By Felix Anthony
Miao, Sept. 23, 2021: A group of young people in Arunachal Pradesh on September 23 ran a 15 kilometer marathon to spread awareness on the importance of nature.
The marathon was part of the Fourth Butterfly Meet organized by the Society for Education and Environmental Development in collaboration with district administration and Namdapha Tiger Reserve in Miao, a town in the Changlang district of the northeastern Indian state.
More than 50 butterfly enthusiasts from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Sikkim, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Arunachal Pradesh are attending the three-day event, being held at Namdapha National Park, a 1,985 square kilometer protected biodiversity hotspot with more than 1,000 floral and about 1,400 fauna species.
“You have run for nature today but your expression of love for the nature must not end today. You should rather inculcate this love in your daily life. Keeping the water taps closed, being mindful of putting off the lights when not necessary are our daily expressions of love for nature,” said Sunny Singh, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Miao sub-division, congratulating the marathon participants and the organizers.
The marathon with the theme “Run for Nature” began from the Government Higher Secondary School, Namphai, and concluded at Government Tourist Lodge, Miao.
A total of 59 young people participated in the marathon that was flagged off at 6 am by Bunhap Zongsam Yanchang, a panchayat leader of Kharsang north block of Changlang district.
The participants, mostly school students aged between 14 and 20, came from Miao, Namphai and Kharsang circles of Changlang district.
Aduk Paron, assistant field director of Namdapha Tiger Reserve, also advised the youth to keep asking what they can do as an individual and a team for the promotion and protection of nature and environment.
Ganwang Wangsa won the first prize at the marathon and Rakesh Tikhak and Wangtan Wangsa came second and third.