The Arunachal Times - Archives

Heavy rain throws Lohit out of gear, Noa Dihing on spate

TEZU, Apr 21: The intermittent heavy rains for the last few days have caused damages all over Lohit.

At Namsai subdivision, the Noa Dihing River is in spate causing heavy erosions in several places in Mahadevpur circle.

About 30 marooned people from Dharampur area have been evacuated and kept in a relief camp at Namsai. It is also reported that the due to increased water level the back water has entered Jengthu River converting the entire Dharampur area into a river island.

The water level is reported to be on an increasing trend. Yesterday, the Medical sub centre at Dharampur has been washed away.

As per report received the water level was just 20 cm below the danger level at Noa - Dehing Bridge point and at Dharampur it is 20 cm below the top level of earthen embankment. Around 70 families have so far been directly affected in the village and about 100 meters dyke constructed by W.R.Deptt has been washed away.

Water level in Jengthu, Kamlang and Berreng rivers is also on rise whereas at Wingko, the water has overflowed tea garden area. Reports have been received that Piyong Khamti, Piyong Singpho, Wagun-II, Wagun-III and Wagun-IV, Wingseng Nongtaw villages under Piyong Circle and Deobeel, Vijoypur and Kaba village pather area have also been submerged in the Namsai Circle. Detail reports as submergence and losses are awaited. Namsai ADC R K Sharma along with Lekang EAC, officers of Water Resource, Power and other Departments visited Dharampur area and supervised the Relief and Rescue arrangements.

The head quarters Tezu is cut off due to landslide and road damages in between Parsuramkund and Wakro. During the last 24 hours, Tezu recorded 49.00mm of rainfall. Township is facing severe shortage of drinking water.

According to an official report, District Administration and District Disaster Management Committee Lohit is keeping a close eye on flood situation and all administrative outposts have been alerted.

DC has directed all the outposts to submit daily reports to the District Disaster Management Cell.

Water scarcity likely to end by 2011

High level team inspect water supply for Itanagar Township (Ph-II) site

ITANAGAR, Apr 21: The perennial water scarcity in the Capital Region is likely to end by 2011, provided the fund flow, as the JNNURM’s augmentation of water supply for Itanagar township (PH-II) being implemented under PM’s package near completion. The progress of work has taken a back seat due to non-release of Additional Central Assistance (ACA) under JNNURM requiring major policy decision and implementation of mandatory Sector Reforms as per guidelines.

However, citizens and the department could hope for some positive changes as a high level team of the state assured full support of the state government for timely release of funds including the gap funding due to cost escalation and negotiations with the centre.

The team consisting of Development Commissioner V.K. Dev, Special Secretary Finance Amit Singla and Secretary Planning Ankur Garg inspected the ongoing project today braving inclement weather condition.

The officers further stressed on timely completion of the project within March’2011.

The team inspected various zonal reservoirs within Itanagar Township including the main reservoir of 20 lakhs liters capacity at Mowb-II and 3 lakhs liters capacity overhead tank near R.K. Mission Hospital. The team also inspected the ongoing Water Treatment Plant (WTP) at Gekar Putung 15 Km away from the township and the under construction 80 meter span bailey bridge over Poma river, near Poma village which is being launched shortly.

The team monitored the various aspects of physical progress made according to schedule as per Critical Path Method (CPM) adopted for the project. While interacting with the departmental officers, the high level team discussed on various alternative / parallel system to ease the water crisis in the capital township.

The high level team was accompanied by host of departmental officers including the Chief Engineer, PHE & WS Department, Er. Tagong Ketan.

Superintending Engineer, PHE & WS Circle, Naharlagun Toko Jyoti when questioned on perennial water crisis in the Capital Region said that there is likely respite only after completion of the project. According to PHE department, there are around one lac fifty thousand consumers in the Capital Region whereas the estimated population by 2011 was 53000!

That’s the not the end of the story. The nearby water source has dried up and the department is being forced to tap water from a tributary of Poma River, more than 30 KM away from Itanagar.

ZDC demands action against unauthorized construction

ITANAGAR, Apr 21: While expressing serious concern over ‘unauthorized’ construction of private buildings in public places, Ziro Development Council (ZDC) demanded Lower Subansiri administration to carry out eviction drive in the entire township to free govt land from encroachers.

ZDC, in a letter to Lower Subansiri Deputy Commissioner, claimed that a rat-race among govt. employees and some individuals is on in Ziro area to grab govt land. If such trend continues for some times, there will be hardly sufficient land left for future development of the township, the letter said. The letter also alleged mushrooming of buildings constructed in public premises in total violation of the district administration’s executive order in 2007 and demanded demolition of all such structures erected in Govt. land.

Chinese Pangolin wanders into NERIST

ITANAGAR, Apr 21: A Chinese Pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) was rescued on April 16th at 12:30 AM from nearby New Degree Technology Block, North Eastern Regional Institute of Science & Technology (NERIST), Nirjuli, Arunachal Pradesh by Rai Taning, a security guard of NERIST, while doing night duty. One of his neighbours Bijit Basumatre, Lab Assistant, informed Dr. Awadhesh Kumar, Assistant Professor in Wildlife conservation, Department of Forestry, NERIST at morning. Dr. Kumar visited Rai Taning’s residence and identified the species as Chinese Pangolin (sub-adult male), one of the endangered small burrowing mammal species. Animal weighted 1.80 kg and measured 2 feet in length. This species is locally known as Sachik (Nyishi). Dr. Kumar stated that Chinese pangolin is marked by large, hardened, plate-like scales. The scales are soft on newborn pangolins but get harden as the animal matures. These scales are made of keratin, the same material of which human fingernails and tetrapod claws are made of. The pangolin is often compared to a walking pine or globe artichoke. It can curl up into a ball when threatened, with its overlapping scales acting as armour and its face tucked under its tail. The scales are razor-sharp, providing extra defence. The front claws are so long that they are unsuitable for walking, and so the animal walks with its fore paws curled over to protect them. Pangolin can also emit a noxious smelling acid from glands near the anus, similar to the spray of a skunk. It has short legs, with sharp claws which they use for burrowing into termite and ant mounds, as well as climbing. Chinese pangolins are solitary and nocturnal. They climb trees and swim well. The species is globally distributed in Bhutan, Cambodia, China, northeast India), Lao PDR, northern Myanmar, Nepal, Taiwan, northern Thailand, and northern Vietnam. They found in a range of different habitats, including primary and secondary forests, bamboo forests, grasslands and agricultural fields.

Dr. Kumar took the species from Rai Taning and handed it over to the Authority of Itanagar Biological Park (Itanagar Zoo) on same day for soft release in Biological Park for its conservation.

Dr. Kumar stated that pangolins are hunted in many parts of Asia including Arunachal Pradesh and are one of the most important bushmeat. They are also in great demand in China and Arunachal Pradesh because their meat is considered a delicacy and local people believe pangolin scales reduce swelling, fever, allergic problem, promote blood circulation and help breast-feeding women produce milk. Pangolin’s scales are also used for decorating the coat of armor. The population of this species is reduced drastically due to loss of its natural habitat and excessive hunting for the above purposes. So, the conservation of such a magnificent mammal is the need of the hour, he added.

Chinese pangolin is listed under endangered category of IUCN, schedule-i of wildlife (protection) act, 1972 and appendix-II of cites.

Stress on continuous flow of orders: Governor

ITANAGAR, Apr 21: For sustainable economic endeavour, you have to stress on less profit but continuous flow of orders, said Arunachal Pradesh Governor, Gen JJ Singh advising the villagers of Poma who called on him at Raj Bhavan today. Exhorting the villagers, who are stakeholders of the Poma Bamboo Processing Center, Gen Singh asked them work hard and to maintain highest level in quality. Congratulated them for the successful effort, Governor urged upon them to be good example for other rural population of the State. There will be no need for people running towards urban areas.

Governor also called upon the villagers to carry forward the message of value-adding efforts to other villagers. Please involve the neigbouring villagers in bringing the change and also promote organic farming amongst them.

Giving a patient hearing to the problems of the villagers, Gen Singh suggested for planting of good species trees, medicinal plants and organic teas in vacant areas resulted by Jhuming. He also impressed upon them to protect the environment for the protection of Mithuns, while expressing his reservations on mindless slaughtering of mithun other then rituals.

Pointing that Poma now is attracting lots of visitors, Governor said, we must welcome a guest and send back a friend. He added, it is already there in out tribal society, where appreciation, security and hospitality are taken with pride. Why our younger generations forget this proud accent, he repent.

Showing some displays of accommodations in Kaziranga, Governor said, these are made of locally available materials, which cost less and environment friendly and we should flow the style instead blocks of concretes. We much promote our indigenous food and culture, he added.

Taking part in the discussion, State First Lady Anupama Singh, who is the Consultant of Common Wealth Games, suggested some items, which will be required in the accommodation during the game.

Secretary to Governor cum Planning Secretary Ankur Garg informed that effort is made to include the Poma Project in the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation list, which will help in getting advisers and financial supplement from the international body. He added, project is approved for converting it to model village project.

