The Arunachal Times - Archives

The minister also laid the foundation stone of three small hydro projects for Tawang district namely, Nyuri Mago (2X2000 KW), Thingbu (2X1500 KW) and Tawang Gonpachu (2X1500 KW). Later in the day, Dr Abdullah also declared the festival open by releasing balloons in the air.

Food village, exhibitions, flower competition, dance competition, marathon, indigenous sports and games display, singing competition, poem writing competiton, cultural display by various tribes and traditional fashion show were the major highlights of the three-day tourism extravaganza. UNI

Guv bats for vibrant, self-reliant Arunachal

Arunachal Pradesh Governor J J Singh today exhorted the people to work in unison to transform the dream of a vibrant and self-reliant state into reality.

Addressing the people on the occasion of 24th Statehood Day at Indira Gandhi Park here, the Governor thanked Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for taking personal interest in all the development initiatives of the state.

''Ours is a young state, and we, as its residents, too have a dream. A dream of realising a state built on the foundations of an equal and just society, promoting liberty of thoughts and fraternity and brotherhood amongst the citizens,'' he said.

''Today is the time to remind ourselves that we are a part of the phase in the development history of Arunachal Pradesh which will be remembered by all generations to come. Let us therefore renew our commitment to use our united strength, determination and sense of unity and purpose to greet the great future that beckons our state,'' he added.

Committed to 'People First Approach', the state government under the able leadership of Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu was determined to make Arunachal Pradesh a role model of all-round development, he said adding at the same time, efforts would continue to ensure that the fruits of development reach all sections of the society.

Due to the persistent efforts of the state government, a National Institute of Technology, a medical college and a Law College have already been sanctioned and were expected to start academic sessions along with the infrastructure very soon,'' he informed.

The progress of works on the Trans-Arunachal Highway has commenced and is satisfactory. While the Tezu airport has already been approved for upgradation by NEC, work on upgradation of eight Advanced Landing Grounds (ALGs) were likely to commence shortly. Work has already started for the construction of the Institute of Hotel Management at Banderdewa, the Governor added. He said through the Border Village Illumination Project, the state government had electrified 523 out of the 546 targeted villages through solar home lighting systems.

More than 5,800 households had been benefitted through this initiative.

''My government has been working tirelessly to ensure that the fruits of flagship programmes like Sarva Shiksha Abhiyaan, National Rural Health Mission, PMGSY, Total Sanitation Campaign and NREGA reach the remotest corner and the poorest beneficiary of the state,'' he said and added that the government had till date allotted 34,800 MW worth of hydro-power potential sites to various PSUs and other developers.

''These hydro-power projects are the future back-bone of the state economy. The MoU for the 2000 MW Lower Subansari Hydro-power project, which was pending since 2001, has been signed by the government with NHPC in January 2010,'' he revealed.

A comprehensive Education Reforms Bill to introduce qualitative changes in the primary and higher education sectors in the state was under preparation, he added. UNI

Unemployed engineers make a new beginning in democratic movement

Taba Ajum

ITANAGAR, Feb. 21: In a day when ‘new Arunachal’ was showcased to the rest of world in a glittering ceremony held at Indira Gandhi (IG) Park on 20th February, in the same venue at a corner, group of unemployed engineers under the banner of Unemployed Arunachalee Engineers Association (UAEA) assembled to start a new movement against alleged corruption plaguing this state.

Impressively dressed and looking uber-cool, these youngsters who represent new generation of Arunachalees are ready to battle it out to clean up the corrupt system. They had assembled strategically in historic IG Park on statehood day to send strong message that all is not well in Arunachal and there is a drastic need to bring changes for better future of this beautiful state.

However they were not allowed to carry out their peaceful dharna as capital complex administration did not let them enter inside park and restricted their moment to ‘science center’ in eastern corner of park.

Despite repeated requests by UAEA member’s, administrative team led many senior officers and accompanied by large number of para military force including state police and central forces stopped them from staging protest. There were heated exchanges between officials and young engineers who cited Indian constitution which grants them right to freedom of expression being part of world’s largest democracy for staging dharna.

Legal advisor of UAEA, Tarak Eha, who was present on the occasion, believed that every citizen of this country has right to freedom of speech and expression under Constitution of India. “Article 19 1(b) of our Constitution gives us right to peaceful assembly of people for staging dharna. So, these unemployed engineers had gathered in one place, well within their right to protest to press their demand,” told Eha.

