6th Simang Siang Angling Festival 2024 concludes, Dorzon Mugli wins Rs. 1 Lakh angling competition prize
BOLENG I Aug I 26:
Dorzon Mugli secured the coveted Rs. 1 lakh prize for reeling in a Golden Mahseer weighing 4.5 kg at the day-1 competition of the 6th Simang Siang Angling Festival 2024. Manya Basar and Gedo Basar followed closely, claiming the second and third prizes respectively.
Manya Basar caught a Golden Mahseer of 4.2 kg, earning a cash reward of Rs. 50,000. Gedo Basar, with a catch of 2.5 kg, received Rs. 30,000.
Consolation prizes were awarded to C. Rickey Wangham, Er. Obang Gammeng, and Khanwang Arangham for their Golden Mahseer catches of 300, 200, and 100 grams respectively.
The 6th Simang Siang Angling Festival concluded on Sunday with a colorful cultural night showcasing talented local artists followed by Prize Distribution ceremony . The three-day event was held at the picturesque Simang-Siang Confluence from August 23-25.
Moji Riram won the first prize for catching a Golden Mahseer weighing 1.8 kilograms at the second-day open angling competition. Atan Ketan received the second prize and the fastest catch award for catching two Chocolate Mahseers, weighing 700 grams and 600 grams. The first prize was 10,000, the second prize was 7,000, and the fastest catch award was 5,000.
Along with cash prizes and citations, angling competition winners were also given fishing gear and rods.
The closing event was attended by Ojing Tasing, local MLA-cum-Minister, RD, PR, Coop & Transport as Chief Guest, Kesang N. Damo, Director Tourism, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh as Guest of honour and Oken Tayeng, MLA 39th Mebo-cum-Member, National Tourism Advisory Council, Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India as Special Guest .
Besides, Dy. Commissioner, Siang District, P.N. Tungon and other dignitaries including Derek D’Souza, Vice President, All India Game Fishing Association and anglers in large numbers attended the closing ceremony. The Siang-Simang Angling Festival was organized by the Dosing Social Welfare Society (DSWS), Established in 1982, the society played a pivotal role in hosting this event.
Congratulating the angling festival winners, Chief Guest, Ojing Tasing highlighted the Pangin-Boleng area’s natural beauty and the government’s efforts to improve communication accessibility, facilities, and tourist flow in the region.
He pointed out the confluence’s potential to attract more tourists through a variety of water sports and camping activities in near future .
“This angling festival not only promotes Mahseer conservation but also generates employment opportunities for local youth,” the minister emphasized.
In their addresses, Director of Tourism K.N. Damo and MLA Mebo Oken Tayeng appreciated the DSWS-YW for their efforts in conserving the region’s aquatic life and ecosystem.
Damo assured the directorate of tourism’s full support to promote the Siang-Simang Angling Festival and attract more anglers from across the country and the globe .
Tayeng encouraged the organizers to make the event more popular and successful to increase local economy, employment opportunities. He called for collective effort in Mahseer and aquatic life conservation.
D’Souza, CEO of Palagic Tribe, a long-time prize sponsor of the Simang Siang Festival, expressed his enthusiasm for the event and his love for the Boleng region.
“I have been a part of this festival from since its inception and come here during this angling festival every year .
“ Boleng feels like my second home. I adore the friendly and welcoming people here, who are passionate about preserving the area’s aquatic life,’ said D’Souza. He also commended the efforts of the DSWS in conserving the region’s natural resources and aquatic ecosystems.
The Simang-Siang confluence is known as one of the state’s most pristine and less-explored Mahseer fishing destinations. The crystal-clear Simang River provides ideal conditions for anglers seeking the majestic Golden Mahseer.