Poma ASM Techi Anna and Poma Gaon Bura, Tayum Sinkam apprised the Governor on the progress of the project. Forest Divisional Officer, APFCL, Chimpu Rime assured all out helps to the project on the occasion. PRO, Raj Bhawan.

20 APP personnel trained in computer

ITANAGAR, Apr 21: A team of 20 Police Personnel of Arunachal Police, sponsored by the State Police Department received their course completion certificate in Computer Literacy Programme (CLP) today at a function organized at IGNOU Regional Centre, Naharlagun. Speaking on the occasion Tashi Lama, IPS, Dy. Inspector General of Police (Crime) expressed the need to train the police personnel in modern technology & Cyber Law enabling effective control & prevention of crime.

Dr. S.J. Neethirajan, Regional Director, IGNOU Regional Centre, Itanagar stated that the training programme shall go a long way in enhancing the competency of Police Personnel in their field. He highlighted the various aspects of the training facilities extended by IGNOU for effective development of human resource & their utilization in output enhancing.

Transport Federations demand

ITANAGAR, Apr 21: The alleged money collection from commercial vehicles by police at some entry points to various districts has drawn ire of Arunachal Public Motor Transport Federation (APMTF).

While claiming that such illegal money collection is reportedly rampant at Likabali, Yazali and Holongi gates, the Federation demanded the authority to stop such practices immediately.

Meanwhile, the Motor Transport Federation, in its 9-point memorandum submitted to Parliamentary Secretary, Transport demanded, among others, reduction in road tax and plying permit of commercial vehicles upto 60 per cent, reduction of sales tax of fuels and other essential materials, issue of vehicle permit for entire district instead of issuing it only for local areas, prohibition of requisition of commercial vehicles by both Assam and Arunachal Pradesh governments, minimization of license fee upto 50 per cent to open booking counter and one time road tax fee from 15 years to 10 years, construction of permanent waiting shed, stand and parking lots for the commercial vehicles.

Meanwhile All Arunachal Pradesh Public Transport Federation (AAPPTF) today asked the state transport department to implement the cabinet decision to reduce the 15 years period of one-time registration of vehicle to 10 years only.

The Federation claimed that state Cabinet had taken decision to amend the Arunachal Motors Vehicle Taxation (APMVT) Act 1984 on August 7, 2009 for one time registration of vehicles for 10 years instead of 15 years. It thanked parliamentary secretary transport Karikho Kri and the Govt for its initiative for reduction period of taxation for vehicle registration.

Strategic plan to increase the agricultural production in Arunachal Pradesh

Choudhary VK , Suresh Kumar P, Bhagawati R and Kanwat M

ICAR RC NEH Region, AP Centre, Basar

ITANAGAR, Apr 21: Arunachal Pradesh is blessed with rich forest cover, animal resources and wild life besides vast potentiality of agriculture production. The diverse agroclimatic condition offers immense scope for cultivation of a wide variety of crops viz. field crops, fruits, vegetables, spices, medicinal and aromatic plants, flowers etc. Important crops grown here are rice, maize, millets, green gram, black gram, mustard, groundnut, sesame, ginger, chilli, vegetables like beans, cucurbits, leafy vegetables, cole crops, brinjal, tomato, orange, pineapple, banana, pear, papaya etc. Potato, sweet potato, colocasia and tapioca are important tuber crops grown by the farmers. Agricultural practices followed here are broadly of two types (i) Jhuming in hill slopes and (ii) Settled cultivation. Area under settled cultivation is very limited throughout the state. However, shifting cultivation is considered as a major source of rural economy. But, due to time factor and the systems responsiveness to changing requirements of high population pressure, jhum cultivation has caused drastic decline in crop yield, loss of forest wealth, soil fertility, biodiversity and environmental degradation. Although agriculture is the main stay of rural economy, but it is technologically far behind than other parts of the country. Some of the important strategic points to improve the agricultural and horticultural productivity are as follows;

1. Strengthening of seed production units: To ensure the supply of required quantity of farm inputs enough number of input agencies need to be established. So that it can produce/ supply the required quantity of seeds/planting materials.

2. Encourage the farmers to use external farm inputs: Fertilizer use in the state is meager 2.5 kg/ha. The farmers are very reluctant to use the external inputs which lead to deterioration of soil health. Therefore encourage the farmers to use fertilizer, pesticides, feeds and exotic varieties of seeds to increase the yield. Production oriented incentives may be given in place of input subsidies.

3. Strengthening the delivery system of inputs: This is very much required in this region, because there are scanty of retailers or agricultural shop on the state. Always farmers are depends on Assam to get planting materials/seeds/fertilizers/pesticides/animal breeds/Fingerlings etc. but due to land slide, bandh or other constraints it is very difficult to get agricultural inputs on time. Therefore this is required to open shops at least on block level or big villages. So that farmers can get rid off these problems. Use of locals or progressive farmers on this will increase the penetration and dissemination of technologies.

4. Integrated farming system: Use the different agricultural components namely agriculture, horticulture, forestry, animal husbandry, fisheries in the unit land area which besides increasing the farm output helps to improve the soil health and environment.

5. Boro rice: There is greater potential to explore the boro in the land where water is available in the lean period. This can be achieved by manipulating/altering the sowing/ transplanting time and using short duration, photo and thermo insensitive varieties.

6. Bringing to permanent cultivation: Arunachal Pradesh has the jhum land of 1.10 lakh hectares, shorter cycling period reduce the crop yields. Therefore, improved model (three tier: Forestry, horticulture and agriculture) developed by ICAR could be implemented by demonstrating the advantages of such model in farmer field. Other than increasing the income it reduces labour problem, climatic hazards and prevent environmental degradation.

7. Water harvesting structures: In an average Arunachal Pradesh receives 2500 mm annual rainfall and no rain water harvesting structures were made to store the water for better utilization in the summer months.

8. Watershed approaches: This region is blessed with great slope, forest, terrain, plateau and flat land which are required fit on watershed models. Site/location specific treatments are required to enhance the productivity of land (by conserving soil, water and biodiversity). Micro and macro catchments are required to harvest water and conserve soil and water.

9. Construction of rural agro-processing units: There is huge loss of agricultural produce due to its shorter shelf life especially the horticultural crops like khasi mandarin, pineapple, banana and assorted vegetables. Marketed surplus can be used for processing and there by increasing the farm income of rural farmers.

10. Exploration for textile industries: There are great potential of cultivation of banana and pineapple on this region, their fiber can be used for textile industries for further use. At the same time other fiber crops also can be grown to fulfill the requirements of textile industries.

11. Exploration of rural knowledge centre: Education or information centers present in rural area are to be used to disseminate the developed agricultural technologies.

12. Exploration of rural godowns: Traditional storage structures on rural area are to be used and finance assistance may be given to develop such structures to store the farm produces like paddy, maize etc. for longer time. Government should take initiatives to construct modern storage structures on community basis.

13. Exploration of rural growth centre: The rural growth centers can bring in to the main stream by strengthening them and giving training or knowledge about various aspects of agriculture.

14. Referral farmer scheme: This is the scheme where farmers of rural areas are selected where penetration of technologies are very meager. The technologies which are suitable for the area could be introduced to progressive farmers. Once the technology is validated and standardized there after extension of technology is required. In future these farmers would be stakeholders to disseminate the technology to others.

15. Agricultural news: Season based agro met news need to be broadcasted at least once in week. This gives the information about the agricultural practices are to be done and all the weather forecast. Farmers- scientist interaction is also required, to expose the farmers about the new technologies.

16. Free sampling and front line demonstration (FLD’s): Quality seeds/planting materials may be distributed to the farmers. Continuous visit to FLD plots are required to explain the advantages of adopting new varieties/ technologies.

17. Pre season campaign: This is very much required as the farmers have sufficient time to collect the planting material during pre sowing and the information on availability of the seeds may be campaigned. Distribution of leaf let or pamplets helps the farmers to use the resource in judicious manner. Location specific crop calendar for the whole year is also to be published and distributed to farmers.

18. Exposure visit: Farmers fare, exhibition, and field visits should be conducted so that farmers will enrich their knowledge.

19. Benefit sharing: Government should come out with the policy by which the farmers will get license of seeds/ fertilizers/pesticides separately. This will increase the competitive advantage to the farmers on the market.

20. Penetration of technologies: Government, supplier and retailers all should take the responsibilities to advocate the use of external inputs/ technologies. This will bring the confidence not only to the farmers but also to the retailers and suppliers.

21. Training and method demonstrations: Human resource development centre is very much required to give the training on various aspects of agriculture, horticulture, post harvest handling and processing, forestry, animal husbandry, fisheries, sericulture, apiculture, vermicomposting, stitching, weaving etc. Therefore, it is required to open training centers in different parts of the states to facilitate them.

22. Formation of Self help group’s (SHG’s): Groups should be formed with the like minded people 10-12 person, so that group can get the agricultural loans to setup small scale entrepreneurship models.

23. Setting up agricultural universities. To develop the human resource and developing location specific technologies agricultural university need to be developed to reach four percentage agricultural growths in the state.

