The Arunachal Times - Archives

These projects would require technically qualified manpower. We must ensure that this stock of quality man-power is available from within the State rather than importing it from places outside Arunachal Pradesh,” the Govrnor said. He called upon the teachers to equip the students with such skills as are required for their gainful employment.

Stressing on quality teachers, especially science and mathematics, Gen Singh said, the government has now taken up a special project for construction of teachers’ quarters for science and mathematics teachers posted in remote villages. “I am sure this would encourage our teachers to go to interior areas and help cater to those sectors of formal education system which have hitherto been neglected,” he added.

Emphasizing on training of the trainers, he said the Institutes of higher education must seriously consider organizing regular in-service training and refresher courses for the skill-upgradation and knowledge updation of our teachers.

He further informed that he has taken up with Wadia College, Pune for exchange programme and requested education minister to take follow up action.

Stating that, an educational system isn’t really worth a great deal if it teaches young people how to make a living without teaching them how to make a life, Governor expressed his hope that the recommendations that will be firming up by the end of the two-day will certainly provide useful guidelines to the policy makers in planning better for the educational sector in the state.

Guest of Honour, State Education Minister Bosiram Siram in his address called for improvement of the education in the state.

Stressing on the quality aspects of the public instruction, Education Minister urged upon the educationists to be sincere and dedicated.

Speaking on the occasion Prof Mibang called for more contributions from the Higher and Technical education. Linking activities of the youth with development in the society, Prof. Mibang said, society want higher education to success in life.

Earlier, in his welcome address, Higher and Technical Joint Director cum Director NERIST, Dr. Zoram Begi said, we are concerned about the quality of education in the state.

Citing problems of the department such as resource crunch, lack of infrastructure, over crowding, lack of congenial academic activities and student union activities, Dr. Begi called for consolidation and expansion of higher education.

Stating that skill manpower is the need of the hour, H&T Director highlighted on provisions in eleventh Plan for new colleges and Polytechnics institutions. Dwelling in length on dismay higher education scenario of the state, he expressed his hope at the end of the two days; new road map for the higher and technical education in the state will be structured. Higher and Technical Joint Director, Dr. Tejum Padu also spoke on the occasion.

The inaugural function also saw the releases of books. The Governor released a book titled, ‘Forest and CPR Management in eastern Himalayas, authored by Dr. A.I, Singh, while Education minister released one authored by Associate Professor Dr. Iqbal titled, ‘Joseph Conrad-His Mind & work. Professor Tamo Mibang released a book titled, ‘Value Added Tax in North East India,’ by RK Mandal and State chief secretary Tabom Bam released the basic information booklet on Higher Education of the State. Dr. Zoram Begi released the NSS newsletter.

A minute silence was observed as a mark of respected to the departed souls of senior officials of the department and children of Palin. PRO to Governor.

Teachers & students honoured

The State Governor felicitated Dr. Balaram Chakravarty, former Principal, JN College, Pasighat and P.Potom, former Director of Higher and Technical Education as the pioneers of Higher Education in the state.

Making the occasion as affairs of excellence, the Governor conferred the Outstanding College Teacher’s Award 2009 to Dr. R. Kamaraj, Associate Professor, JN College, Pasighat and Dr. KC Mishra, Associate Professor, Government College, Bomdila on the occasion.

The toppers of the university final examinations were awarded with Governor’s Award, which include a cash award of Rs. 10,000 given by the Raj Bhavan.

Ms Alka Rani Ojha of St. Claret College, Ziro received the award as topper of arts stream from the Governor, while Bikash Srivastava of JN College, Pasighat received for topping in Commerce stream. Miss Kamhun Aran of JN College, Pasighat received the topper’s award for Science stream.

The Governor also presented the Arunachal Pradesh State Council for Technical Education Gold medals to toppers of polytechnic examination. Suman Pao, Ms Rituparna Acharjee and Lamgan Wangsu, all from Rajiv Gandhi Government Polytechnic received the medals for their respective streams.

