A New Opportunity for Arunachal Pradesh: Fishing Tourism
A vibrant and untapped potential lies in the heart of Arunachal Pradesh, with the mighty Kameng river flowing through the districts of East Kameng and West Kameng. This river, stretching over 264 km, has the potential to emerge as a leading fishing tourism destination in the state, according to professional angler and angling guide, Neega Ngurang.
Catch-and-Release Angling: A Promising Approach
Ngurang, who has been promoting catch-and-release angling since 2013, believes that the Kameng river has immense potential for catch-and-release-based fishing tourism. During a recent expedition, he caught and released a 22-kg redfin mahseer, along with other species like golden mahseer, chocolate mahseer, and catfish.
Seasonal Opportunities and Sustainable Practices
Ngurang, who also guides international anglers from the UK, Japan, and Malaysia, highlighted that the best angling season in major rivers begins in the first week of April, when the water is clear and fish begin their upstream migration. Angling in smaller rivers is more suitable during the summer months. Professionally, corrosion-resistant hooks are used for catch-and-release to ensure the preservation of the rich freshwater aquatic biodiversity.
Fishing Tourism: A Boon for Arunachal Pradesh
Ngurang envisions that such efforts could open the doors for fishing tourism, recreational fishing tourism, sport fishing tourism, and fly-fishing tourism in the state. This could not only boost the local economy but also showcase the state's rich biodiversity to the world.
Implications for Northeast India and Beyond
The success of fishing tourism in Arunachal Pradesh could set a precedent for other Northeast Indian states, which are also rich in freshwater aquatic biodiversity. This could attract eco-tourists and anglers from across the globe, thereby boosting the regional economy and promoting sustainable tourism practices.
Looking Forward
As Ngurang plans to undertake another survey of the Kameng river, the future of fishing tourism in Arunachal Pradesh looks promising. With continued efforts to preserve and promote this unique resource, the state can truly emerge as a leading fishing tourism destination in India.