000, it went up above 40 percent of GSDP then remained stable around 15 to 20 percent of GSDP).

From 2001-2 to 2005-06it was hovering around 12 to 15 percent of GSDP. After the stricture given by 12th Finance commission, fiscal deficit came down to less than 5 percent of GSDP up to in 2006-07, 2007-8 and in 2009-10.

Again from 20011-12 onwards fiscal deficit is hovering around 10 percent of GSDP. Interest payment as a percentage of GSDP was around 5-6 percent in between 1993-94 to 2000-01. From 2001 to 2006-7 it remained around 4 percent and there after started declining and became 2.46 percent in 2012-13.

Outstanding Debt

Market Loan: Share of Market loan in total outstanding liability has undergone a significant change over time during 1991-92 and 2007-08.1 In Arunachal Pradesh, the share went up from 12.24 percent in 1991- 92 to 19.27 percent in 2006-07. Then, with some variation marker loan alone constitute 26.44 percent of total outstanding liability in 2013-14. Thus, over time, market loan is gaining importance in the state.

 NSSF: As discussed above, NSSF became a separate head in the debt accounting system in 1999-2000. Therefore, here the analysis will pertain to the period 2000-01 and 2013-14. In 2000-01, NSSF had a small share of 0.14 percent in 2001-02. In 2006-07, the share became 19.27 percent in Arunachal Pradesh and hovered around as low as 9 percent in 2008-09 and became 15.63 percent in 2013-14.

Loan from Financial institutions: Under this head also a significant change in share was observed during 1991-92 and 2007-08 in Arunachal Pradesh. It was as low as 0.14 percent in 2000-01 and as high as 21 percent in 2006-07. Subsequently remained around 15-17 percent thereafter.

Loan and Advance from the Central government: Central government’s Loan and Advance to the states was around 56.33 percent in 2006-07 in Arunachal Pradesh.Wihh a steady decline it became 6.97 percent in 2013-14. Thus, in 2006-07, a drastic fall in the share of Central government loan in total outstanding debt liability took place. This was basically due to conversion of high interest rate bearing central loan by low interest loan from the market and financial institution. Further, it happened because of 12th Finance Commissions’ incentives.

 Public Accounts: Share of Public accounts in total debt liability was 40 percent and above in the state in 1991-2.Within the public accounts share of provident fund increased from 11.54 percent in 1991-92 to 36.33 percent in 2006-07. Then it declined to 11 percent in 2008-09. In between 2009-10 and 2013-14 it remained around 23 to 25 percent.

Implementation of FRBM Act in Arunachal Pradesh

In Arunachal Pradesh FRBM Act has been implemented since 2006-07. FRBM Act’s provisions were passed into a law in March 2006. Since then the State Government  has been implementing the different provisions in letter and spirit. The FRBM Act was amended in 2010-11 and the following targets were set:

  • To maintain revenue surplus in all the years from 2010-11 to 2014-15;
  • To reduce fiscal deficit to 3 per cent of GSDP by 2011-12 and maintain the
  • Same during 2011-15, The amended FRBM set the year-wise target of total debt in relation to the State’s GSDP.

Composition of Revenue

The tax collected by the Government of Arunachal Pradesh constitutes a small portion, less than 5 percent, of the total revenue at its disposal. The rest are share of central tax, the state’s own non-tax revenue, and most important of all, the grant from the Central Government.

From 2001-02 to 2011-12 own tax of the state averaged 3.63 percent of the total revenue. On the other end of the spectrum is the grant from the Central Government, which averaged as high as 84.06 percent of the total revenue. Not only own-tax revenue, but also the share of the central tax is not high, being only 12.31 percent of the total during the eleven-year period from 2001-02 to 2011-12.

Total tax, own and central share, averaged 15.94 percent of the total during 2001-12. Compared with the own tax, the state’s own non-tax is high averaging 11.92 percent of the total revenue during 2001-02.

Revenue and Capital expenditure

The overall expenditure of the Government of Arunachal Pradesh is dominated by what is called ‘consumption; the revenue part of the expenditure varied during 2001-12 from a low of 66.68 percent to a high of 74.62 percent of the total.

The capital expenditure varied between 25.38 percent of the total to 33.32 percent. Table 2. 3 shows the composition of expenditure and its magnitude in the State’s GSDP. The Government expenditure is very high in the state forming more than 50 percent of its GSDP.

The expenditure varied during 2001-12 between 53.82 percent of the GSDP, the lowest value and 74.77 percent, the highest value. The revenue expenditure varied from a low of 39.67 percent of the GSDP in 2011-12 to a high of 50.49 percent of the GSDP in 2008-09. The capital expenditure as the percentage of the GSDP was lowest in 2001-02, only 13.66. This percentage reached the peak during the reference period in 2008-09 when it was 24.28 percent of the GSDP.

 

ARUNACHAL PRADESH : Natural hazards and other related aspects

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Natural Hazards are severe and extreme weather and climate events that occur naturally. These refer to all atmospheric, hydrologic, and geologic phenomena that have the potential to affect humans, their structures, or their activities adversely, because of their location, severity, and frequency. Natural Hazards can happen at any point of time, day or night, and thus, unexpected and unmanaged events. The various disasters include Earthquake, Landslide, Flood, Tsunami, Drought, Cyclone, Cloud Burst, Forest Fire, and many others.The state of Arunachal Pradesh is very prone to various types of natural disasters and is especially vulnerable to earthquakes as it is located in Seismic Zone V.

Natural Hazards in Arunachal Pradesh include Earthquake, Landslide, Cloud Burst, Flash Flood and Forest Fire. Of these, Earthquakes, Landslides and Cloud Burst are the most destructive, in terms of loss of life and destruction of property and environmental degradation. Although these natural hazards cannot be stopped, however, the adverse affect of these calamities can be minimized. It is, thus, essential to understand the processes involved in occurrence of these phenomena, particularly in context of Arunachal Pradesh.

The geology of Arunachal Pradesh is very complex as it exhibits three different mountain systems of different origin in juxtaposition. These are :