Most of the unemployed engineers were quite annoyed with the attitude of officials who besieged them in a corner thereby halting their plan to stage dharna.

“I often travel during night time in capital complex area but have never seen police force manning street. But today they have come out in large number in order to stop educated person from exercising their democratic rights. This is so bizarre,” lamented one UAEA member.

Though they could not carry out their protest, their messages went loud and clear in the form of various pamphlets distributed by them to public. “We need support of every citizen of this state to carry forward this movement. Without blessing of our elders we cannot go alone to fight corrupt system,” told another UAEA member.

Although UAEA members were disappointed for not letting them stage dharna but they were also pleased with official assurance that chief minister of state would meet them soon to look into their demands.

“We had nothing against anyone and just fighting for rights of thousand unemployed engineers of this state. We are looking forward to meet chief minister and hope that he will give us patient hearing,” said Yumlam Aam, president UAEA. Now they are pinning their hope on chief minister of this state to bail them out from miserable life of being unemployed in their own native state.

Meanwhile All Papum Pare District Student Union (APPDSU) has come out and supported UAEA. They lambasted capital complex administration for making mockery of Indian Constitution by not allowing them to held dharna on statehood day at IG Park.

Expressing resentment over the step taken by the administration on that very day against unemployed engineers, Arunachal Citizen Right (ACR) termed it as unfortunate on the part of administration for curtailing rights of citizen to organize peaceful demonstration.

Though their dharna could not proceed as per the plan, but these unemployed engineers have set up a new example in fight against corrupt system that has been engulfing our state. Without resorting to violence or bandh call, they have spread their message to masses by never troubling public. The positive attitudes of these youths are compelling us to ask whether “change is here”? Perhaps next few days will give us answer for this question.

Journalist manhandled

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Feb. 21: In an unsavory incident during agitation by UAEA member at IG Park, the reporter of this daily Taba Ajum, who was covering the event, was manhandled by a state police personnel accompanying Town Magistrate of Itanagar, Talo Potom.

Expressing shock over the incident, Ajum lamented the fact that such kind of fracas discourages media personnel from performing their duties.

“I was busy clicking pictures of agitation when one police jawan asked me to move into a circle where UAEA members were gheroed by officials. As I was explaining him that I am a media person, without any provocation he hit my head yelling ‘Is there anything written in your forehead symbolizing that you are a journalist?’,” informed Taba Ajum.

He further added, “He tried to physically assault me in a tense atmosphere and easily things could have gone out of control. Also I could have filed an FIR against that police personnel but my respect for police force stopped me from going further.” Meanwhile UAEA members who were witnessed to entire mayhem have strongly condemned the behavior of police jawan involved in this incident. Itanagar Press Club and various citizen groups and student bodies like All Papum Pare District Student Union (APPDSU) and Arunachal Citizens Right (ACR) have condemned this incident.

Training on Rodent Pest control

PASIGHAT, Feb 21: A one-day training on Rodent Pest control was organized at Sipu village under Koyu circle by the Department of Agriculture East Siang district under Rodent control programme. All together twenty five farmers were trained for effective control of Rodent pest in the field crops.

The resource persons Astt. Prof. Dr M.M Kumawat, College of Horticulture and Forestry (CoH) Pasighat, Murter Kakki (ADO) and Opang Moyong (ADO) delivered their lectures on various aspect of Rodent control.

Earlier a Trainers Training Programme on Rodent Pest control was also held at Pasighat. Dr K. Momocha Singh Associated. Prof. (Plant Protection) and Dr M.M. Kumawat, Asst Prof. (Plant Protection) from the CoH Pasighat were resource persons.

Walkathon on green and clean arunachal

ITANAGAR, Feb 21: Finance Minister Setong Sena today flagged off the walkathon from Dera Natung College to I G Park on the theme of “Green and Clean Arunachal Pradesh” and “Capital facelift” as part of “Festival of Arunachal” organized by capital complex district administration. About 2000 people from all walks of life including teachers, market welfare associations, student unions, businessmen, officers besides Special Secretary (Finance), DC (Capital Complex) Padmini Singla and SP(Capital) Hibu Tamang took part.