College student dead

ITANAGAR: A BA first year student of Dera Natung Govt College Dohu Raju was allegedly murdered on the night of April 19 at his Papu Nalah house. Naharlagun Police have arrested one person and are investigating the case. Initially three people were arrested on suspicion but Police let two of them off after questioning.

Dohu Yana, the teenaged sister of the deceased was also brutally attacked. She has been shifted to Gauhati for further treatments.

The father has called for arrest and exemplary punishment of all involved.

All Nyishi Youth Association (ANYA) Kurung Kumey district unit also demanded arrest of culprit immediately.

Bridge collapses, 6 injured

ITANAGAR: The bridge over Patuk river under Parsi Parlo circle in Kurung Kumey district has collapsed under the impact of flood water of river Patuk at 7 am on Apr 20. This was informed by the Sangha Welfare Society (SWS) in a release.

Six persons including four female who were crossing the bridge during the incident received severe injuries, the Society said and urged the authorities to provide immediate financial assistance to the injured.

The society also requested the local MLA to take step for construction of the temporary bridge over Patuk rive till restoration of the original bridge.

ANYA proposes bandh

ITANAGAR: All Nyishi Youth Association has proposed a 12 hrs Capital Region bandh call on April 27 in protest against the failure by state government to issue a white paper on non preparation of AOP for the state. The Association has demanded that a white paper be issued within April 21. It further dismissed the government spokesperson’s clarification on to AOP as short of reality.

Students demand arrest

ITANAGAR: Apatani Students’ Union in a letter to Superintendent of Police, Lower Subansiri District appealed for immediate arrest of the culprits involved in the murder of Habung Chuniya of Ziro who was allegedly murdered on April 5 last. While terming it a cowardice act, it demanded arrest and exemplary punishment.

Career Fair

ITANAGAR: SAPE, a leading educational fair organizer in South East Asia, in support with Deptt. of Higher Education, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh will organize the first ever "Career Fair 10" here on May 30 and 31 next. The two-day program will provide aspirants a single gateway to entire gamut of academic and professional courses available in India in various conventional and non conventional streams.

Appointments

ITANAGAR, Apr 21: Toko Raja, Khoda Tokum and Nich Taje have been selected as president, vice-president and general secretary of Loko-Lumri boundary committee.

May day

ITANAGAR, Apr 21: All Arunachal Pradesh Worker’s Union will celebrate May Day on May 1 at Mopin Solung ground, Itanagar. Capital complex MLA Techi Kaso has consented to grace the occasion as chief guest whereas Jalley Sonam, chairman Arunachal Pradesh Building and Other Construction Worker’s Welfare Board will be guest of honor.

Do something for physically challenged people

Dear Editor,

The Constitution of India ensures equality, freedom, justice and dignity of all individuals including persons with disabilities. Accordingly the Government has initiated several welfare measures for their socio-economic empowerment and enacted legislation, namely, the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995.

The Act covers prevention and early detection of disabilities and aspects of rehabilitation like early intervention, education, employment and vocational training, reservation of jobs in the State sector. Later the organizations and experts also suggested amendment to the legislation.

However, in our state, it is seen that effective initiatives have not been taken so far for empowerment of the physically challenged people. Therefore, I request the Govt to take proper step to give equal status to physically challenged people in the society.

Yours,

Biri Kanu

E-sector, Naharlagun.

Monitor implementation of administrative order

Dear Editor,

Shop keepers in some pockets of the Capital Complex have been violating the capital district administration order which fixed the prices of essential commodities. They have been selling certain commodities as per the old rate without following the prices fixed by the administration. For example, beef is sold at Rs 100 per kg, chicken (boiler) per kg at Rs 180 (particularly in Abotani colony, Itanagar) and Mutton at Rs 200 per kg (in market) as against fixed prices of Rs 60, Rs 120 and Rs 170 respectively.

When asked to abide by the order of the administration, the shop-keepers expressed their ignorance about the newly fixed rates for commodities.

Therefore, I would like to request the authorities to conduct surprise visit to the shops in market, sectors, colonies and take appropriate action against the shop-keepers who are violating the administrative order.

Yours,

Longku Tania

Vice President

All Arunachal Pradesh Consumers’ Association (AAPCA), Itanagar

We want results

Dear Editor,

It is really a matter of concern that the Hydro Power department is delaying the declaration of the written examination results for the posts of UDC, computer operator and LDC. The written examination was held for the posts on November 29, 2009 but results have not been declared yet. On the other hand, results of the recently conducted examinations for the posts of forest guard and SI in other departments had already been declared.

Therefore, I sincerely appeal the authorities of hydro power department to declare written examination results within this week.

Yours,

M Ado

E-Sector, Itanagar