The Arunachal Times - Archives

Thousands take holy dip in Parshuram Kund

NAMSAI, Jan 15: Around 60,000 devotees including hundreds of Sadhus from across the country took a holy dip in Parshuram Kund in Lohit District on the occasion of Makar Sankranti yesterday. Most of the pilgrims were from Nepal, Manipur, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and various parts of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, according to Namsai ADC R. K. Sharma.

Last year about 80,000 pilgrims thronged the kund and took a holy dip. This year the number of visitors is expected to be about same which may be completed till end of this month. However, a few vehicles carrying pilgrims are still coming in.

On the mela site free food is provided to the pilgrims by the Parshuram Sewa Samity of Tinsukia, Manav Utthan Seva Samity, Tinsukia and some other NGOs.

Free medical camp has also been organized by Arunachal Pali Vidyapith, Chongkham and Arun Jyoti. Round the clock volunteers to help the old and aged pilgrims and to control the crowd are provided by Vivekananda Kendra and Arun Jyoti,Tezu. The District police authorities made elaborate and unprecedented security arrangements and deployed adequate Police and Para Military Forces. Army also beefed up the security in the area.

All other departments like Forest, RWD, Power and PHED extended all necessary help to make the pilgrimage cosy and comfortable to the visitors. The District Administration headed by Lohit DC Kaling Tayeng, Supdt of Police Isaac Pertin, Namsai ADC R.K.Sharma, Wakro CO cum Mela officer K. Nyodu personally supervised all the arrangements whereas 3 Magistrates from Namsai have also been deployed. Because of inflow of large number of tourists and vehicles the police force faced a very tough time in managing them.

Parasuram Kund, nestled in the lower reaches of Lohit River in Lohit district of Arunachal Pradesh has been regarded as holy place for Hindu devotees. Every year in the month of January, (Usually January 14 but this year 15), the devotees or Pilgrims from abroad and country thronged to the Kund to take a holy dip in the river, and has its own importance.

The legendary butchering of his mother’s head by Parashuram and eventual penance followed by taking a bath in the so called Bhrama Kund, has added religious significance to this naturally beautiful Parashuram Kund.

The legendary story of Parashuram Kund also finds its mention in many puranic texts in different ways. However, it is believed that Parashuram was born to saint Jamadagni and Renuka in Treta yug.

One day, Renuka, after her bath in Ganga was on her way back to the Ashram when she saw the Gandhrava King Chitraratha playing with the celestial nymphs. She felt drawn to the king chitraratha and lost the track of time.

When she returned with wet cloths, frightened and absent minded, it was already time for the mid-day worship in the Ashram. Jamadagni, who was worried over the delay of her returning from her bath, could perceive why she was late.

Jamadgani then became so much furious for this unusual conduct of Renuka that he lost his self-control. He asked his father’s cruel mandate as a dutiful son. He came forward and killed his mother, as he was fully aware of his father’s power of Tapasya. He even killed his brothers because they did not carry out their father’s command.

Here at this Kund, the legendary sage Parshuram gets atoned from his sin of matricide.

Thus, it is believed that if a person takes a dip in the Kund once, his sins would be wiped out forever. The inflow of pilgrims in large number shows their faith in this holy place which is the main driving spirit in making them travel so long and to face many odds and inconveniences. The Parsuram kund mela committee and Namsai ADC have very sincerely apologise the pilgrims to whom much comfort and amenities could not be provided specially for accommodation due to poor financial condition of the committee and informed that although some dormitories and accommodation alongwith steps to the kund have been made this year efforts are also being made to improve them further for the coming years.

Tuki spell out priorities in urban development

ITANAGAR, Jan 15: Arunachal Pradesh UD and PWD Minister Nabam Tuki has spelt out the priority agenda in urban sector in a review meeting cum workshop organized by the department of UD today.

The very important issues like sanitation, sewerage, social housing, parking places, solid waste management, housing for urban poor, water supply, street lights, community centers, township roads should be given utmost importance and be developed at any costs, he said.

Tuki, however, stressed on the need for maintaining discipline and work culture in the department and advised the staff to work hard and set example for other departments.

Our aim should be clean and green environment friendly cities which are self sustainable with all basic facilities and infrastructures, he added.

He further advised the department to carry out awareness campaign on the global warming so that the urbanization does not lead to degradation of our environment.

Lamenting over the lack of proper regulation, planning and implementation in schemes Tuki said that such improper planning leads to chaos in our towns and cities.