Sena called on all citizens of the city to take an oath of keeping their surroundings clean. He said that during the last nearly three years of Dorjee Khandu Government, the state has progressed a lot and tomorrow our city will grow even bigger and it is right time that we start thinking about keeping our cities clean and green so that it is more livable for our future generations.

Padmini Singla said that people expect administration to keep city clean, but if nearly 2 lakh residents of capital complex don’t keep their surroundings clean how can 200 odd laborers of the administration keep it clean all the time. She said that even small steps that throwing waste properly in dustbins and not outside and if in market dustbin is not available, keep the wrappers and throw them after going home only in dustbin, etc will a go a long way in keeping our city clean. District administration had earlier imposed fine system in market area, wherein if any waste material is found in front of a shop for the first time a fine of Rs 500 is levied, for the second fine Rs 1000/-, for the third time shop is made to close down for one day, for the fourth time shop is made to close down for one week and thereafter the trading license of the shop is cancelled.

Hundreds of people joined the walkathon while it went through market areas. Slogans like “apna Itanagar Saaf karo”, “keep Itanagar clean and green” etc conveyed the message of the walkathon loud and clear. The participants on arrival were given refreshment by district administration at the IG park. Thereafter a dance competition was organized in which large number of children participated.

In the afternoon, indigenous sports demonstration by Sange Laden Sports Academy children was done to let people witness forgotten local games. In evening traditional dance and music performance by teams from Orissa, Rajasthan and Kerala, NERIST students and local singers enthralled the citizens of the capital complex.

Tomorrow there will be a special fashion show by the Students of R.G Polytechnic during evening apart from other cultural performances. The three day Festival of Arunachal will end on 22nd February, 2010. However, food village shall continue till 24th evening, according to an official release.

Farooq assures central fund to state

ITANAGAR, Feb 21: Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)Dr. Farooq Abdullah has assured to provide all possible financial assistance to the state government at a high level meeting held here in CM’s official Bungalow yesterday afternoon.

Dr. Farooq, arrived with MNRE advisor N P Singh to attend the 24th Statehood day celebration as chief guest.

While responding to the plea of State Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu for providing fund for renovation and modernization of Mini/Micro and Small hydro projects which had been subjected to severe damages due to flood and landslides every year and also due to its short of span life – 15 to 20 years, the union minister assured to take up the matter on priority after receiving the detail project report (DPR) from the state government.

He also assured to provide adequate fund as sought by the government for other projects under various stages of progress including installation of solar lights and heating system at vital areas. He communicated this while responding to the request of APEDA Chairman Likha Saya for upgradation of Energy Park at State capital Itanagar. Participating in the discussion State Director General of Police Vimla Mehra urged the Union Minister to accommodate a proposal for providing Solar Lighting system in Police establishments in the state to which he assured to look into it.

The union minister advocated for use of more and more renewable energy for ensuring a greener and pollution free state. While appreciating the state for its abundant resource and forest cover, he stressed the importance for its maintenance and appealed to uphold its sanctity.

“The renewable energy in the border areas will serve as a boon to the people as it would not only provide electricity but also ensure dissemination of proper information and knowledge about health, education, and environment etc. through electronic means” Dr Abdullah viewed.

The meeting was also attended by Power Minister Jarbom Gamlin, PWD & UD Minister Nabam Tuki, Chief Secretary Tabom Bam, Principal Secretary to CM Yeshi Tsering, Commissioner RWD Tape Bagra, Secretary Power Tumke Bagra, Chief Engineers of Power and Hydro Power Department and Director APEDA. PRO to CM

PDS on the right track in W/Siang

AALO, Feb 21: Administrative officers of sub-divisions and circles has delegated every authority for checking and verification of FPS for how best they can successfully monitor PDS items for the greater interest of the needy people said Amjad Tak, DC in the District Level Vigilance and Monitoring Committee Meeting at Aalo Club on Feb18: The Meeting was attended by the Administrative Officers, PRI Members, FPS dealers and other stockholders.

Deputy Commissioner said that the aims of the meeting was to know and assessed that the beneficiaries were getting PDS items whether it be rice, wheat, sugar or S.K.Oil and if so, in what quantity or quality and also to` sorted out specific problems arising thereof.