(1) The Himalayan Ranges

(2) The Mishmi Hill Ranges

(3) The Naga-Patkai-Arakan Ranges

The Himalayan Ranges in Arunachal forms a continuation of that in Darjeeling, Sikkim and Bhutan in its western part and continue up to the eastern part in Upper and East Siang districts and partly in Dibang Valley and Lohit districts. Geologically, the Himalayan Ranges in Arunachal Pradesh are divisible into three domain : Outer Himalaya, Lesser Himalaya and Higher Himalaya. As in other parts of the Eastern Himalaya, the Arunachal Himalaya also contains distinctive litho-tectonic units. The Mishmi Hill Ranges, which form a part of the Shan-Malaysia Plate, abut against the Himalayan Ranges along the Tuting-Tidding Suture Zone and are mostly present in the Dibang Valley and Lohit districts. These are represented by Mishmi Massif that abut against the Himalayan Ranges along a suture zone, named as the Tuting-Tidding Suture Zone. The Naga-Patkai-Arakan Ranges that abut against the Himalayan and Mishmi Hill ranges are present in Changlang and Tirap districts. These are represented by the Schuppean Belt of Upper Tertiary sequence. Movements in these mountains cause large number of earthquakes periodically along the thrust/faults planes, and quite a large part of the region is being affected by frequent landslides. Various records show that earthquakes of different magnitude have been occurring frequently in Arunachal Pradesh. For example, a team of Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology operated 10 seismic stations in different parts of Arunachal Pradesh for a period of 4-5 months in 1994. The study showed micro-seismic activity with a cluster of earthquakes of magnitudes 2 to 5 in West Kameng and Tawang districts, and another cluster with magnitudes ranging from 1 to 5 in the upper reaches of the Lohit Valley. Further, a linear zone of seismicity between magnitudes 2 to 4 occurs approximately along the MBT zone in foothill area. There are other institutions, such as North East Institute of Science & Technology (NEIST) formerly known as Regional Research Laboratory (RRL), National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI), Manipur University, etc., which have been recording occurrence of earthquakes in the entire North-Eastern Region. This shows that the seismic activity in Arunachal Himalaya is not uncommon and rather is a regular natural phenomenon, which however, cannot be predicted in terms of time, magnitude and place. On the other hand, unplanned developmental activities in Arunachal Pradesh, particularly the concrete construction for their modern life style, are increasing day by day without considering the vulnerability to the earthquakes. The natural hazards, particularly the Earthquake and Landslide hazards, thus, need attention for comprehensive plan for preparedness and mitigation for sustainable reduction in disaster risk in hazard-prone areas through an integrated approach with active participation of the scientific community and society. Preparedness for Earthquake especially is very important particularly in metro cities having high density of life and property, where Earthquake can result in a large-scale disaster due to inappropriate structures. The need of the day is to educate the general public regarding the danger from earthquake hazards and their mitigation.

Worst ever flood

In june 2012 Arunachal pradesh along with the Assam received massive rainfall and worst flood ever. Arunachal Pradesh  received 80 % excess rainfall in june 2012. Brahmaputra valley have been severed due to landslides. Continuous rain for two days triggered floods in several districts of Arunachal Pradesh, including capital Itanagar.  Rain wreaked havoc in Namsai and Changlang districts with rising water of the Noa Dehing and the Jengthu rivers inundated fresh areas besides damaging several flood protection embankments. So flood is also a big natural hazard in Arunachal pradesh.

Landslide in Tawang, April 2016

16 persons were killed when a massive landslide triggered by incessant rain hit a labour camp in Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh in april 2016.

Disaster management strategy for Arunachal pradesh

It has been observed that there are particular regions, which are periodically exposed to the same hazards, but many a times other hazards are striking the regions where they are not expected. For example, on the one hand, earthquake can occur anytime anywhere, on the other hand, floods and cyclones occur at certain places annually. Therefore, communities that periodically face the wrath of the nature have to be helped to cope up with these disasters and prepare well in advance so that losses are minimized. At the same time, it is also important to know how to act in any emergency situation to avoid accidents arising from panic and ignorance. In nut shell, disaster preparedness and mitigation measures have to be applied almost universally. The natural hazards, thus, need attention for comprehensive plan for hazards assessment, preparedness and mitigation for sustainable reduction in disaster risk in hazard-prone areas through an integrated approach with active participation of the scientific community and society. An effective strategy for disaster mitigation may be divided into the following related activities :

(1) Advance Planning : It is most important activity aimed at providing basic directions for creating an environment for long-term protection. It involves :

  • Identification of hazard-prone regions on the basis of historical and current knowledge as well as conceptual anticipation.
  • Design of engineering specifications for various kind of structure, particularly construction ofØ more than two storey buildings in urban agglomeration.
  • Assessment of the vulnerability and risk faced by existing structure and design for retrofitting,Ø wherever necessary. Special attention may be given to all essential buildings, such as hospitals, schools and colleges, telephone exchanges, power houses, water supply, etc.
  • Design & operational readiness of protocols for effective rescue and relief measures, prevention of epidemics, and emergency operation of critical services.
  • Regular dissemination of information through carefully designed bulletins to evoke a constructive response and avoid panic.

 

 

(2) Rehabilitation and Resettlement : It is a consequential aspect to be taken up on priority basis to provide living atmosphere to the affected people in which they use to live before the calamity. This includes land & building, monetary package, livestock, other economic assets, etc. It is, thus, important to prepare alternate plans for rehabilitation and Resettlement in case of natural hazard. It is essential to regain social life, status and self-confidence of the affected people. It is not an easy task, because many people have sentimental attachments to their parental belongings and socio-cultural relations.

(3) Research and Development : This strategy aims at meticulous scientific preparedness through development of low cost and locally supportable technologies. Efforts should be made for improvement of slope stability, landform classification, etc., and further research be taken up in estimating and mapping the hazards intensities in the threatened areas. Therefore, Scientists, Technologists, Engineers and Administration have a role to play in providing safe, appropriate and economical solutions.

  • Scientists Domain – relates to quantification of hazards through improved understanding of hazards occurrence.
  • Technologists & Engineers Domain – relates to choice of appropriate analytical models for developing safe and economic designs.
  • Administration Domain – relates to public awareness and preparedness programs, particularly rehabilitation and restoring their normal activity.

 

 (4) Awareness Creation : The need of the day is to educate the general public regarding the danger from the natural hazards and their mitigation. Most important is to follow strict enforcement of proper building codes. People themselves should realize to adopt the suitable building codes for their own safety. A very important aspect for hazards analysis and disaster mitigation is availability of instruments and trained manpower, and support from media for public awareness. In case of earthquake hazards, there are varied opinions regarding occurrence of next great earthquake in the NorthEastern Region. This has created panic in the public, especially when the media propagates future occurrence of earthquake based on prediction by some scientist. Though highly scientific and theoretical seismological studies could make prediction for space (where ?), but never about time (when ?). So we should not look for the prediction, but prepare ourselves from the earthquake events. Further, towards extension of the knowledge for better understanding of the natural hazard mitigation and management, it is desirable to have a meaningful interaction between the scientists and technical experts, on one hand, and administrators and planners, on the other hand, on regular basis. It is possible through State and National level workshops and training programs, which may not only produce trained man-power but also result into meaningful recommendations for implementation by the State Government. The natural hazards, particularly the Earthquake and Landslide hazards, need attention for comprehensive plan for preparedness and mitigation for sustainable reduction in disaster risk in hazard-prone areas through an integrated approach with active participation of the scientific community and society. Preparedness for Earthquake especially is very important particularly in district headquarters having high density of life and property, where Earthquake can result in a large-scale disaster due to inappropriate structures.

ACTIONS SUGGESTED

Arunachal Pradesh falls under high seismic zone, and thus, natural hazards mitigation, particularly Earthquake and Landslide Hazards mitigation, needs utmost attention to ensure sustainable development in the State. While it is not possible to prevent natural disasters from occurring, however, the impact of these disasters may be reduced and loss of life and properties may be minimized by adopting suitable mitigation measures. It is said that “Prevention is better than Cure”. Therefore, prevention approach should be taken rather than the curative approach in Hazard Reduction Policy. It is desirable to adopt an integrated approach from anticipation to preparedness, relief, rehabilitation and recovery. It is well said that “Hazards, both – natural and man-made, are inevitable but every hazard need not convert into a Disaster !” There is a requirement of carrying out the mapping of cities and rural areas for vulnerability assessment, which may suggest the areas suitable for development activities or vulnerable to the disasters. A classic example is observed in Lower Dibang Valley District, Arunachal Pradesh, where a bridge over Deopani River near Roing has been collapsed as it was situated near the Himalayan Frontal Fault, which is considered to be active. Similarly, Hunli – a sub-divisional headquarter, has been established on the old landslide debris in Lower Dibang Valley District, which has been reactivated making the area vulnerable. Efforts may be made towards meticulous scientific preparedness through development of low cost and locally supportable technologies for improvement of slope stability, landform classification, etc. Further, research be taken up in estimating and mapping the hazards intensities in the threatened areas. In this context, following studies are proposed and suitable actions are suggested :

  • Set up of Seismic Observatories
  • Preparation of Hazards Zonation Maps (1:50,000 scale)
  1. Sub-Seismic Zonation Maps,
  2. Landslide Hazards Zonation Maps,
  3.   Lineament Maps with demarcation of active faults.
  • Study of Historical Earthquakes (Palaeo-seismicity)
  • Landslides Studies
  1. Preparing database of old, active and inactive landslides;
  2. Preparation of Landslides Hazards Zonation Maps
  3. Monitoring of active landslides and high risk areas; and
  4. To suggest remedial measures.
  • Set up Global Positioning System (GPS) Stations
  • Creation of Public Awareness xvi. Education in Hazards Mitigation
  • Training Programs and Workshops
  • Law Enforcement and Enforcement of Building Codes and Bye-laws

Although certain standards have been laid down for construction of earthquake resistant buildings in the seismic zones, more often than not it is observed that these codes and standards are not followed religiously. Example may be taken of Itanagar Capital Complex, where multi-storey buildings are coming up without considering the bearing capacity of the soil. Even multi-storey buildings have been constructed over the drains without considering the catchment area of that particular drain. Enforcement of Building Codes and By-laws will certainly go a long way in ensuring safety and longevity of the people and civil construction. Even the financial institutions providing loan for construction purposes have to be sensitized to the need for making their investment secure by insisting on earthquake resistant construction by the loanee, where necessary mandatory insurance of all buildings above a stipulated value, size or category, both public and private, have to be ensured through suitable legislation. Valdiya (2002) has already suggested to constitute a State Commission, which could be called the Arunachal Pradesh Natural Hazards Management Commission (APNHMC), to provide the community with all information relating to the vulnerability of areas to hazards, extent and magnitude of risks and likely impacts, and the mitigation measures to be taken up in time. There is an urgent requirement of sensitizing all stake holders to make them aware of their risks and vulnerabilities and seeking their support and co-operation for making a Disaster Management Plan through structural and non structural means. It is important because a large number of developmental activities in terms of hydro electric power projects, development of infrastructure, etc. are also under progress in Arunachal Pradesh. A holistic view has to be taken of all the developmental activities and urbanization pattern due to location of the State in High Seismic Zone.

Fishing in Arunachal Pradesh

by
Agriculture is the predominant sector in Arunachal Pradesh, the eastern most State of India, with more than 60 per cent of workforce engaged in agricultural and allied activities. Given the hilly topography (only around five per cent land is available for cultivation) and continuing dominance of low productive shifting cultivation, diversification of agriculture that raises the earnings of those dependent on agriculture remains one of the fundamental challenges. On the other hand the State has untapped potential for fisheries in terms of many rivers, wetlands, ponds, lakes and area under rice-fish culture system. Hence, in this background fishing presents a good livelihood options for Arunachal Pradesh.

 

Introduction

Fish from times immemorial had been an important dietary food of the people of the state. Fishing is not merely a hobby or sport, but a subsidiary occupation of agricultural farmers. It is a means of living. Fish is also connected with religious taboo. According to the belief of the people, the success or failure of commercial fishing depends on good and bad harvest. On the whole, people had no background knowledge even for traditional fish farming.
The fisheries programme was first initiated from the year 1958 – 59 on a very modest scale and with the passage of time and expansion of the programme, pisciculture has taken a firm root in this state and the people are now seeking more and more Govt. assistance for this purpose. At present the people are more eager to take up fish farming as a means of subsidiary income. Caste or creed attributes this to the fact that the rural people are basically agricultural farmers and no “FISHREMAN” exists in the state.
 

So long the people had to depend on the nature for the fish protein but due to destruction / indiscriminate killing the population has gone down leading to even barrenness in most of the water resources. Further, the scientific method has helped the people to culture the fish in confinement and the crops can be taken out as and when required from their door – step (so the proverb – “Fish in a pond is like the monkey in a bank.”). Fisheries are now regarded as one of the developing sector involved in the socio-economic upliftment of the rural population of the state. It also helps in the generation of the employment i.e. providing scope for the “RIGHT TO WORK” and on the process contributing to the mobilisation of the resources. Besides, pisciculture is an activity in which the women also has the accessibility in this profession and it is also a fact that in many years of the State the women has taken up fish husbandry.

The state of Arunachal Pradesh occupying the North-Eastern proximity of the country is characterized by the hilly terrain and criss-crossed by a number of rivers/streams along with a good number of beels in the lower belt and lakes in the middle and higher belts adding to the scenic beauty of its topography. The state has 7000 ha and 2000 Km of lentic and iotic water resources respectively. Of which, 30-40% is falling in the cold water zone of the state. The state is also the happy home for the rich fish fauna with more than 150 fish species. Out of which 20% represents the cold water forms and the remaining 80% is contributed by the admixture of cold and warm water species.

The role of the Govt. in the Fishery sector is for the formulation and implementation of various schemes befitting to the topography and climatic conditions of the state. In this process, the objectives are (a) To provide supplementary nutritional diet. (b) To provide income to the state. (c) At least part-time / occasional employment to the farmers of the state. Nevertheless, the Fisheries could be one of the potential areas to overcome the burning un-employment problems particularly for the rural youths and thus calls for taking up people’s participation programme i.e. mass awareness programme. This is presently being covered under “Extension & Training” programme by organising Melas, Exhibition and also various specific training programmes.

 

Development Schemes

1.Rural Aquaculture: For development excavation of new ponds through peoples participation with necessary Govt. subsidy assisted as per the following pattern.

 Item                                  Estimated Cost                        Govt. subsidy

(a)Const. Of fish pond       Rs. 3.00 lakhs/ha                           25% subsidy

(b)Supply of inputs             Rs. 0.30 lakh/ha                           25% subsidy

The estimated production under this scheme varies between Rs. 7,500/- per ha. The response of the farmer is very encouraging under this programme and there is a great pressure for more assistance. This programme is also being carried out through FFDA (Fish Farmers Development Agency)            under CSS (Centrally Sponsored Scheme) programme.

2.Paddy-cum-fish culture :
This also a subsidy scheme against which technical guidance towards development of Paddy plots and subsidy against inputs i.e. fish seed and TPT etc. are provided.
Through this programme, Common Carp variety of fish is raised alongwith the Paddy. The programme is very popular in Apatani Plateau, Ziro in Lower Subansiri District and it has become an established system with an estimated production of 150 – 250 Kgs/ha/100-120 days without   application of feed/fertilizers which also enhance the Paddy production.

 

This  programme has also been disseminated to other parts of the State also. To solve the problem of Fish Seed against this Programme, a Regional High Altitude Fish Seed Farm at Tarin near Ziro township established during 1981 – 85 through NEC assistance.

3.Reclamation of Beels/Lakes :           This is a programme for both in the Private and Govt. sector for Capture and Culture fisheries for production of Table fish. Under Private sector scheme fish seeds are provided.

4. Cold Water Fishery : This is a programme for introduction of exotic/endomic trout s in snow-fed streams and other areas including establishment  of trout farm/hatchery in Govt. sector.

In view of the scope for cold water fisheries in the high altitude areas, the concept for Trout Farming had come up from the year 1967 – 68 for replenishment of the local resources which was also mostly devoid of local fish The favourable water temperature ranging from below freezing point  to as high as 20 C led to the establishment of 1st Trout Hatchery along the stream of Nuranang at an altitude of about 12000 ft. in Tawang District with the Brown Trout seed imported from Jammu & Kashmir. Subsequently, t he encouraging results of Trout farming could be further disseminated by way of establishment of another Trout Hatchery at Shergaon, West Kameng District located at an elevation of 8000 ft. for culture of both Brown & Rainbow Trout; the latter imported from Himachal Pradesh during 1974-75.

Another big trout Hatchery Farm being established at Samteng in West Kameng District under NEC funding and will be commissioned soon.

The Trout  farming of Arunachal Pradesh has also drawn the attention of other neighbouring hill States like Nagaland, Meghalaya, ICAR etc and they had imported Trout seed on many a times from this State.

5.Fishers Extension & Training : This is a programme for the creation of training infrastructure, training of fish farmers and manpower development. For farmers training programme, training expenses/stipend etc. is being borne by the Govt. for short term training courses between 10 to 15 days and some times the trainees / farmers are sent to other states for training under central assistance.

6. To support the Peoples Programme for all round Fisheries development activities of the State, the department also operates many Fish / Fish Seed farms as demonstration farm and to ensure quanlity fish seed to the farmer. Some Beel Fisheries, Trout Hatcheries along with some Pilot Projects like Running Water Fish Culture, Magur Culture etc. are also being taken up under the Govt. sector for which necessary funding is being provided by the State Govt. as well as NEC. Under CSS programme major schemes like 2(two) Fish Farmers Development Agency are also in operation in the State.

Special Features / Achievements

Composite Fish Culture of six species combination has been very successful in foot –hill area of the State through beneficiaries participation in many of the district viz. Balijan, Doimukh&Kimin Circle in Papumpare District; Ziro& Raga in Lower Subsnsiri District; Dumporijo&Baririjo in Upper Subansiri District, East & West Siang District, Namsai&Jairampur in Changlang District etc.

Hill district particularly West Kameng and Lower Subsnsiri where fisheries Programme has made tremendous impact and the Women-flok particularly in the Ziro area are integrating Fish Culture with Agriculture & Horticulture and desires special mention. Paddy-cum-fish Culture is one of the most popular programme in the State. Paddy-cum-fish Culture in Apatani Plateau beyong 5000 ft is the first of its kind in the NE Region. And at the instance of Govt. of India which appreciating programme approved for production of a documentary film, which is available wit h the DIPR, Govt. of Arunchal Pradesh.

–                     Mahaseer – The Premier Sport Fish abound  in the State. This potential resource led to the holding of an International Angling Festival” consecutive for two years and the prospects for Tourism needs no further elaboration.

–                     Cold Water fishery – TROUT FISHERY both Brown and Rainbow Trout variety being cultured for stocking the cold water resources has gained popularity for providing recreation to the Defence personal posted in the forward areas of West Kameng&Tawang district and the State is therefore regarded as the Pioneering State in the field in the N.E.Region.

–                     Fish Breeding through Echo-hatcheries for the Indian major Carps (Rohu,Mrigal,Catla,Gonius) & Exotic Carps (Silver Carp & Grass Carp) at EmchiPapumare District and Lathao in Lohit District and Trout Breeding(Brown & Rainbow) in West Kameng&Tawang District are yet another milestone of achievement in the field of Fisheries.

 

 

SWOT ANALYSIS:
SWOT analysis provides a good framework of reviewing position and proposing strategy and direction of any development proposition.
STRENGTH:

·         Vast & varied unutilized and underutilized natural resources.

·         Altitudinal variation with distinct agro climate condition.

·         Rice in Fish biodiversity.

·         Assured market for Fish.

WEAKNESS:

·         Low priority in planning and decision making process leading to low level of support/incentive to fisheries sector.

·         Inadequate development Focus.

·         Rudimentary extension service system.

·         Poor and disintegrated database on the magnitude of dynamics of exploitable and cultivable aquatic resources.

·         Poorly motivated staff.

·         Weak/ non-existent co-operative and other functional groups.

·         Non-availability of agro climatic zone specific aquaculture technology.

·         Non availability of quality Fish Feed & seed on demand and location.

·         Lack of backup infrastructures for Feed & seed production.

·         Lack of post harvest infrastructure, market research and weak linkage facilities.

·         Sparse distribution of resources and communication bottle neck.

·         Lack of professionalism and knowledge about aquaculture as its technology.

·         Low productivity.

·         Inadequate co-ordination with research institution, weak technology transfer at farmer’s level.

·         Lack of local capacity for capital investment.

·         Lack of indigenous expertise/ technologies and lack of trained personnel.

·         Lack of comprehensive policy for fishing promotion and regulation for sustainability.

OPPORTUNITIES:

·         Huge untapped and underutilized resources for development of aquaculture / culture based capture fishery and other enhanced fisheries.

·         Immense scope for diversification, integrated farming, polyculture, monoculture etc.

·         Growing demand for quality fish seed and table fish.

·         Abundant possibilities for development of cold water and ornamental fisheries.

·         Huge potential for development of fish based eco tourism for sustained income and entrepreneurship development.

·         Expansion of paddy cum fish culture.

·         Cross Sectoral convergence.

THREATS:

·         Erratic climatic condition.

·         Abrupt occurrence of natural calamities.

·         Over exploitation of open water resources and use of destructive method of fishing.

·         Menace of Poaching.

·         Poor compliance of acts and regulation.

·         Illegal and forceful extraction of river bed materials, destroying breeding ground and hahitar.

·         Gradual siltation of ponds and tanks.

·         Effects of climate change.

SWOT analysis clearly indicates that positive aspects (strength and opportunities) far exceed the negative side (weakness and threats). Therefore it deserves priority in planning process. Development of the sector is also expected to help the state the achieving its core objectives, livelihood and nutritional security, reduction of rural poverty and growing rural economy.

Approaches for dealing within four object of SWAT framework will be as:-

·         Strength – By maintaining, Building and scaling up.

·         Opportunities – By prioritizing, optimizing and availing.

·         Weakness – By Secking remedies and alternatives.

·         Threat – By countering, and mitigating negative impact.

 

 

 

 

VISION 2030 fishing

Introduction:

Arunachal Pradesh with its vast inland fishery resources in the form of rivers, streams, lakes, ponds and tanks, beels, marshy lands offers tremendous scope for fisheries. Apart from sustaining large number of commercially important food fishes it also supports wide varieties of ornamental and sport fishes. Land available in most part of the state is undulated and hilly terrain that makes it some what difficult to develop fisheries on commercial lines/ except for foot hills and valleys. Aquaculture till recent past ism practiced in small perennial home stead ponds, mostly on traditional lines. On the other hand catching fish in open water, ponds and tanks has always formed the rural livelihood and means for food security.
As against diverse recourses resources only substantial portion of it has been exploited and brought under systematic and judicious management, while leaving majority of the resource unexplored or still in their pristine condition. Aquaculture/ Fishery development in the state started late, however community fishing was prevalent since time immemorial.
Inspite of having such a huge potential and promising avenues in fisheries/aquaculture sector, much could not be achieved. It still lags in harnessing these bounties because of various factors and investment being one of them. The sector only needs public and private participation, policy intervention and investment flow which will make this sector vibrant and development oriented.
The department since its inception is devoted to development of aquaculture/fishery in the state. Initially the pace of development was slow and with the passage of time it has scaled up. To further accelerate the pace, the department has envisaged some vision and priorities and pursued it with utmost sincerity and dedication in the larger interest of the state and the welfare of farmers. Without setting an objective/goal it wouldn’t have been possible to achieve the progress as of today. With changing scenario and in tune with the demand and emerging opportunities in fisheries sector vision for holistic development of aquaculture and fisheries in the state is redefined as.
Vision: 
“Transforming rural poverty to prosperity through fisheries and aquaculture Development”

·         Judicious and gainful utilization of resources.

·         Enhancing production and productivity of fish and fish seed with increase in per capita Consumption of fish.

·         Sustainable Aquaculture/Fishery development.

·         Transformation of rural economy ensuring livelihood support and protein security.

·         Strengthening of backup facilities/infrastructures to accelerate development of aquaculture/Fishery.

·         Promotion of cold water fisheries.

·         Promotion of ornamental fish culture.

·         Extensive and effective extension network.

·         Introduction of better management techniques/practices and innovative scheme.

·         Conservation of fish/aquatic bio-diversity.

Mission: “Multifold increase in fish production through technology driven aquaculture involving community for sustainable development of fisheries for poverty alleviation, livelihood support, food and nutritional security and accelerating inclusive economic growth”

·         Provide technical guidance to all aqua-culturist and development entrepreneurship

·         Enhance production of table fish seed by introducing best available culture and management practices.

·         Introduce agro-climatic zone specific culture techniques with backup support.

·         Tie up with reputed organization/research institutions for technology support and technology up gradation

·         Facilitate and channelize funding from financial institutions and organizations.

·         Explore market and assistance for marketing.

·         Encourage culture and breeding of ornamental fishes, creation of facilities and to explore trade avenues.

·         Promote cold water fisheries and encourage culture of exotic trouts, snow trouts etc.

·         Encourage sustainable aquaculture by diversifying culture activities presently from carp centric to integrated and other remunerative form of farming.

·         Promote Fishery SHGS, Fish Grower Association, Fishery Co-operative, Fish Farmer Club.

·         Skill development with effective extension coverage.

·         Conservation of indigenous fish species and to make it a people’s movement.

Mission thus entails solution for sustainable development aiming at achieving exclusive economic growth, social development and environmental sustainability.

Development objective: “To facilitate sustainable development and management of fisheries and aquaculture resources for dignified and sustained rural livelihood.” As indicated there is vision envisaged for tapping the emerging opportunities in fisheries sector and addressing them with scientific backstopping for exploitation. Accelerating the process of aquaculture/fishery development and making it farmer’s friendly a number of schemes under state and central sector with various componenet is being implemented to bring this sector at par with other allied department.
Agriculture alone cannot bear the burden of providing food security and employment. The scope for horizontal expansion is agriculture is limited and vertical expansion has its own limitation due to soil type and diverse agroclimatic condition. As such a diversification effort in tapping other available resources is required. Fishery is the most efficient convertor of protein into flesh. It has got edge over other allied agricultural activities
In terms of economic return nutrition. Development of this sector can go a long way in solving the problem of livelihood support, Protein security and sustain income generation. Endevour/approach should be specific, target oriented and in holistic manner. It should be able to address the short comings and to meet the expectation of farmers.
It is disheartening that we are per force dependent upon other statye even for our consumption requirement of table fish despite ample of resources. All that however is now past and we are looking ahead to make Arunachal Pradesh self sufficient and reduce our dependence.
Vision document of the department will redefine our development strategy and opening up windows for new and multifaceted livelihood opportunities trough mission mode intervention with Motto “FROM DEPENDENCE TO SELF SUFFICIENCY’ captures very eloquently what we seek to achieve. Vision thus envisaged will not just address the deficit of table fish; it will also help to resolve several of the unemployment issues that are plaguing the rural areas of the state. The ancillary services that will develop will productivity engage rural people in fisheries sector on sustainable basis. It is however, easier said then done because the problem being faced by the department is multifaceted and it may take years to stream line the working atmosphere of the department and revisit the planning process, policies and strategies before we can fulfil our dream

