ITANAGAR, Nov 28: The Bhagirath Prayas Samman (BPS) was jointly conferred on Arunachal Pradesh’s Bhanu Tatak and Dibang Resistance for contributions to river conservation in Dibang River basin, exemplary in the NE.
The award was given during 10th edition of India Rivers Week, hosted at BAIF Development Research Foundation in Pune. The annual BPS award, acknowledges unsung heroes in river conservation.
The award ceremony held on November 25 marked a momentous occasion for Arunachal Pradesh, recognising the state’s pivotal role in safeguarding the rich ecosystems and cultures of the upper Brahmaputra River, official sources informed on Monday.
The citation for the BPS award underscored the critical significance of Dibang River and its tributaries in supporting one of India’s most biodiverse landscapes. Arunachal’s indigenous communities and their enduring relationship with these waterways have been crucial in sustaining downstream prosperity and well-being in the valleys of Assam for centuries, the sources said.
Dibang Resistance was lauded for its relentless efforts, particularly in opposing the threat posed by mega hydropower dams proposed on Dibang River, a tributary of the Brahmaputra.
Tatak, acknowledged as the voice of Dibang, received praise for leveraging artistic and research skills in the fight for transparency and community control over projects that could potentially harm local communities and their ecology. The recognition celebrates the heroic persistence of the Dibang Resistance and the inspiring dedication of Tatak in putting this Himalayan state in the forefront of nation’s efforts to protect its vital water resources.
The jury, comprising distinguished individuals in the field, recognised and celebrated state’s significant role in shaping the narrative of river conservation in India.
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