The encroachment of urban spaces with construction of unstable and improper buildings may lead to loss of lives and properties during earthquakes, floods, storms and other natural disasters. The congested and dilapidated roads are choked due to lack of proper mass urban transport facilities. The issue of sanitation and generating awareness for maintaining clean neighborhoods among the people need holistic approach by involving people themselves, he said.

The Department is managing the sanitation and solid waste management activities with a meager allocation. However, we can not carry on these activities without cooperation and awareness from the public; Therefore, we should explore the possibility of outsourcing or run it in PPP mode, he said.

He further emphasized upon the quality implementation of the schemes/ projects by the Department and said that poor quality of the works will only attract bad name for all of us. We should maintain all the necessary formalities while executing the schemes and work quality should not be compromised at any cost. “Most of the time we run after the schemes, but what I see is instead of haphazardly implementing many schemes at one go”, it is always better to implement a few schemes with good quality and better service. There will be no dearth of schemes and projects if we all work sincerely, he said.

He also highlighting on activities of the department said that the Department is not only a Works Department but it is a Directorate which has the responsibility to monitor and implement many welfare schemes for urban poor. Many urban poverty alleviation programmes like SJSRY, VAMBAY, RAY etc. are not getting the importance it deserves. The development of Infrastructures and welfare schemes should go hand in hand. He urged the officers and staff to work hard for uplifting the poor people living in the urban areas of the state.

He further, advising the officers to maintain the Official discipline said that Officers are quite often found absent from their headquarters which affects smooth functioning of the Department.

Picnic turns into social work

ITANAGAR, Jan 15: Members of Rotary Club of Itanagar organized picnic on the bank of Poma River on Jan 14 in a unique away. The Rotarians headed by Jarjum Ete, president Krishore Nath, secretary Abhijit Chakraborty conducted a social work instead of merry making in order to clean the up the garbage, debris left out by many picnic parties earlier on the bank of the river. Other Rotarians who participated in cleanliness drive are Tomi Ete, Tage Taki, Jayashree Gosh, Madhuparna Bhattacharya, J K Sarka, KC O Reddy and T Madhusudhan among others.

APPDSU demands Govt college at Yupia

ITANAGAR, Jan 15: All Papum Pare District Students Union (APPDSU) has appealed the Commissioner Education for establishment of new government college with Arts, Commerce and Science streams at Yupia for the greater interest of the student and the state as well.

In a memorandum to the Commissioner, the students union highlighting the present problems of the Dera Natung Government College said that the college is overcrowded with students. As a result, it is facing educational, accommodation and other infrastructural development problems.

Meanwhile, the Union appealed the authority for immediate closure of DNGC Boys hostel for the session 2009-10. The College hostel has become a breeding ground of anti-social elements. Moreover the hostel is also in dilapidated condition. Therefore, the authority needs careful monitoring of prevailing scenario before initiating any steps to re-accommodate all the displaced students.

Demanding 70% hostel seat reservation for Papum pare district students, the union also suggested that the hostel should be under the proper care and guidance of hostel warden to maintain decorum of the college.

It also demanding immediate sanction of fund for construction of DDSE Office building at Yupia, immediate shifting and accommodation of DDSE Office within one month said that the old office building of Directorate of School Education at Naharlagun near Directorate of Health Services, Naharlagun is purely constructed by the Education Department. However, the said building is now being used by Arunachal Battalion, National Cadet Corps and the DDSE is finding too hard to carry out its functions efficiently and effectively.

It further demanding sufficient supply of NCERT Text Books in every schools of the district informed that despite of Government's effort to avail every student with sufficient NCERT text books, there is severe shortage of text books in every schools of the district. Whereas, 100% of the students are supposed to receive text books, only meager 10% to 15% students have received or receiving so far, which is a great concern for the District.

The union also stressing on shortage of Headmaster, Vice Principal and lack of infrastructure

Appealed the commissioner for creation of Headmaster and Vice Principal post for secondary school and higher secondary school and also sanction fund for infrastructural development of various secondary and higher secondary schools of the district at earliest.

Saaya’s New Year gift for people of Yachuli

ZIRO, Jan 15: Realizing the urgent need of tourism infrastructure to boost tourism sector, Yachuli MLA Likha Saaya yesterday announced Rs. One Crore for construction of a Circuit House at Yachuli.

Saaya, who was attending a New Year celebration cum development meeting organized by three Anchal Segments of Yachuli, