Pasighat: As part of ongoing eco-clean initiatives across villages under the Mebo Sub-Division in East Siang District, another unique mission named “Tango E:pong Mission” was launched at Motum village on Monday. The mission aims to conserve and promote the endangered catfish species, such as Amblyceps motumensis and Chaca chaca, locally known as ‘Beyek’ and ‘Sita Dukhe.’ It also incorporates eco-cleanliness efforts to enhance the environmental and ecological landscape of the village.
The mission was jointly initiated by the people of Motum village, the Tango E:pong Mission Committee, Ato Pasing Erang (APE), and the Mebo Administration. The event witnessed the presence of Mebo MLA and ECMM Patron Oken Tayeng, ADC Mebo and ECMM Chairman Sibo Passing, Superintendent of Police East Siang P. Lamba as Chief Guest, and ichthyologist Dr. Kento Kadu, Head of Zoology at JNC Pasighat, as Guest of Honour. Smt. Olen Megu Damin, SNA Awardee and Mission Manager ECMM, also attended the launch.
Motum village is renowned as the natural habitat of the unique catfish species Amblyceps motumensis, which is classified as vulnerable and endangered. Experts have named the species after Motum village due to its endemic presence. This catfish, found in the Brahmaputra River basin, inhabits freshwater environments like rivers and streams. It is characterized by an elongated body, distinctive head shape, and a diet of small invertebrates and plankton. Despite its small size—reaching up to 6-7 cm (2.4-2.8 in)—Amblyceps motumensis plays a significant role in the aquatic ecosystem.
Speaking at the launch, ADC Mebo and ECMM Chairman Sibo Passing highlighted the importance of conserving the ichthyofauna of the Tango E:pong area. “Motum village’s unique distinction as the home of Amblyceps motumensis presents immense potential for tourism, research, and education. Preserving the marshy lakes, streams, and springs is critical for achieving the mission’s objectives,” Passing said.
Mebo MLA Oken Tayeng lauded the Tango E:pong Mission Committee, Motum villagers, and the Ato Pasing Erang clan organization for their efforts in protecting and promoting the unique catfish species. He stressed the importance of turning these rare species into a tourist attraction, thereby benefiting the local community.
Superintendent of Police P. Lamba and Dr. Kento Kadu also emphasized the need for proper conservation of the species to create economic opportunities for the local community. Dr. Kadu provided detailed insights into the catfish species of East Siang and their conservation through a PowerPoint presentation. As a commitment to the mission, APE President Jobang Passing donated ₹1 lakh to support the initiative.
Earlier in the day, another eco-clean activity was carried out at Darne village under the Relek Mission. A traditional hut constructed by Tinling Borang Kebang was handed over to the Binsing Moying Darne (BMD) in the presence of ADC Mebo Sibo Passing. This hut will serve as a temporary tourist rest camp for visitors exploring the Burmese grape plantations and cleanliness initiatives in Darne village, said Maklung Apum, Chairman of BMD.
On December 26, another similar mission called “Gangge Mission” was launched in Sigar village, near Motum. The initiative involves planting Jujube (Bogori) saplings and maintaining existing greenery while promoting village cleanliness under the Eco-Clean Mebo Mission. The Gangge Mission launch event, held at the Sigar village community hall, saw participation from villagers, the Gangge Mission Committee, the Lego Welfare Society (as the mission partner), ADC Mebo Sibo Passing, Mebo MLA Oken Tayeng, and ECMM officials, including Mission Manager Smt. Olen Megu Damin.
The Eco-Clean Mebo Mission continues to gain momentum, integrating conservation, cleanliness, and community development across East Siang District, with each village contributing its unique ecological and cultural value to the initiative.
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