State Education Minister Bosiram Siram presented NSS Awards for the year 2009. Don Bosco College, Jully received the best NSS unit award, while Tashi Phuntso of Government College, Bomdila received the Best Programme Officer Award. Miss Mudang Rimung of Don Bosco College, Jully received the best volunteer award.

DDSEs directed to strictly

enforce guidelines in institutions

ITANAGAR, Feb 17: State Education Commissioner Hage Khoda has directed all deputy directors of School Education (DDSEs) in the districts to strictly enforce the rules and guidelines for regulating private and NGO managed schools established in the state.

In his inaugural address at the 2-day 8th All India School Education Survey orientation training progoramme today, Khoda stressed that henceforth, all private schools and Govt aided schools must have proper school infrastructure with adequate entrance and exit door and emergency door in the hostels and class rooms and also proper windows, ventilation provisions in order to avoid any untoward incidents in future.

He has cautioned all district officers to wake up and take precautionary measures in all the district of the state and strictly enforce the rules and regulations notified by the State Government from time to time for regulating private and NGO run schools in the state.

Palin incident that killed 10 innocent children in the last week should be an eye opener for all to take immediate safety and security measures, he said.

As the data based information of school system is very important in macro and micro level planning and management the Commissioner has directed all district level officers to take this training seriously and impart further training at the district and block levels.

He has also emphasized that the correct base line information will provide effective and scientific mechanism to assess all centrally sponsored schemes like Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and other impact assessment of centrally sponsored schemes of Mid Day Meal, ICT, Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan for universalisation of Secondary Education, teachers' training programme and Saakshar Bharat Mission, a national flagship programme for Adult Literacy programme for age group above 15 years.

The orientation training was sponsored by the NCERT and is being conducted by the Regional Coordinator, NCERT North Eastern Region and other Resource Persons of NCERT.

Director of School Education, Sr officers of School Education Department and all Deputy Directors of School Education of districts alongwith their statistical officials participated in the function.

The similar orientation training will be conducted at district and block levels subsequently to capture all information right from the grass root level.

The objective of the Survey is to develop data base to calculate and analyze a set of educational indicators.

Ali-Aye-Ligang celebrated with

traditional fervour and gaiety

Madhurjya Doley

ITANAGAR, Feb 17: Ali Aye Ligang, the main festival of the Mishings, was celebrated with traditional fervour and gaeity by the people of Mishing community residing in Capital Complex here today.

Hoisting the festival flag, Deputy Inspector General of Police Nabin Payeng highlighted the significance of the festival. He exhorted the community members to preserve their rich culture and tradition for identity as "loss of culture is loss of identity".

Festival organizing general secretary Debajit Pegu while expressing resentment over the poor presence of community members in the celebration, sought cooperation from everyone for development of the festival ground near the state Zoo. He also informed that the festival would be celebrated in a grand manner next year and sought everyone's spontaneous participation and cooperation.

Later, the revellers including young boys and girls with traditional attires danced to the tune of famous "Oi nitom" and drum beats (Dumdum-lupi). Apong and purang (bolied rice cake) were served to the participants and guests invited on the occasion.

Ali- Aye-Ligang festival is celebrated on the first Wednesday of Fagun month (between January and February) every year. The literal meaning of Ali- Aye-Ligang stands for first sowing of roots and fruits in which ‘Ali’ stands for seeds, ‘Aye’ for Fruits and ‘Ligang’ for sowing.

Our Roing correspondent adds: Ali-Aye-Ligang was also celebrated with pomp and show at Roing.

It was a day of merrymaking and dances for the Mishing community working under various government departments in the township.

Attending the festival as chief guest MLA Laeta Umbrey explained the importance of celebrating festival and appealed to community members to come forward and showcase their rich culture through festival.

Festival celebration committee member, S Sungkurang, narrated the significance of the festival.

Colourful cultural programmes were displayed by young girls, men and women in their traditional attire which added more colour to the festivity.

Beside, T Karga SP, Dature Miuli former ZPM chairperson, Panchayat Members, officials and people from other community participated in the celebration.

Report of Ali Aye Ligang celebration has also been received from Guwahati, Jorhat and Dibrugarh.

It is time for media men to get its due share

Taba Ajum

ITANAGAR, Feb. 17: Media is regarded as the fourth pillar of democracy but unfortunately in our state this fourth pillar has never been allowed to stand tall.

At a time when whole world is witnessing active media with launch of innumerable news channels and newspapers, in our state media is fighting hard to create a niche for itself. In various houses and streets of Arunachal, people often discuss about non-functioning of media but does anyone really bother to know the reasons behind it?

In Arunachal, presence of electronic media is almost non-existent and most of the print media are founded by people with their own vested interest. Lack of strong policy on the part of newspaper organizations has contributed to media being dwarfed. Moreover, it is not easy for the journalists to work independently as their effort may at times clash with the interest of influential section of the society.

This has contributed to many promising and prominent journalists from Arunachal leaving the media industry to venture into other fields as they could no longer work under strain and those who continue to toil are battling an uphill task.

Also in our state people are yet to realize true role of media, which has created a line between the media and people in coming closer.

“Being journalist in Arunachal is not an easy task. People here expect us to play role of taskmaster whereas in true sense we are only simple watchdog of society,” said one senior journalist who is working here for last 10 years. He further added, “Not a single week goes off without us witnessing any intimidating act or getting abuse in our office. It’s very easy for people to say media is not performing its duty but we only know under which stressful atmosphere we have to work.”

Moreover, with paltry sum of salary and tense work environment, journalists often struggle for inspirations to lift them from slumber.

“Like people of any other professions, we also strive for little bit of respect and appreciation from general public. Despite many odds, Press fraternity has never given up and has sincerely labored for highlighting real problems bothering our state,” told a journalist with leading English daily of the state.

Another aspect which hurts media person is the non-cooperative attitude of government agencies. “If ever we raise questions regarding the non-performance of any department they bully us by threatening not to supply advertisement on which newspapers are dependent for survival. Till the day newspapers of this state come out of their dependency on government ads, their independency will always be tampered.”

Demanding due share in the society, one of the senior journalists lamented that no any tangible initiative has been taken so far by any statutory body in the state level to encourage selfless services rendered by the journalists against all odds.

There is an urgent need for developing better understanding between public and media as down the line both are mutually dependent on each other. As state gears up to celebrate statehood day it is time media is given its due in our society.

In the present day scenario media felt the need of close cooperation from general people in carrying out their duty. People of this state have to come out and support Presspersons in their effort by carrying forward the issues raised by media to logical conclusion. Now ball is in the court of you Arunachalees!

Centre reiterates financial aid to state

ITANAGAR, Feb 17: AICC president Sonia Gandhi’s emissary V Narayanasamy, who led a high level Congress team today, reiterated all possible financial assistance to the state government at the Congress Legislators’ Party meeting here at Rajiv Gandhi Bhawan today.

Narayanasamy, AICC general secretary and Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, who arrived here along with AICC secretary Sanjay Bapna, while responding to the plea of CLP leader Dorjee Khandu, assured to take up with the Planning Commission for enhancing the state’s allocation to Rs 1,200 crore, early payment of Rs 300 crore as one time grant for meeting the liability of 6th Pay Commission implementation as promised by Sonia and Rs 300 crore as plan assistance to take up various developmental activities.

While appreciating the state government for introducing the third party monitoring and steps to tap the vast hydropower potentials, the union minister said the monitoring would make the development visible while the hydro-revenue would remove the fiscal deficiency of the state besides creating massive employment opportunities for the locals, party sources informed.

Narayansamy congratulated the CLP leader and APCC team led by president Nabam Tuki for the spectacular victory of the party in the last assembly and parliamentary elections. He also applauded the developmental initiatives undertaken by Khandu led government in the state on war footing.

Addressing the meeting earlier, he said when the Congress-led UPA government has been extending all out supports to put Arunachal on a fast track of development, the rank and file of the party should reciprocate by working unitedly to strengthen the party, particularly the hands of Sonia and Khandu.

At Palin, the Congress team including Bapna, APCC president Nabam Tuki, MP Takam Sanjoy, MLAs Takam Pario and Bamang Felix conveyed the deep sense of condolences on behalf of AICC president Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and assured all possible assistance of the central and state government while meeting the parents of the 10 students who perished in the February 10 fire incident.

The team visited the fire incident site, the Don Bosco School and interacted with the bereaved parents at the IB.

Poi-Lu-Fra celebrated with religious fervour

Chow Bilaseng Namchoom

Itanagar, Feb 17: Festivals, throughout the world, have a very significant role to play in our lives. They are the means by which we connect to our past culture and pay respect to all those customs, practices and even people who have had an impact on the way we lead our lives today.

Some festivals have their origin in famous legends while others have authentic incidents. Also, these festivals are celebrations of life on the whole. Buddhist festivals are no different. They aim to celebrate the important days in the life of Buddha and introduce the newer generation to His teachings and philosophies. Like any other, Buddhist Festivals are always a joyful occasion.

One such festival is Poi Lu Fra. Poi Lu Fra-a dedication ceremony of the Tai-Khampti was celebrated for three sizzling days which commenced from 15 February in a befitting manner at Theravada Buddhist Monastery premises.

Typically on this festival day, common people comes to the monastery and offers food to the monks and take the Five Precepts and listens to a Dharma talk of the learned ones.

Upasika Padi Kumuktara Namchoom and her family organized and dedicated the idols of Lord Buddha and Holy Scriptures in the dedication ceremony at the Theravada Monastery where monks and people from far and near participated in the ceremony. A procession with dedicated idols of Lord Buddha and Holy Scriptures was carried out in and around the Theravada Monastery along the Vivek Vihara Marg Itanagar.

Delivering his religious discourse on the occasion, Reverend Bhikhu Akkhayananda of Tripura dwelt in length teachings of Buddhism.

He also called on the devotees to deal all other fellow human beings fairly and objectively, while refraining from malice, aggression and harm. Tolerance is essential, but it is not enough. We must go further, and make positive effort to learn more about each other, and to discover what is best in each other’s beliefs and traditions as the Buddhist religion is a human centered religion, he added.

Furthermore, he hoped that it will inspire each of us to think beyond our narrow, short-term self-interest, and raise ourselves to a universal perspective from which the welfare of the broader human community appears as important as our own well-being.

The other highlight of the threes days were offering of food to the monks, illumination of lamps in and around the monastery premises in the evening, distribution of food to the guests.

West Kameng takes precautionary

measures in schools

BOMDILA, Feb 17: The District Administration of West Kameng have directed all its Administrative Officers for formation of a Committee consisting of one PRI member, an engineer from PWD and Power to be headed by the concerned Circle Officer to take stock of infrastructure and safety norms in schools.

The Committee is to submit the report accordingly besides the action taken report like issue of notice where requirements are not met within first of March to the Deputy Commissioner.

The DDSE of the district has also been directed to submit a consolidated report within the same time frame after obtaining reports from the concerned principal and Headmasters regarding availability of proper infrastructure and safety measures in all the schools and residential hostels of the district.

The Additional DC (hq) have been made the nodal officer.

The decision has been necessitated consequent upon the recent unfortunate fire accident at Palin in Kurung Kumey district of the state where the hostel of a private school was gutted down leading to the death of several innocent school children.

What remains to be seen is that, would the Education Department or the State government bring in some legislation regarding the safety measures to be adopted in the schools and residential hostels, or, if any such legislation exists, would it care or dare to implement it so that the Palin episode does not reoccur? (DIPRO)

Changlang reviews the

progress of central schemes

CHANGLANG, Feb 17: The third review meeting of District Level Monitoring Committee, Changlang on Central Sponsored Schemes was held here yesterday.

Various schemes under SPA, ACA, NEC, CRF, NLCPR, RIDF, PMGSY, PM’s Package, DoTC and Normal plan Scheme of the departments were discussed at length.

Deputy Commissioner-cum-Chairman Dr S B Deepak Kumar, IAS while expressing his satisfaction over the comprehensive reports presented by Executive Engineers of various works departments urged them to complete the schemes within stipulated time.

He asked all the EEs and public leaders to closely monitor the schemes with constant field visits to ensure quality work and timely completion of the schemes.

The meeting was attended by Chairperson, ZPM Junpu Jugli , ZPM, Changlang(S) Marina Kenglang, ZPM, Changlang (N), John Jugli, ZPM Nampong Khingranong Tikhak, ADC, Jairampur M Roy, ADC, Bordumsa S S Choudhary, EAC, Miao G Hazarika and other outpost Administrative officers of Changlang district. (DIPRO)

UAEA to stage dharna on

Statehood Day celebration

ITANAGAR, Feb 17: Angry over state Govt’s step-motherly attitude towards unemployed engineers of the state in redressing their various grievances, the Unemployed Arunachalee Engineers’ Association (UAEA) has decided to stage peaceful dharna at Indira Gandhi Park on Statehood Day celebration on February 20.

"We had no intention to gatecrash the statehood day celebration. The union is left with no other option, but to resort to go for democratic means to protest against govt’s wrong policies," said UAEA president Yumlam Aam.

UAEA had recently organized a peaceful rally in protest against illegal appointments, intra-departmental deputation of engineers, nepotism and favouritism rampant in various work departments.

UAEA has been in agitating mode since it took up the issue due to the dilly-dallying tactics adopted by the govt in redressing Union’s grieavances.

Meanwhile, UAEA has vehemently condemned the alleged assault on an Executive Engineer (EE) at Roing the district headquarter of Lower Dibang Valley district recently.

"Such barbaric act deserves condemnation from all quarters", the union said and demanded the Govt. to bring the culprit to book immediately.

New ambulances flagged off

for Bameng and Wakka PHC

ITANAGAR, Feb 17: Parliament Secretary Health, Nido Pavitra flagged off two new ambulances for Primary Health Centre (PHC) Bameng, East Kameng and Wakka, Tirap Dist on Feb 17 at office premises of the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM), Naharlagun.

Mission Director Talem Tapok briefed about the PPP program adopted by the state Govt. with the NGOs and expressed his satisfaction over the performance of the NGOs in the management of PHCs. Nodal Officer, NRHM Dr Padung also briefed about the current health scenario of the state.

The Parliamentary secretary inspected the ambulances and satisfied about the facilities and arrangements available.

Among others MLA Yajuli, Likha Saaya, Dr K. Nishing, Directorate of Health Services, Dr H. Tam, Deputy Director, Dr Byabang Rana, Advisor to Karuna Trust and other officers of Health Department were present on the occasion.

The main objective of procuring new ambulances is to provide better health care facilities by providing 24 hours referral service to the patient of both the PHC areas.

Both the new ambulances were purchased by Karuna Trust under the Public Private Partnership program (PPP) of NRHM. Karuna Trust has been managing nine Primary Health Centres under Public Private Partnership Program of NRHM since January 2006 in the state. Till the taking over of PHCs, the Trust has provided total nine ambulances to its PHCs in the state.

Kri exhorts doctors for better

health delivery system

TEZU, Feb 17: Parliamentary Secretary Transport Karikho Kri while inaugurating the two storied building for Obstetric & Gynaecology at District Hospital on 16th of Feb last has called on the doctors to ensure better health care to the people.

“Our services are meant for the people and Doctors should be committed to quality health delivery system so that people have faith in medical science rather than rolling back to blind traditional faith and religious conversion”, he said.