Stocking of upland/high altitude lakes:
Rich population of indigenous fishes and thriving fishery once exists in a number of high altitude lakes. Most of these resources are in inaccessible areas and remain covered with snow in winter. These resources are exploited for domestic consumption without being replenished thereby reducing the fish population. If let to remain in this condition without being replenished, these resources in neat future will be devoid of fish population and a disturbed ecology.
It is planned to map these resources located in Tawang, West Kameng, Upper Subansiri, West Siang, Upper Siang, Dibang Valley &Anjaw district employing GIS technology and massive stocking with endemic and exotic fishes to replenish dwindling fish population and restoring its ecology. On accomplishment of stocking the same in near future could be developed as fishery based eco-tourism in liaison with the Tourism Department.
Distribution of fish seed: 
Fish seed is the critical input in aquaculture which determines productivity or the outcome. Most of the ponds are left un-stocked with fish seed by the farmers because of not getting the same at right season and time. Since seed is not readily available locally, farmers find it difficult to manage it from outside because of high transportation cost, uncertainty in terms of breed and quality. Further weak financial condition and is the reason for leaving their pond without stocking fish seed thus making it unproductive. In most places the farmers are forced to depend on handiwallas for their requirement of stocking. Taking this advantage the farmers are exploited by these handiwallas, supplying with inferior quality seed leading to negative growth and reduce production. To assure the farmers about uninterrupted supply and availability of quality seed, the scheme is being implemented throughout the state continuously for the past four years. Feedback from the ground level indicates its popularity and impact on production and productivity. Seeing its popularity/success and impact at farmer’s level it is proposed to continue the scheme and distribute 400 million of fish seed by 2030.
Development of cold Water Fisheries:
Most of the aquatic resources are in the sub tropical and alpine zone covering almost 90% of the state’s total area where maximum fish diversity is found and classified as cold water fisheries resources. Importance of cold water fisheries as a potential source of sustained income coupled with tourism and recreational activities could not be ignored. Literally speaking this sector of fishery is still in infancy and requires tremendous effort, monetary support and participation of people. Owing to micro climatic conditions coupled with thermal variables, the production from upland region is still very low. This discourages the farmers to come forward and adopt aquaculture as one of the profession. However the scenario has slightly changed and several farmers have started culture of exotic carp and touts along with culture of indigenous fishes especially Mahseers and snow trouts. Though efforts have been initiated for the development and popularization of fishery in this region still there is a lot to be done. All out effort will be made to develop hill aquaculture which will include horizontal and vertical expansion of fish culture activities, integrated aquaculture, stock diversification, implementation of sustainable production enhancement measures in lakes, reservoirs, introduction of zone specific culture technology for judicious exploitation of these resources. Improvement and development of infrastructure with massive investment from centre and state Government, capacity building of stakeholders, promotion of sport fishery and fishery based ec0-tourism will be taken up on priority. Setting up of a cold water fisheries research station of DCFR (ICAR), Bhimtal facilitating research on indigenous fish species, standardization and documentation of breeding and culture protocol of indigenous fishes having food, sport and ornamental value will also be explored.
Ornamental Fisheries:
Collection, propagation and marketing of ornamental fishes are potential venture. This industry is growing up with rising domestic and external demand. In aquaculture sector the ornamental fish breeding and trade provides excellent opportunities as a non food fishing activity for employment and income generation. It is totally environment friendly and involves low investment with short gestation period. It could be adopted as a small scale backyard enterprise either on full time or part time basis and it ensures high return. State’s open water resources and repository of ornamental fishes. Though the culture is yet to establish but the trade is being carried out illegally by collection from the wild sources. The breeding and rearing of ornamental fish doesn’t require much space and can be undertaken even in small area as backyard activity. This home based enterprise is highly suitable for women and their economic empowerment. The focus in this area would be on development of technical and entrepreneurial skill among women and unemployed youth to take ornamental fish culture on a business mode encompassing supplementary activities such as manufacturing of Aquaria, Packaging and marketing of aquarium fish and aquarium accessories and providing periodical maintenance services to aquarists.
Aquarium manufacturing will also be encouraged through which employment opportunities can be generated where some unemployed youth,Women in a limited scale can start manufacturing. Apart from financial assistance theBreeders/rearers, retail center cum aquarium manufactures will also trained. For Financial,Technical and marketing support MPEDA & CIFA will be approached. It is proposed to Establish 10 ornamental fish breeding units/farms, 100 rearing units & 50 aquariums Manufacturing units by 2030.
Fish Seed rearing Centre:
The state being land a locked one with sparse distribution of aquatic resources, transporting fish seed to such location becomes difficult owing to disruption of communication network due to natural calamities and heavy transportation cost depriving the farmers from this basic input. Being seasonal fish seed has to be stocked within the extended period of its availability; otherwise the ponds remain unproductive effecting production and productivity. Fish seed availability is a major problem being faced by the farmers and non availability in time and on demand exaggerates the problem even further. This is comparatively a new concept and 5 such centers on trial basis were implemented during 2014-15 covering 5 districts. Though its benefit is yet to be evaluated but its impact on easy availability of fish seed is certain. For the benefit of fish farmers it is therefore proposed to establish at least one centre in each administrative circle in private sector subject to availability of potential area or where there is high concentration of fish ponds and fishery activities. It is a profitable venture and will ensure sustained income and generate employment. In all together it is proposed to develop 100 such centre with minimum of 1.0 ha area covering all administrative circles of the state.
Fish based eco-tourism:
Eco-tourism is a sustainable form of resource utilization which in turn helps conservation while providing sustained income. Considering its advantage over traditional farming optimum multiple uses of the resources on sustainable basis must be thought of and encouraged. Fishery based eco-tourism is emerging as one of the area for the educated unemployed youth and farmer to develop entrepreneurship/self-employment and also results in ancillary activities which generates employment. Fish farm of progressive fish farmers can be converted into multi-dimensional venture with beautification of the landscape, addition of recreational infrastructures and angling facilities beside routine annual production of fish and fish seed. One time small scale little earning farm can be transformed to an enterprise with round the year livelihood earning for the owner. As an experimental point of view five units were development in five different districts by converting the fish farm of the progressive fish farmer by developing required infrastructures. With encouraging results there is further scope to encourage such enterprise in other parts of the state. Therefore it is proposed to develop 30 more such enterprise in the coming 15 years. These facilities in near future can also be developed/transformed into indigenous fish breeding, rearing and propagation centre.
Development of model fish farm:
“ Seeing is believing”. For augmenting fishery and aquaculture in the state a demonstration farm with all facilities and backup infrastructure is of paramount importance. In spite of huge potential in terms of resources the people are still reluctant to take up aquaculture.
Apprehending loss and non- performing in successive years and also due to lack of demonstrative impact of aquaculture in terms of economic viability and return. To start with during 2014-15 five nos. of Govt. Farms in 5 different districts were identified and assisted for developing into model farms and efforts are under way to develop at least 2 fish farms under Govt. Sector in each district and another 40 in private sector in the coming 15 years to popularize aquaculture.
Diversification of Aquaculture practices:
Diversification of Aquaculture is important to make this industry vibrant and ever growing. Aquaculture practiced in the state is carp centric and semi intensive type. New candidate species having high rate of production and market potential needs to be tried/ encouraged. Further endemic species, can also be reared along with other species. However, need of the hour is to go in for crop diversification and integrated form of culture practices in the interest of production enhancement of farmed fishes, reduction in overhead expenditure, double crop production from the same unit area, economic stability of the farmer and above all to maintain sustainability in Aquaculture production and productivity. Diversification for the past few years is being encouraged by the department in the form of fish livestock farming, paddy cum fish culture, poly culture, magur and prawn culture beside encouraging culture of Mahseer, Schizothorax and other indigenous minor carp along with IMC and Exotic Carp. Outcome of this endeavor is encouraging. To popularize diversification further, it is proposed to implement following integration practices over a period of 15 years: 1. Polyculture -500 ha 2. Fish –live stock farming a) Pig cum fish culture -1000 ha b) Duck cum fish culture -300 ha c) Poultry cum fish culture -300 ha 3. Fresh water prawn culture (M. Rosembergii) -200 ha 4. Indigenous magur Culture (Clariasbatrachus) -200 ha 5. Promotion of indigenous fish culture (Mahseer, Schizothorax, minor carps) -200 ha Reservoir Fisheries:
