A wildlife NGO, working in remote areas of the North-East India, has used an innovative solar way to rope in villagers for the help of conservation works.
Wildlife NGO, Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) had distributed 25 sets of solar energy-based lighting system to the villagers of Mayodia model village at lower Dibang Valley in mountainous Arunachal Pradesh of North-East. The village, located on the fringe areas of the Mehao wildlife sanctuary, is significant for conservation efforts in the Mehao wildlife sanctuary and the move is expected to encourage more villagers to help conservation works in the sanctuary.
“The community living around any protected area is the first layer of the protection shield. In order to consolidate the shield, we need to understand the psychology and the needs of the people. The distribution of solar sets will further bridge the conservation support and confidence for the ongoing Asiatic black bear rehabilitation project and Hoolock Gibbon Translocation Project in Mehao wildlife sanctuary,” said Sunil Kyarong, Deputy Director and Regional Head of Wildlife Trust of India.
The beneficiaries were given the complete solar equipment that includes one solar panel, one chargeable multipurpose battery unit, one table lamp and an emergency light. The WTI official said that the solar lighting systems were distributed in collaboration with the department of environment and forest of the Arunachal Pradesh and with support from the Europaeische Tierschutzstftung (ETS).
The move has cheered the people as there had been no electricity supply to the village in the past. The people of the village are supporting the conservation and rehabilitation project of Asiatic black bear and also helping the Hoolock Gibbon Translocation Project for the safety of both the species.
“We never had power supply since the inception of this village in the Mishmi hill ranges of Arunachal Pradesh. It is a great help to our villagers who has been suffering due to the power crisis. Despite such limitations they are actively supporting the wildlife conservation in Mehao,” said Napi Umpo, the village headman while expressing his gratitude towards the NGO.