A long drawn out effort have been made for the last six years to provide essential amenities like Laparoscopic Camera, Fogging machine, Modern Microscope , Ophthalmologic Wing , Blood Bank , Road connectivity, drainage system , boundary wall etc. to make it one of the model hospitals of the state. The Doctors should make best use of the facilities and cater quality services to the needy people adding that hospital ambulance will soon be sought for 24x7 services in the district HQ and its adjoining areas. The government officials are backbone for all developments and sense of responsibility and work culture is need of the hour, he added.

Speaking on the occasion Lohit Deputy Commissioner Kaling Tayeng reiterated the need of Child , Medicine Specialist and posting of more medical officer for emergency duties . He also disclosed that all fund under the District Health Society are released fully and asked the health authorities monitor fund utilisation by Village Health & Sanitation Committee. Remarkable Developments have come up in the Hospital for patients and doctors and urged the medical fraternity to bear with other necessities and maintain the Zeal and sprite of serving.

Earlier , Dr N Ninu District Medical Officer Tezu highlighted the achievement and problems of the Hospital. Tezu DRCHO Dr. N. Geiyi , gave an over view of NRHM activities in the District and express his thanks to Mission Director State NRHM and Deputy Director for extending help and support. (DIPRO)

Workshop on cane and bamboo handicrafts

ITANAGAR, Feb 17: A “Design and Technical Development Workshop” on Cane and Bamboo handicrafts concluded on Feb 15 last.

It was sponsored by Development Commissioner, Handicrafts, union ministry of textiles.

Speaking at the valedictory function Dr. Monuj Baruah, MO PHC, appreciated the Kera Dadig Welfare Society for engaging itself in the development, promotion and marketing of Handicrafts or other developmental activities for upliftment of weaker section of the society.

Er. Sobo Sitiang Eko, ASW, PWD, Sangram division suggested the trainees to continue to produce finish products of cane and bamboo crafts for marketing which will help in upliftment of economic condition of poor peoples. He also distributed certificate to the 30 participants.

The participants were trained on 15 new decorative prototypes design purely based on cane and bamboo crafts by Jagadish Sarmah, empanelled designer, D.C. (Handicrafts), NER and Master Craftsman during the training.

Tourism awareness prog held, Solid Waste Disposal Scheme soon at Roing

ROING, Feb 17: A week long Tourism Awareness Programme organized by the department of Tourism, Govt of Arunachal Pradesh at Roing concluded today with a social service at Roing Bazaar area.

Participating in the cleanliness drive under the banner of Eco-Tourism, Laeta Umbrey, local legislator has called upon each and every sections of the society to make Roing township clean and tourist friendly. He lauded the initiative taken by the Tourism Department and exhorted them to continue the same. He also informed that proposed Solid Waste Disposal Scheme amounting to Rs 2.67 Crores for Roing Township under District Urban Development Agency has been sanctioned by the Govt. and the scheme will be implemented soon.

Earlier, in the inaugural function Lod Gambo, SDO (SADAR) presiding over the programme has solicited the department for much needed programme as the district has vast tourism potentials and can be a tourist hub in future if given the needed exposure and training to the people.

T. Karga, Superintendent of Police participating in the programme has dealt at length on the safety measures of tourist.

Jibi Pulu, a prominent tour operator of the district has emphasized on infrastructure development to accommodate and attract tourist and sought for proper identification of local guides and the role & responsibilities of local guides.

Apart from imparting training to PRIs, NGOs, SHGs, Govt. Officers, Tour Operators, Hotelliers, Hotel Managers, Auto & Taxi Drivers in regards to handling of tourists, communication skills, cleanliness, hygiene etc, Trekking to Ezengo Hills under Adventure Tourism, Local Food Up gradation Programme and identification of Local Entertainment Group were held.