There are many water storage tanks/reservoirs in the state for generating electricity in the form of micro & mini Hydro Electric Projects (HEP) and many big reservoirs with large water bodies are in their various stages of execution while many more are in the pipeline. As and when these reservoirs are impounded large water bodies will be created. In near future these resources will become the nuclei of all sorts of fisheries activities and one of the prime fish producing resources of the state. Though culture technique in such water bodies is available further refinement of these technology/technique suiting social custom and in consonant with local agro-climatic condition will be evolved for optimum utilization and judicious management of these resources. It is expected that another 1000-1500 ha area of large water body will come up in the next 15 years in addition to 160 ha area of Ranganadi reservoir presently in operation. All the impounded area in near future will be brought under Pisciculture with technical support from CIFRI Kolkata and DCFR Bhimtal. Possible investment opportunities from other agencies will be explored and channelized for optimum utilization of these resources for enhanced fish production.
Fish Culture in Irrigation Channels/tanks:
Another important resource for aquaculture enhancement in the state can be minor irrigation tanks and channels. With the expansion in permanent cultivation more area are brought under irrigation network by creating minor irrigation projects (MIPS). These facilities can be best utilized for developing running water fish culture (RWFC) with minor alteration and refinement in technology as per local needs for culture of carps & air breaking fishes in these channels/tanks. It is expected to have approximately 800-1000 ha of such resources by 2030. Steps on priority will be initiated for obtaining rights to introduce pisciculture in these resources with appropriate policy decision/intervention.
Creation of facilities for production of quality and cost effective feed:
Lack of quality feed is always a constraint for aquaculture development in the state. At Present except for small quantity which which is available within the state, bulk of the feed requirement is met by importing from neighboring state at a higher cost which also includes transportation and incentive for the supplier/producer. Good wholesome and cost effective feed with efficient FCR is the prime requirement of increasing production and productivity in aquaculture. Presently the fish farmers are relying on a crude mixture of rice bran and Mustard oil cake (MOC) for semi incentive practices, while for sustainable intensification of aquaculture its role is either limited or negligent. Availability of key ingredients in recent years has become scarec putting fish farmers in disadvantageous position. In view of scarcity of ingredients, production of formulated feed has become imperative and popularization of extruded feed based aquaculture among the farmers would help in bringing good management practices in aquaculture. As of now there is no feed mill in the state. The rice bran (RB) and mustard oil cake (MOC) available in some parts of the state which could have been utilized as raw materials for development of formulated feed otherwise remains as waste product. If put into proper use it can revolutionalize aquaculture/fishery in the state. In the interest of enchasing production and productivity it is proposed to establish 4 small feed mills having 1 MT capacity in selected four districts i.e. (East siang, Papumpare, Changlang&Namsai) where there is availability of raw material.
Creation of fish Disease Surveillance and Quarantine facilities:
With increase in aquaculture activities, induction of new species & technologies, anthropogenic activities, pollution, damage to aqua ecology and habitat degradation and climate change disease outbreak are becoming common resulting in considerable loss to fish stock and economic loss to the farmer.
Many a time the situation gets aggravated due to ignorance because of lack of awareness on aquatic animal diseases, subsequent prophylactic management & early containment. The situation even gets worse due to absence of required minimum infrastructure for disease surveillance, early warning of disease outbreak and non existence of proper field level detection mechanism. Further to meet up the demand of fish seed requirement, it is imported from outside which also add to spread of diseases and entry of undesired species which may be detrimental to existence of native fish population. Requirement of setting up of quarantine facilities, regular surveillance, epidemiological investigation, network of early warning facilities, disease diagnostic laboratories will be taken up to avert any incidence and protection of our native species from being extinct. It is therefore needed to establish quarantine facilities in all entry points to district and a mini Disease Diagnostic laboratory in all districts headquarter/farms. 20 Nos. of mini DDL & 10 Nos. round the clock surveillance centre with quarantine facilities is proposed to be established over a period of 15 years. Initially District with high concentration of aquaculture activities will be covered followed by other district in a phased manner.
Development of aquaculture hub:
This is probably a new concept in fisheries history of the state. Since past few decades the aquaculture/fishery has grown many folds with assistance from centre and state. Production and productivity also increased but more effort is still needed to bring it at par with the production level of other state. Since the fisheries resources are scattered over a vast area, concentrated effort for its development and optimum utilization could not be given resulting in under utilization of resources. Foot hill districts of the state have the potential to become aquaculture/fishery hub provided strategy for holistic and concentrated development approach is adopted. All out effort will be made to develop 8 (eight) districts of the state namely Papumpare, Lower Subansiri, East Siang, Lower Dibang Valley, Lohit, Namsai, Changlang and Longding into Aquaculture districts and 1 (one) village in each block of the state as aquaculture village by 2030. Once transformed it will become inspirational to others and its success will be extended/replicated to other village/district.
Development of seed production facilities:
Fishing activities have gone up in the state with accelerating aquaculture/fishery development and opening up of this sector as a means of social-economic development of rural population. Seed is prime requirement for aquaculture and other culture based capture fishery. The state so far is deficit in seed production and bulk quantities are imported from outside to fulfill the demand for stocking of farmers pond and other enhancement. Seed imported from other state somewhere are poor bred affecting growth and productivity. In pursuit of accelerating fishery/Aquaculture development in the state and fish seed being one of the critical inputs, number of fish farms in government sector has been established. Few of the farms were even equipped with seed production infrastructure. Some progressive fish farmers were also encouraged to undertake breeding and rearing of fish seed so that it is easily accessible to fish farmers. Infrastructures developed in Government farms are now obsolete or outdated. Conventional breeding is being carried out in most of the Government and beneficiary’s farm but is still far from meeting even the minimum requirement. As on date 7 no. of eco-hatcheries and 9 portable FRP carp hatcheries were installed in Government and private sector respectively. With expansion of area under fish cultivation and demand for fish seed has also increased proportionately which cannot be fulfilled from internal production alone, thus creating a huge gap between demand and supply. This unbalanced seed production does not auger well for the sector. Quality seed production and year round availability locally is the basic requirement for development of fishery & aquaculture in the state. At present 4.5 million seed is produced internally against the requirement of approximately 20 million. By the end of 2030 the fish seed requirement for stocking of pond and tanks, reservoir and other enhancement will go up by many times of present requirement while production is expected to be around 84 million. To manage/reduce the gap between demand and supply by 2030 to at least minimum, series of initiative will be taken. First being modernization of departmental fish farms on priority with creation of facilities for seed production, up gradation/remodeling of existing hatcheries, complete over hauling of existing facilities, development of brood stock and creation of district and state level brood bank. Incentive will be provided to individual progressive fish farmer and will be encouraged to install eco-hatcheries and portable FRP carp hatcheries. Financial institutions will be approached / pursued to finance such projects so as to achieve the goal of self sufficiency in seed production by 2030. Over a period of 15 years it is proposed to install 10 (ten) no. of eco hatcheries, 20 (twenty) FRP carp hatcheries, 20 (twenty) district level and 1 (one) state level brood bank facilities in a phased manner in fisheries potential District of the state by involving progressive fish farmers.
Establishment of post harvest and marketing infrastructures:
presently there is no facility for handling, storing and marketing of fishes. Fish being highly perishable item cannot be stored without proper facilities for a longer period once taken out of the pond. In absence of such facilities farmers are reluctant to market their produce in bulk quantities fearing spoilage, rather prefers marketing small quantities averting risk of overnight storing. Moreover there is not even proper fish landing centre. At present there are no regulated fish market or retail outlets in the state. Fish is being marketed in a most deplorable and unhygienic atmosphere in way side markets. It is a common sight that fish is sold through street markets and often on foot path. Though domestic market holds huge potential still they remain highly unorganized and unregulated. Most of the markets even lack in basic infrastructures like adequate clean water supply, proper drainage and disposal system, hygienic fish trading and cutting platforms, storage facilities cold chains, chilling plants, ice plants etc.
There is urgent need to upgrade and modernize and existing fish markets, construction of new ones in pre-identified areas where there is high consumption and bulk trading of fishes. There is also a need to develop infrastructure facilities at fish landing centre along fish modals. Establishing cold chain will minimize post harvest losses, and will encourage fish farmers to opt for bulk marketing. Marketing infrastructures and cold chain will open new vistas though processing and value addition. Efforts to increase fisheries productivity needs to be complemented by fish consumption. Chain of modern hygienic fish kiosk and dish vending with motorcycle mounted insulated box in most of the district and sub-divisional town is an emerging opportunity for educated unemployed youth and upcoming young entrepreneurs. This potential will be fully exploited in the interest of fish farmers and consumers. It is proposed to develop following infrastructures with financial support from NFDB or other central agencies in the coming 15 years:-

