Memories of Pasighat

As was instructed and discussed by Mr.Tashi Mize ,DFO , D'Ering Wildlife Sanctuary, who was invited to speak at a function organized by VHP, we were to accompany him to the function.It was the last day of nearly 10 days training program organized by VHP for the women around the villages in skill development as part of the livelihood program.  You can see those  dolls made by the trained women during the workshop.

We were introduced to the local representatives of VHP

  

We were welcomed by the local organizers 

Oh ya ..that says it all...it was very very hot and humid that day

The function started with the beautiful  Donyi Polo prayer.As I had entrusted my camera with someone else, I could not record it then.However here is a link I found on You Tube of the same prayer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9m4pPCdVEc

After the prayer, it was time for Mr.Tashi Mize to address the women about the imp. of conservation. He also stressed how they can influence menfolk from hunting the wild animals and birds.

After Mr.Mize's energetic speech , it was my turn to speak to the women and I was grateful for the opportunity given to share my advice and ideas with the women as to how they can be partners in the conservation efforts.

After the main event , few personal one to one personal interaction with the women gave me lot of insight into their lifestyle, their hopes, aspirations and most imp. their needs as women.

As a goodwill gesture, handed over a sleeping bag to the local co-coordinator of the program on behalf of IT Nature Club.

DFO had planned something more ahead. We had a long day ahead after the function in Borgoli.The next halt was to one of the villages on the fringe of the park - Sigar to talk and convince the relocated villagers to be partners in the conservation process using tourism as a tool.

The forest staff had built a watch tower near the entry point to the sanctuary. And it was time to officially " use " it . This watch tower will help the front line staff to keep watch on the poaching activities around the park..

There ....Mr.Tashi Mize gives a official stamp to the tower by climbing on it ... :-)

It was my turn now to prove that I can climb this very very tall n steep tower which I felt was very high indeed..And I did and felt Everest should be a cake walk for me now..:-)

Lovely view from the tower but the purpose of the tower was to keep a  check on the poachers!

Community of Sigar and the forest staff had arranged a feast in celebration of the opening of the tower.Leaves were laid and all of us set to enjoy the feast!

We also took this light moment to have a serious round of discussion with the forest department and Gaon Boodas ( Village Chiefs) as to how we can involve the community of Aadis of Sigar in conservation efforts.

Lovingly prepared mutton cooked with rice wrapped in Banana leaf smelled yummy yummy!!

On realizing that I dont eat mutton, the boys ran back to the village , quickly gathered stuff to make daal and yummy yummy tiny fish-fry for me.

They quickly prepared the yummiest stuff  for me ...I was really touched by their gesture.

And I happily devoured "merawala khana"

The place attracts huge flocks of migrants during winter

Its time for "Thanks Giving" when the "Gaaon Boodha" decided to adopt me as the "Daughter of Sigar ". I ,on my part assured that  we shall promote home stays there , which will help them earning some livelihood in future. Time frame being winter of net year.

Thanked each of them for their wonderful hospitality and it was time to leave Sigar.

It was a wonderful day well spent and I left the place with a promise to oneself ,to be among those wonderful people one more time ...soon .

Sun was soon setting off fast..yet these small pratincoles were pretty active around a stream ..

Meanwhile Mullah's Bolero crossed one more stream bravely on our way back to Pasighat.

We made a quick dash to Renging village on our way. Spoke to the village head, who was more than willing to host guests in future.  

The last photo of that day ...those endearing smiles ..:-) Missed Chinku a lot then ..hope she grows fast and can accompany me in all my adventures in the future..:-)

Notes from the North East - Wakro

We decided to take a chance at birding inspite of the showers the previous night and a cloudy morning ahead. There were plenty of Ashy Wood Swallows swooping above the circuit house with their squeaky calls...

A little ahead this colorful insect was basking itself on a bridge of a small stream

Striated bulbuls were in plenty everywhere in Wakro

Lush greenery around the hills due to rains gave a beautiful feeling to be around there

Pin-tailed pigeon seemed to be waiting for sunshine

Degradation of the forests can seen everywhere which has also brought in huge migrant labour population from other states to Arunachal Pradesh.They are employed as labourers in the tea gardens or orange orchards everywhere. In fact at few of the places we saw more non Arunachalis than the locals

One more birding spot marked

When birds weren't plenty you start aiming your cameras at the butterflies..:-)

This fellow was curious about the strangers in his land and that was definitely not a friendly look!!

Sad truth about how packaging of what we consume is affecting everyone's life

We drove little ahead to Parashuram Kund as the rains did not allow us much birding.

Situated at the deep gorge of river Lohit, the entire area around Prashuram Kund is very windy.No wonder this Horizontal  Axis Wind Turbine seemed to be working really well

Hornbills love this fruit, but did not see any at that time

There were two of the HAWTs there...for some strange reason they looked like a couple, one was silent and the other was full throttle ..:-)

This beauty made me chase for long time before settling down on the leaf

Lohit seem to be flowing ...but isn't as happy as I had seen it in the year 2002.  The construction and excavation have ruined the unique geographical features as a result of the work on the dam, as well as a bridge a few hundred meters away

Malayan giant squirrel (Ratufa bicolor) seemed oblivious about our presence

Just a board without a single soul around...

The rocky outcrop is supposed to be the axe of Parashuram

The setting was beautiful. But was longing for hot cup of tea. Hence, crossed over the bridge and found a tiny shop run by a Nepali to enjoy the tea

Saw this cutie waiting for someone

Being not really a very religious person, I was happy to see the kund from afar..

We returned to Wakro and as planned met "Uncle Moosa" at his Apne library ..more on this very inspiring person will be posted soon on this blog soon..

We were to meet again, but never mind one group photo..:-) 

We decided to check on the routes for Kamlang .We could not but admire this beautiful Mishmi dwelling on our way...

The typical frontal roof of the Mishmi House

The brother n sister were chooo chweet and enjoying their school vacation time.

uuuuhhhhh look at that sweet smile when we requested her to do pose.

At a closeby house saw the well preserved Mithun remnants

The fruit resembled Brinjal  

When the clouds cleared a bit, butterflies started showing up

 A wide variety of wildflowers can also seen around the place.

Emerald dove was pacing across the road. You can see these birds all over Arunachal

Love the pink of the wild banana flower 

 It was time to return back to the circuit house 

The entire landscape was mesmerizing in the setting sun.We decided to explore this beautiful spot again the next day day and finally drove back to the circuit house to retire for the day...