Manna Bengia, District Tourism Officer (Hq), Itanagar, Tako Yadam, Tourism Information Officer, Govt. of India and Chuku Mama, Lecturer from Polytechnic College, Itanagar were the resource persons. (DIPRO)

Earthquake hits Arunachal

ITANAGAR: A low intensity earthquake hit Arunachal Pradesh early on Wednesday morning.

The office of the Meteorological Department said, "An earthquake of slight intensity hit Arunachal Pradesh in the wee hours on Wednesday."

The tremor measuring 4.0 on the Richter scale occurred at 2:28 a.m. with its epicentre at 27.8 degrees north Latitude and 92.8 degrees east Longitude, added the Meteorological Department.

However, there are no reports of loss of life and property from anywhere in the state. Agencies

Sri Sri arriving today

ITANAGAR: Renowned spiritual and humanitarian leader and founder of the Art of Living His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is arriving in Itanagar on Thursday on a four-day visit to Arunachal Pradesh.

Relief assistance approved

AALO: Altogether 2038 victims of crop damage, 35 fire victims and two more fire victims on special case were considered and approved for relief assistance in the entire West Siang district in a District Relief Committee Meeting held here on Feb16.

West Siang Deputy Commissioner Amjad Tak, while initiating the meeting urged the members for proper verification of the cases so that none of the actual victims were left out. The basis of fixation of relief amounts to each victim was of break-up range as per norms. All the cases were duly forwarded by the Circle Level Committee. DIPRO

IMWA to work for crime free Itanagar

ITANAGAR, Feb 17: Bamang Taji and Biri Kame have been elected as president and general secretary of the Itanagar Market Welfare Association in its general election held on February 13 last.

Meanwhile, IMWA president Bamang Taji said the association will work closely with the law enforcement authorities to make Itanagar crime free zone in order to create people friendly market atmosphere.

It also cautioned against forcefull selling of calenders, harikmal expo, housie and lottery tickets and collection of donations in the market area.

Condolences

ITANAGAR, Feb 17: Expressing deep shock over the recent Palin fire incident, the Palin Area Youth Welfare Association (PAYWA) condoled the death of children and conveyed deep sense of condolences to the bereaved families and prayed to Almighty for eternal peace of the departed souls.

NYP’s awareness camp

ITANAGAR, Feb 17: National Youth Project of Arunachal Pradesh would organize a one day Awareness Camp on Rural Industry Service Centre (RISC) and Product Development, Design Intervention and Packaging (PRODIP), a Khadi & Village Industries Commission sponsored programme at Hotel Arun Subansiri on Feb 19.

Commissioner, Industry, Textile, Trade & Commerce M. Pertin and Director, Textile, Handloom & Handicraft Khoda Ruja would attend the programe as Chief Guest and Guest of Honour respectively.

Effots on check forest fire

ITANAGAR, Feb 17: In an effort to check forest fire, the Banderdewa Forest division has intensified patrolling to check the outbreak of forest fire in and Itanagar. During its patrolling on Feb 16, the Banderdewa DFO Tasso Sira and his team prevented a forest fire at Banderdewa and save adjoining areas too.

The division also investigate into the fire and lodged an FIR in Banderdewa police station for further investigation.

Technical sub-committees formed

ITANAGAR, Feb 17: The Projects’ Coordination Committee Meeting of VHAI-managed AYUSH projects was held at Itanagar. The committee decided that all procedures of the clinical trials need to be properly followed before initiating mini clinical trials in project areas. Five technical sub-groups are formed, under the chairmanship of subject-matter-specialist, to help strengthen both the projects.

Sagalee Nyokum celebrations

ITANAGAR, Feb 17: MLA T Norbu Thongdok would be the Chief Guest at the Sagalee Nyokum Yullo Festival Celebration on Feb 26, according to a release by Sagalee Nyokum Yullo Celebration Committee.

President All Nyishsi Students Union would be the Chief Guest at the Miss Nyokum contest and cultural show on Feb 25 while general Secy ANSU Nilly Likha Tabo would be the Chief Guest at sports meet on Feb 20.

