7th Hornbill Angling Festival kicks off at Tizu River

DIMAPUR — The two-day 7th Hornbill Angling Festival, themed ‘Save Mahseer’ commenced at Tekümle along the Tizu River in Meluri district on Friday.

The festival brought together anglers, conservation enthusiasts and fisheries experts to promote sustainable fishing and eco-tourism, a DIPR report stated.

Speaking at the inauguration of the 7th Hornbill Angling Festival on the banks of the Tizu River, Mhathung Tsanglao, Deputy Commissioner of Meluri, highlighted the need for sustainable tourism and urgent conservation of river biodiversity, particularly the Mahseer - Nagaland’s state fish.

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The DC thanked the Department of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources, Anglers Association of Nagaland (AAN) and Yitsuri Khel of Meluri village for enabling Meluri district to become a part of the Hornbill Festival through the angling edition.

Tsanglao stated that the event has placed Meluri not only on the angling map but also as an emerging tourism destination. He urged participants from outside the district to serve as ambassadors promoting the beauty of Meluri, calling it “The land of fortunes.” He encouraged them to explore nearby attractions such as the mystical Shilloi Lake and the Indo-Myanmar border at Avangkhu.

Focusing on the festival’s theme ‘Save Mahseer,’ the DC stressed that the mahseer is more than a prized catch, describing it as a symbol of healthy freshwater ecosystems.

Warning against destructive fishing practices, he stated that the use of dynamites, gelatine sticks, electric currents, pesticides, bleaching powder and random gill nets must be stopped to protect rivers and fish species.

He suggested regulating fish size, protecting spawning habitats and promoting catch-and-release angling to ensure long-term conservation.

The DC expressed happiness over the formation of the Meluri District Anglers Association, to be formally launched during the festival, and expressed hope that it would become a guardian of rivers and biodiversity.

He also appealed to the Fisheries department to explore eco-tourism projects at Shilloi Lake, which covers around 11 hectares, to boost sustainable fisheries development in the district.

Calling for collective responsibility, Tsanglao stated that anglers, local communities, government authorities and visitors must work together to conserve aquatic life. He added that the festival should inspire unity and environmental stewardship among youth and communities.

During the awareness session, Phukato Zhimomi, senior advisor of the AAN, spoke on the topic ‘Activities of AAN on Mahseer,’ highlighting conservation efforts and responsible angling practices. Neitho-o Kuotsu, Joint Director, Department of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources, delivered a speech on ‘Emerging trends on fisheries-based eco-tourism,’ emphasising the potential of sport fishing in rural livelihood and sustainable development.

Earlier, a felicitation for AAN officials was held. The programme concluded with an interactive session and a recreational evening featuring bonfire and karaoke.

The festival will continue with angling competitions and awareness activities at the Tizu River on December 6.