Er. T.Gamlin, DF&CSO said that FPS is a public service rather than a business. He requested the Administrative officers for furnishing of rates of other eatable items other than PDS of their jurisdiction and also certificate of newly introduced road for inclusion in floating next tender.

A. Abhyankar, IAS ADC Basar stressed on up-to-date maintenance of registers and records; notice board for day to day records of stocks and sales, non-retention of ration cards by FPS dealers; strict enforcement of servicing area; additional allocation for students of Govt. Hostel and so on.

Nila Mohanan, IAS ADC Rumgong who also took part in the meeting stressed on issuing of cash memos; enhancement of APL/BPL allocation; provision of Bike for supply inspectors etc.

ZPM, Gensi informed that CO HQ Gensi upgraded to EAC and hence, quota of Gensi Circle be enhanced. DIPRO

Nyokum festival

ITANAGAR, Feb 21: Health and Family Welfare Minister Tanga Byaling and Zilla Parishad Chairperson Sipi Bagang have consented to attend the inaugural function of Nyokum Yullo Celebration, Chayangtajo as chief guest and guest of honour on February 25.

While, Chief Secretary Tabom Bam and MLA Karya Bagang have consented to attend the valedictory function as chief guest and guest of honour on February 27.

Social service

ITANAGAR, Feb 21: Hornbill centre for development, Naharlagun in association with Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti, New Delhi had organized a total sanitation campaign in Chanmdranagar area on February 20.

Alphabet public school, Nirjuli, Eleazer English school, Itanagar, Police colony middle school, Itanagar, D-sector middle school, Itanagar participated in the programme.

Awareness and Seminar held on Prevention of Drugs & HIV/AIDS

H.K. Roy

PASIGHAT, Feb 21: The students union of JN College, Pasighat organized an awareness campaign and seminar on prevention of drugs and HIV/AIDS at the Town Club on 21st February last headed by the college General secretary Dangky Ering. The Hon’ble minister graced as Chief Guest and the Principal IGJHS School Pasighat N. Yirang attended as Guest of Honour on the day. In a packed hall, officers, parents and college goers had come in numbers to listen to what was to be said on the day. Collegians came with banners carrying various messages of drugs abuse and HIV/AIDS.

The Chief Guest Bosiram Siram while speaking on the occasion said it was a good beginning and the link between drug abuse and HIV infection was the focus of a new public awareness campaign, launched by JN Students union deserve appreciation. Drug use encourages risky behaviors that can promote HIV transmission, Siram said.

He further added, most schools and communities continue to be concerned about the impact of drug use on their young people. Despite prevention and intervention, drug use continues to devastate and destroy not only young lives, but those of their families and friends, as well.

Taking privilege on the day the minister congratulated the police for massive seizures of drugs and appreciated the media. According to Siram, Journalists have a significant role to play in drugs abuse, HIV/AIDS epidemic, by informing the public raising the issues to the top of the agenda.

Delivering his speech, the Guest of Honour N. Yirang called upon the media to work together with the students, people and police to stand up and fight against Drug and Substance Abuse. He also advised students not to surrender to peer-pressure and learn to resist temptation. “In life, no-one has a privilege to choose when to be born and the kind of a family to be born in but the choices and the decisions we make determine our success or failure in life,” Yirang said.

The Chairman of the function Oyin Moyong, general secretary Bogong Banggo while sharing his views said it has already been noted that there is already a high prevalence of family violence due to alcohol abuse. We must assist the student community to aware our innocent people about alcohol and drug abuse and HIV infection and preventive measure to save our society.

Dr. L.C. Darung SMO (Psychiatrist) described about ‘dos and don’ts’ as a resource person and commented that HIV is mostly transmitted via unprotected sex.

Among others, ZPM (Bogong) Okom Yosung, local leader Okep Tamin and lecturers of JN college were also attended the seminar.

KBM School celebrates annual sports week

TEZU, Feb 21: The Krick & Boury Memorial School celebrated its annual school week in a grand manner on Feb 19 last. Chief Guest of the occasion Issac Pertin SP Lohit was all praise for the splendid display of parade, PT and culture. He exhorted teachers and students to keep up such spirit in future too and also gave away prizes to the students of all houses.

School Annual Day celebrated

MIAO, Feb 21: Light of the World School, Miao of Changlang District celebrated Annual Day of the School coupled with the Statehood Day of Arunachal Pradesh.