Kidzee Annual fest

ITANAGAR, Feb 17: KIDZEE-Kids Angel School of Niti VIhar, Itanagar celebrated its 2nd Annual Fest day at Siddhartha Vihar Community Hall. MLA Kumsi Sidisow who was the Chief Guest complemented the children for their superb performances and said that right school can make all the difference to shape the life of youngsters. He gifted sweets to the children and donated some money with a promise to visit the tiny tots in their school.

Tirap DC felicitated

KHONSA, Feb 17: The APCS officers of Tirap district felicitated W. Lowang on becoming the Deputy Commissioner of Tirap.

At a simple on 11th February, 2010, the APCS officers expressed happiness over the elevation of Lowang to the post of Deputy Commissioner who had served as Additional Deputy Commissioner at Khonsa and Longding in spite of being placed at Administration Grade.

He is only second Deputy Commissioner from Tirap after P. Hosai who had a brief stint as DC, Dibang Valley. Unassuming and man of few words, Lowang is known for his strict adherence to rules.

The general public had also welcomed Lowang’s promotion to the post of DC and they hope that he would bring about effective administration, especially law and order in the backdrop of insurgency problem in the district. (DIPRO)

Historic Parasuram Kund under threat

Guwahati, Feb 17: Historic Parasuram Kund is under threat with a new massive dam coming up in Arunachal Pradesh, sanction of which has been given by the Union Environment Ministry last week.

After Bt Brinjal blaze, the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) has apparently ignited a fire by granting environmental clearance to the 1759 MW Demwe Lower hydroelectric project in Arunachal Pradesh.

Estimated to take five years to be constructed and cost over Rs 13,144 crore, this project entailing a 163.12 metre-high dam was granted to Athena Demwe Private Limited.

The proposed site is perilously close to a famous sacred place Parasuram Kund, where millions of Hindus gather every January for the Makar Sankranti bath. Local Mishmi tribal people also revere the spot and organize two festivals there.

The clearance for the mega-dam on Lohit, one of three rivers which join to form the Brahmaputra downstream, on February 12 came sans a downstream impact assessment sought by the Assam Assembly in December last year.

It also followed a ''farcical public consultation and appraisal'' and a ''backdoor NOC'' from the Parasuram Kund Improvement Society (PKIC).

The society controls the sacred place where sage Parasuram, Vishnu's sixth avatar, is said to have dipped here.

''The site selected for this hydroelectric project is 800 metres upstream of Parasuram Kund, while the powerhouse would be 600 metres closer. The NOC from the PKIC was obtained, but without consent from its governing body,'' said former PKIC chairman Khapriso Krong from Tezu, headquarters of Lohit district.

''The additional divisional commissioner of the area issued the NOC unilaterally,'' he charged.

''Lohit has a uniform flow of 400 cumecs throughout the day during January and February. But the post-project flow will fluctuate from a low of 34 cumecs for 18-19 hours daily in January to a high of 1729 cumecs for 5-6 hours. This will drastically affect the natural flow and the ecology of the area,'' said Pune-based anti-dam activist Neeraj Vagholikar.

The MoEF claimed to have addressed this issue through 'green conditions' for Demwe Lower.

''The project will release normal lean season flow for a period of seven days during mela (Sankranti) period at Parsuram Kund in January as per the condition stipulated by PKIC, the financial allocation for the protection of Parasuram Kund should be enhanced from Rs two crore to about Rs ten crore for creating appropriate amenities, infrastructure and safeguards as decided by PKIC,'' according to MoEF Additional Director S Bhowmik's letter to Athena Managing Director K Seethayya.

The Assam Assembly had in December last year constituted a House Committee to study the downstream impact of various dams including Demwe.

The Union Power Ministry was also intimated for scrutiny of various notifications, leading to the setting up of hydropower projects.

''We will seek an explanation on how Demwe got environmental clearance without the House Committee submitting its report,'' said a government spokesperson declining to be quoted. UNI