Guwahati, Sept. 12 -- Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein on Friday called for collective efforts to protect the state's rivers, aquatic biodiversity, forests and cultural heritage, saying the region's waterways are closely linked to its history, traditions and way of life.

Mein was speaking at the Second Edition of Nadi Utsav, an initiative dedicated to the conservation of rivers, aquatic flora and fauna, and the biodiversity that sustains the region's natural ecosystems.

He said rivers and streams are not merely sources of water but living ecosystems that support diverse forms of life and are deeply connected with the region's history, culture and traditions.

"The lifestyle of our tribal people is deeply associated wi...