Bishop Isidore Fernandez of Varanasi, was the Chief Guest of the occasion. The guests of honour were Bishop Thomas Vazhappilly of Mysore, Bishop P. K. George of Miao and Mr. Roy C.O.

The celebration was marked by colourful presentation of dances, songs and speeches by students. “I am delighted to come from Uttar Pradesh to Arunachal Pradesh and be part of this celebration. As you are in the land of light, I wish and pray that the youth from this corner of India share light to the rest of the nation” exhorted the Chief Guest.

Pointing out the literacy drive launched in Neotan Village George called upon the staff and students of Light of the World School (LWS) to prove the usefulness of their existence to the Miao town, then to the district, state and Nation.

Arunachal celebrates Statehood Day

Itanagar, Feb 21: The 24th Statehood Day was celebrated all over the state with much enthusiasm on February 20.

At Yupia: Gracing the occasion as Chief Guest Additional Deputy Commissioner Tayi Kaye unfurled the tri-colour amidst gathering of officers, staff and ITBP personnel in the premises of DC office, Yupia.

Addressing the gathering Kaye underscores the importance of the day in life of every Arunachalees. Further he said that under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu Arunachal will achieve new heights of development and prosperity. Guard of honour and free medical camp organized by 31Bn ITBP were part of the day.

The Scout masters and Guide captains of Arunachal Pradesh who are undergoing the Himalaya Wood Badge training course also celebrated the Statehood Day at state training centre, NEHERMA, Kohima, Nalagaland in a befitting manner. The members from Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Nagaland also joined the celebration for peace and progress of Arunachal Pradesh.

At Seppa, East Kameng DC Pige Ligu addressed the people on the occasion at district headquarter, Seppa.

“We must be grateful to our erstwhile State leaders and the central government for giving us statehood without shedding a drop of blood”, said Ligu. He, appealed the people who have constructed structure on road side to demolish or shift the structure coming under right of way(RoW) since the construction of Trans highway road from Nechipu to Seppa will be started soon. For this DC sought cooperation of Officers,PRI leaders, Public, NGOs and Student organisations.

A Sanitation walk under Total Sanitation Campaign (TSC) programme was organised in which MLA,Tapuk Taku,DC, SP, Officers, PRI members, NGOs, Public and students participated to mark the occasion.

In Lower Subansiri, Statehood Day was celebrated as Arunachal day in all the Administrative Centres of Lower Subansiri district with a major function at Subansiri Stadium Ziro.

Deputy Commissioner, In-charge Hage Takka, unfurled the National Flag amid huge gathering of officers, panchayat leaders,GBs and general Public. He recounted the chronology of the state and the district since 1874 and “we have come a long way and need to go further for which cooperation of every citizen of the district is required”.

Er. Tanya Taji, Sr. Manager, and Er.Subrata Saha, Dy. General Magaer, both of NEEPCO, were awarded with the Governor’s Commendation Certificate on the Day in recognition of their Services in the state.

Football match between officers-XI and Public leaders XI, was one of the few attractions of the Day.

At Pasighat, the Deputy Commissioner Onit Panyang unfurled the National Flag at the general parade ground and asked the gathering to be equal partners in the process of developments in the district with the general administration.

A marathon race was organized where citizens enthusiastically participated on the occasion, a rally was also a part of the celebration organized by PHED under the aegis of general administration with a slogan on “Total Sanitation Campaign.”

At Changlang, addressing the people on the occasion, ZPM Chairperson Junpo Taikam Jugli appealed to the people to rededicate themselves to make Arunachal Pradesh developed in all respect.

The chief guest Jugli highlighting the significant achievement of various departments in this district during this current financial year she lauded the Central Govt’s recent clearance for restoration of Miao-Vijoynagar road and hoped for new dawn of economic development and prosperity in Vijaynagar circle and Changlang district as a whole.

She urged upon the people of the district to preserve its unique natural scenic beauty with multifarious flora, fauna and important places of historical and tourist interest specially concentrating on eco-tourism and also cautioned all those young generations who are heading towards this abuses and appealed them all not to let this evils spread in our district.

