HAFLONG, Nov 18 - Like previous years, this year, too, the Falcon Festival at the Umrangsu golf field will be held by the Falcon Festival Organising Committee, a conglomeration of NGOs like Blue Hills Society, Haplao and various clubs and societies, from November 21, in a bid to generate greater awareness about the protection and preservation of the falcons that visit Umrangsu every year during October and November.
This was informed by the president of the committee Joshringdao Phonglo.
In the past, people used to kill these birds for meat and the killings continued for long, although it was not yet identified as Amur falcon in those days. There was, however, no mass killing, as the people used airguns or catapults to kill these birds. After a series of awareness campaigns with active participation of the forest department personnel, killing of these birds almost stopped.
This year, from October 10, these majestic raptors started roosting at Tungbung and the adjacent places near the Umrangsu reservoir. This is expected to continue till November 25.
Talking to this correspondent, Phonglo said that this festival is aimed at showcasing the rich cultural diversity, and creating awareness among the masses about protection and preservation of the environment, wildlife, promoting tourism and creating sources of income for the unemployed youths of the district.
He added that this festival is being organised with support from the Chief Executive Member North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council, Debolal Gorlosa and his executive committee.
