The Dulung–Subansiri Nature Festival, organised by the Mising Autonomous Council, recently concluded in Lakhimpur district, Assam, with a strong call to protect the Dulung Reserve Forest and the Subansiri River. 

• The festival reflects a growing grassroots movement that links environmental conservation with indigenous culture and local participation.

About Dulung Reserve Forest

• The Dulung Reserve Forest in Lakhimpur district forms part of the fragile floodplain ecology of upper Assam and is an integral part of the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border ecology.
• It is an evergreen forest and Asia famous medicinal plant, locally known as ‘Siya Nahar’ (Media ferrea) is found only in Dulung Reserve Forest.
• Flora: Titasonpa (Telaum phellocarpa), Segun (Teclona grandis), Jutuli (Allingia exelsa), Gomari (Gomeliana arborea), Gandhasoroi (Chinnamonium glanduliferum), Bon-Bogori (Ziziphus rugosa), Bon-Chom (Phoebi lanceolata).
• Fauna: Wild elephant, hog, wild boar, leopard cat, deer, porcupine, slow loris, polecat, pangolin, various species of reptiles, butterflies. 
• Avifauna: Himalayan Griffon (Gyps himalayensis), Rufous-breasted Blue Flycatcher (Ficedula hodgsonii), Slaty Flycatcher (F. tricolor), Ferruginous Flycatcher (Muscicapa ferruginea), Chestnut-headed Tesia (Cettia castaneocoronata).
• The reserved forest is under thread due to the impact of extensive encroachment by people causing massive deforestation and destroying forest resources
• Subansiri River: Known as the “Gold River,” it is the largest tributary of the Brahmaputra. 
  • It is a high-energy river that supports diverse aquatic life but faces threats from large-scale dam projects and siltation.
• Community-led festivals like this help translate conservation from policy to public consciousness and local action.

Key highlights

• The festival featured nature awareness activities such as bird sighting events, plantation drives, and live art focused on environmental themes.
• The inauguration of Tani FM, the first radio channel in the Mising language, marked an important step in using local media for ecological awareness and cultural preservation.
• Academic and civil society voices, including representatives from North Lakhimpur University and environmental organisations, emphasised biodiversity protection.
• Cultural programmes, ethnic dance competitions, sports events, and poetry meets helped integrate ecology with cultural identity.

Exam Hook

Prelims – Statement-based MCQ

Q. With reference to the Dulung–Subansiri Nature Festival, consider the following statements:

1. It was organised by the Mising Autonomous Council in Assam.
2. It focuses on conservation of a reserve forest and a tributary of the Brahmaputra.
3. The festival included the launch of a radio channel in the Mising language.

Which of the above statements are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3

One-line Wrap:
The Dulung–Subansiri Nature Festival shows how community, culture and conservation can work together to protect Assam’s fragile ecosystems.

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