Changlang Deputy Commissioner, Dr S B Deepak Kumar, ADC L Borang, ZPM, Changlang(N) Marina Kenglang, all heads of the offices, public leaders and students took part in the celebration.

At Roing, Chiliko Meto Chairperson Zilla Parishad LDV unfurled the national Tri-Colour here at the General Ground amid the gathering of Head of the Departments, Student, Police and General Public.

In his encouraging message, Meto as a chief guest highlighted the whooping progress that the district is experiencing under the centrally sponsored programmes namely SSA, NERGA, NRHM, RGGVY, PM Package and so forth. He pleads the Horticulture and agriculture Department to generate more awareness into the field to cover the areas under Horti. & Agri. Sector for the prosperity of the district and its people.

During the occasion a procession to mark the ‘Total Sanitation Walk 2010’ was also taken out with an objective to promote the Total Sanitation Campaign (TSC) in LDV district. Chiliko Meto Chairperson Zilla Parishad, T Karga SP, Officials all Head of the Department, Public Leaders, student participated in the walk. The procession went through Gandhi Murti, DC Office to the ground. (Our Correspondent)

At Yingkiong, The statehood Day day was celebrated in a befitting manner at Yingkiong Upper Siang. Alo Libang MLA unfurled the national flag and took the guard of honour from the contingents of the APP amidst a large gathering at DC office complex. He also inaugurated the newly constructed Jansuvidha Building in presence of Pawan Kr. Sain, DC, Upper Siang where all forms.

Speaking on the occasion, Alo Libang said that the remote and backward district needs a lot to be done to keep pace with the other districts of the state. He sought co-operation of the officers and public to gear up the process of development in the district.

Pawan Kr. Sain while dwelling on the importance of the Statehood Day sought co-operation to bring the district on the path of development. He informed that the Jansuvidha has been running for sometime now. He hoped that the Jansuvidha will serve the people more in future. The people should take its responsibility and develop it further.

Rajesh Panyang ADC, Yingkiong while briefing about the importance of the day and the facilities provided in the Jansuvidha, thanked and appreciated the Deputy Commissioner for his zeal and initiatives in bringing the Jansuvidha into the present form because of which public has been benefited immensely. DIPRO

At Bomdila, along with the rest of the state, Bomdila celebrated the 24th Statehood Day amidst great joy and fanfare.

In her message to the people, Deputy Commissioner Swati Sharma reiterated that, though the district has made tremendous progress in various fields, it is not the time to rest on ones laurel. A lot more needs to be done ensuring quality and timely completion of the works.

At Tawang, the Tawang Deputy Commissioner Gamli Padu unfurled the national flag amidst huge gathering on the occasion.

Greeting the people on the occasion of statehood day and Losar festival, Padu said that our state is fast developing in all the sectors and is ahead of many states. But to maintain the continuity of development, a literate society and public participation would be required for successful implementation of government plan and programmes, he said and asked all to be part of development and strengthen democracy.

He also gave brief account on the last year’s developmental activities of the district.

The other highlight of the day was presentation of patriotic songs by students, cultural programme and an exhibition volleyball match between officers and staff. DIPROs/ Sources

Awareness meeting on Siyom power project

AALO, Feb 21: West Siang Deputy Commissioner Amjad Tak conducted a mass awareness public meeting with the officers of Reliance Company, administration and public of Payum circle for Siyom Hydro-Power Project at Kaying under Rumgong on Feb 19.

Pointing out the benefit of the hydro power projects and relief and rehabilitation policy of the state Govt Deputy Commissioner Amjad Tak appealed the people of Payum circle for co-operation and assistance to the Land Management department at the time of survey works.

While replying to queries raised by the land donors, DC spoke at length about the recent technological advancement and positive impact of big dams. He also made to know that the State Chief Minister is personally taking care of the project affected families and also monitoring all the development on the issue of compensation package.