  • Regulated modern hygienic retail fish market As per feasibility in eight potential districts in a Phased manner – 10 Nos.
  • Fish landing and assimilation center – 4 Nos.
  • Cold chain with ice plats – 3 Nos.
  • Modern Hygienic fish kiosks – 3 Nos.
  • Motorcycle mounted insulated box for fish vending- 100 Nos.

 

INDIAN FOREST TYPES

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Forest types in India are classified by Champion and Seth into sixteen types.

 

Tropical Wet evergreen forests

are found along the Western Ghats, the Nicobar and Andaman Islands and all  along the north-eastern region.

It is characterized by tall, straight evergreen trees.

The trees in this forest form a tier pattern:

Beautiful fern of various colours and different varieties of orchids grow on the trunks of the trees.

Among the following States, which one has the most suitable climatic conditions for the cultivation of a large variety of orchids with minimum cost of production, and can develop

Tropical Semi-evergreen forests

found in the Western Ghats, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and the Eastern

Himalayas.

Such forests have a mixture of the wet evergreen trees and the moist

deciduous trees. The forest is dense

Tropical Moist deciduous forests

found throughout India except in the western and the north -western regions.

The trees are tall, have broad trunks, branching trunks and roots to hold them firmly to the ground.

These forests are dominated by sal and teak, along with mango, bamboo, and rosewood.

Littoral and swamp

found along the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the delta area of the Ganga and the Brahmaputra.

They have roots that consist of soft tissue so that the plant can breathe in the water.

Tropical Dry deciduous forest

The northern part of the country except in the North-East. It is also found in Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. The canopy, of the trees does not normally exceed 25 metres.

The common trees are the sal, a variety of acacia, and bamboo.

Tropical Thorn forests

This type is found in areas with black soil: North, West, Central, and South India. The trees do not grow beyond 10 metres. Spurge, caper, and cactus are typical of this region.

Tropical Dry evergreen forest

Dry evergreens are found along Tamil Nadu Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka coast. It is mainly hard-leaved evergreen trees with fragrant flowers, along with a few  deciduous trees.

Sub-tropical Broad-leaved forests

Broad-leaved forests are found in the Eastern Himalayas and the Western Ghats, along the Silent Valley.

There is a marked difference in the form of vegetation in the two areas.

In the Silent Valley, the  poonspar, cinnamon, rhododendron, and fragrant grass are predominant.

In the Eastern Himalayas, the flora has been badly affected by the shifting cultivation and forest fires.

There are oak, alder, chestnut, birch, and cherry trees. There are a large variety of orchids, bamboo and creepers.

Sub-tropical Pine forests

found in Shivalik Hills, Western and Central Himalayas, Khasi, Naga, and Manipur Hills.

The trees predominantly found in these areas are the chir, oak, rhododendion, and   pine as well as sal, amla, and laburnum are found in the lower regions.

 

Sub-tropical Dry evergreen forests

hot and dry season and a cold winter. It generally has evergreen trees with shining

leaves that have a varnished look.

found in the Shivalik Hills and foothills of the Himalayas up to a height of 1000 metres.

Montane Wet temperate forests

In the North, found in the region to the east of Nepal into Arunachal Pradesh, receiving a minimum rainfall of 2000 mm. In the North, there are three layers of    forests: the higher layer has mainly coniferous, the middle layer has deciduous trees such as the oak and the lowest layer is covered by rhododendron and champa.

In the South, it is found in parts of the Niligiri Hills, the higher reaches of Kerala.

The forests in  the northern region are denser than in the South. Rhododendrons and a

variety of ground flora can be found here.

Himalayan Moist temperate Forest

This type spreads from the Western Himalayas to the Eastern Himalayas. The trees

found in the western section are broad-leaved oak, brown oak, walnut,

rhododendron,

Eastern Himalayas, the rainfall is much heavier and therefore the vegetation is also more lush and dense. There are a large variety of broad-leaved trees, ferri, and  bamboo.

Himalayan Dry temperate Forest

This type is found in Lahul, Kinnaur, Sikkim, and other parts of the Himalayas.

There are predominantly coniferous trees, along with broad-leaved trees such as the oak, maple, and ash. At higher elevation, fir, juniper, deodar, and chilgoza are found.

 

Sub alpine forest

Sub alpine forests extend from Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh between 2900 to 3500 metres.

In the Western Himalayas, the vegetation consists mainly of juniper, hododendron, willow, and black currant.

In the eastern parts, red fir, black juniper, birch, and larch are the common trees.

Due to heavy rainfall and high humidity the timberline in this part is higher than that in the West.

Rhododendron of many species covers the hills in these parts.

Moist Alpine scrub

Moist alpines are found all along the Himalayas and on the higher hills near the Myanmar border. It has a low scrub, dense evergreen forest, consisting mainly of rhododendron and birch. Mosses and ferns cover the ground in patches. This region receives heavy snowfall.

Dry alpine scrub

Dry alpines are found from about 3000 metres to about 4900 metres. Dwarf plants predominate, mainly the black juniper, the drooping juniper, honeysuckle, and willow.