By Sitaram Mewati
The second edition of the Mechukha Trout Quest concluded on July 26, 2026, highlighting the tourism potential of Mechukha in Arunachal Pradesh’s Shi Yomi district. Held near the China border along the pristine Yargyapchu river , the tournament brought together 56 elite anglers from India, Bhutan and Thailand.
The event featured Shri Bobby Satpal, regarded as one of India’s leading fly anglers and guides, and showcased Mechukha as a potential destination for high-value, low-impact adventure tourism.
A dedicated local competition was organised for residents of Shi Yomi district at the high-altitude Pasang Sonam Lake. The initiative was aimed at ensuring local communities benefit from the growing tourism economy, with ₹1 lakh awarded to the winner and ₹50,000 to the runner-up.
Tournament Director Derek Dsouza, India’s Representative for the International Game Fishing Association (IGFA) and Vice President of Environment for the All India Game Fishing Association, supervised the technical and conservation aspects of the event. The tournament followed a catch-and-release model, emphasising responsible fishing and protection of the region’s fragile ecosystem.
Organised in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, the Trout Quest forms part of efforts to promote sustainable adventure tourism and strengthen visitor infrastructure in remote border districts.
The valedictory ceremony was attended by Chief Guest Shri Gabriel D. Wangsu, Minister for Agriculture and Allied Sectors, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, and Guest of Honour Shri Pasang Dorjee Sona, Minister for Tourism, Education and RWD. Shri Rujjum Rakshap, Director of Tourism, Government of Arunachal Pradesh; Shri Manjunath R., IAS, Deputy Commissioner of Shi-Yomi district; and Army officers from the region were also present.
Minister Gabriel Wangsu presented prizes across the professional fly-fishing, lure-fishing and local categories. He stressed the importance of eco-friendly tourism models that protect Mechukha’s ecology while generating long-term economic opportunities for local communities.
International participants also expressed interest in returning for the next edition, strengthening Mechukha’s prospects as an emerging destination for responsible adventure tourism.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