The response of the people were overwhelming and Taling Yaying, President, Land Donar Welfare Committee submitted memorandum. DIPRO

Bid to promote pisciculture in West Kameng district

The coldwater fisheries occupy a prominent position especially in West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh. The Krishi Vigyan Kendra, West Kameng district and National Research Centre on Yak (ICAR), Dirang have initiated a collaborative fisheries demonstration programme during 2008-2010 on “Composite Carp Farming” giving priorities to the locals who have common interest and stake in coldwater sector development. The aim of the programme is to prepare a blueprint for a relevant, economical and viable coldwater fisheries package of practice which can easily be implicated in the hill region of the district. Three species of Chinese carps viz., silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix), grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) and common carp (Cyprinus carpio) were stocked in combination with a density 3 fishes/ m2 and supplementary diet was provided under low temperature conditions as per the recommendations made by the Directorate of Coldwater Fisheries and Research (ICAR), Bhimtal, Uttarakhand. The performance of each fish species in terms of growth, survival and contribution to total biomass revealed that the fishes are directly correlated with water temperature, quality and quantity of supplementary feed provided, natural food available in ponds and the methodology followed by the operator. In the upland water of low thermal regime, the Chinese carps were found to have grown well as compared to the Indian major carps (IMCs). Based on the demonstration results, it was observed that more biomass can be obtained by stocking fish seeds @ 2-3 nos. /m2 in hill conditions as compared to 1 no. /m2 in plains. The growth of grass carp was found related to the quality and quantity of the grass and vegetable waste fed. Common carp including different phenotypes and feeding on unutilized feed, faecal matter of grass carp and benthic organisms contributed the bulk of the catch. The importance of supplementary feed in composite carp culture is well recognized. In a hilly district like West Kameng, the quantity and quality of supplementary feed played very important role. From the trial results and the data generated, dose of feed @ 3% body weight of fishes produced an average production of 290-350 kg/ 600m2/ 6 months. In a span of 6 months, silver carp (15-30%), grass carp (30-35%) and common carp (30-35%) and IMCs (25-0%) attained the maximum individual weight of 225-250g, 300-500g and 350-900g respectively.

Mr. Deepjyoti Baruah, Subject Matter Specialist (Fisheries), KVK, Dirang and Principal Investigator of the programme stated that the production figures indicate that culture of Chinese carps under the technique “Composite Carp farming” is easy to operate, economically viable, eco-friendly as it is able to convert/ recycle the cattle yard, agricultural, kitchen wastes into value added fish food. Therefore, this technology opens up the possibility of promoting exotic carp culture in hilly regime of the district where existing production of indigenous fishery (trouts and mahseers) is very low.

Trainings were imparted and demonstration programmes were conducted during the trial period benefiting altogether 200 beneficiaries including 81 farmers, 70 farm women and 49 school drop-outs of the district. The demonstrations comprised of feeding techniques, stocking procedure, liming and manuring techniques, water quality and hygiene management etc. A few individuals, village communities, self help groups and farmers’ clubs were identified by the Kendra for promoting commercial fish production in scientific lines.

Dr. K.K. Baruah, Director, NRC on Yak (ICAR) stated that once the local farmers realize the economic feasibility, I am sure farmers will be motivated to go for commercial fish culture for higher income and socio economic upliftment.

Dr. N.D. Singh, Programme Coordinator of the Kendra mentioned that the Kendra is organizing several aquaculture based training cum demonstration programmes in the district with the financial assistance from agencies as NABARD, Itanagar and NFDB, Hyderabad.

New village inaugurated

ITANAGAR, Feb 21: Eye-Bee village under Kimin circle was inaugurated by Anchal Chairperson Charu Tapio on February 18 last.

The Chief Guest Tapio and Guest of Honour, EAC S Lowang advised the villager to work hard for overall development of the village and also advised them to enroll their voter list in their respective village.

Eye-Bee village welfare committee Chairman Hillang Nikpo and Secretary Nangram Tallar also spoke on the occasion. GBs, Panchayat Leaders and Officers also attended the function.

‘Giant Killer’ MLA on mission (im)-possible

Gyati Kacho

DIRANG, Feb 21: Dubbed as one of the ‘giant killers’ during the last concluded Assembly elections for having dethroned a veteran politician in power for three consecutive tenures, the 40 year old Dirang MLA Phurpa Tsering is also reckoned as an icon of youth power who has been brought to pedestal of power by his people in the hope of ‘change’ and ‘human development’ as promised by him.

True to his words, the young MLA, who considers himself to be an ‘accidental MLA’, seems to be a man now gripped with a mission to make a difference in the lives of his people. During the whirlwind tour of his home turf recently to nurse the so called lack of human development, he announced several developmental packages running into lakhs of rupees. It was concluded with a cleanliness-cum-sanitation drive during the Statehood Day.

