At Seijosa, in the Pakke Kessang area of Arunachal Pradesh, a panel discussion titled “Cleanliness, Sustainability, and Conservation: A Collective Responsibility” took place during the Pakke Paga Hornbill Festival. The Hills Society and the NGO Trigonometry collaborated to organize the event, which brought together community residents and specialists to talk about sustainable practices. The remarkable tale of how Siluk village became the cleanest village in the East Siang district was told by Kepang Nong Borang, Chairman of the Swachh Siluk Abhiyan.
He emphasized how the community set an example for others by coming up with creative solutions to problems like animal manure. Tao Tadap, executive engineer of the Lemmi UD & Housing division, underlined the pressing necessity of organized waste management. He promoted the creation of active neighborhood groups, the identification of approved disposal locations, and the purchase of land for garbage management. He also cited the current construction of a garbage disposal plant in Seijosa.
Dr. Amitava Majumder, a scientist from the Zoological Survey of India, discussed the significance of using biodegradable substitutes, such as bamboo and tableware made of leaves. He urged the widespread use of eco-friendly methods and commended the people of Arunachal Pradesh for their long-standing use of them. Peeyush Sekhsaria, a nature educator and expert on birds, suggested making the Pakke Paga Hornbill Festival a zero-waste occasion. According to him, such a project might establish a significant standard for environmentally mindful festivities.