‘I have already exhausted my MLALAD for the current financial year even though the year has just begun. The abject poverty of my people and acute lack of basic amenities in the villages is heart rendering. I will give my all for human development in my area and would like my actions to speak during elections’, said the first timer PPA MLA.

Further laying out his priorities, the MLA who is popularly called ‘Aau’ or ‘Brother’ by all locals and even outsiders explained that health and education were his thrust areas. ‘Lish village where we conducted the sanitation drive today is one of the largest villages in the district with nearly three thousand people. In this 21st century of today, the village has no drinking water facility, no drainage, no medical centre, only a primary school, and people have no constructed toilets. This is due to continuous negligence by previous leaders and their ‘vote bank’ policies. This concept must now change and people should be woken up from their slumber of ignorance by means of education and health care facilities’, he pointed out.

Pitching for the MLA, anchal chairperson Jam Tsering said that they had elected their present leader as he was young and had a large heart. ‘He is darling of the masses as he can make people to people contact easily. Besides, he is open to new ideas and does not hesitate helping anyone including one’s enemy like a true Buddhist. Humanity is first and politics is second to him’, he explained.

The spontaneous and unwavering affection shown by people towards their beloved leader everywhere has made all including Govt. officials remark that the young MLA was here to play a long innings. However, massive expectations of his people for employments and income generating activities, being an MLA of a regional party, behavior and attitude of his workers towards Govt. employees are some of the key issues that will need tactful tackling by this giant killer MLA to maintain his house in order. As one Govt. employee remarked, ‘The MLA is a fine man but it remains to be seen how he manages to tackle the mounting expectations of his workers and their behaviors towards Govt. employees’.

Army organizes sub divisional level football and volleyball tournament

ITANAGAR, Feb 21: 26 MARATHA LIGHT INFANTRY of Lohit Brigade under aegis of DAH Division organized a Sub Divisional level Football tournament and Volleyball tournament for the youths of Sunpura, Sadiya and Chapakhowa.

The tournament was inaugurated by Colonel P Pant Officiating Commander, 82 Mountain Brigade on 18 Feb.

The ceremony started with an exhibition volleyball match between 26 MARATHA LI team Vs DEORIGAON CLUB, SUNPURA. It was followed by a sequel of various schools cultural programmes by children of various schools Sadiya Sub Division.

Colonel P Pant said that these programme are bound to create special bond of friendship and cooperation between the people of Sadiya Sub Division and the Army.

The function was also attended by Assistant Commandant Dilawar Singh of 186 CRPF, officials from civil administration, community elders, principals, Gaon Burahs and children.

Best teams of Football and Volleyball of Sadiya Sub Division of Tinsukia District participated in this tournament. The participants included teams of Sunpura High School Sunpura, Ambikapur High School Ambikapur, Adarsha Shiksha Niketan Toribari, Amardhan Ram Adarsha High School Sunpura, Ujani Sadiya Higher Secondary School Sadiya, Youth Club Chapakhowa and Youth Club Sadiya Sub Division.

Colonel HS Chouhan, Commanding Officer, 26 MARATHA LI also said that the Army plans to organize more such projects in the future which will contribute towards the social and financial uplift of Sadiya.

He assured full cooperation by the Army to locals in creating a secure, peaceful and conducive environment in the area and exhorted locals to help Army in this endeavour. The Army hoped that the tournament will definitely help in motivating the youth and general population of Sadiya towards constructive activities who were traumatized by the clutches of ULFA.

Bullet club on yet another mission

ITANAGAR, Feb 21: Arunachal Bullet club would organize another rally from Feb 24 to raise awareness on Clean and Green Arunachal. The rally to be flagged off by the Governor Gen J J Singh on Feb 24 at Itanagar would take the riders with their message of Clean and Green Arunachal to Doimukh, Kheel, Laptab, Nimte, Sagalee, Leporiang, Bobia, Pakke Kessang, Khupi, Elephanta Pass, Papu Valley, Pampoli, Bamin, Chayang Tajo, Seppa, Bana, Palizi, Bhalukpong and Tippi. 25 members of the club are taking part in the rally.

Club had earlier on taken a rally out on Oct last year against the Chinese claims on Arunachal.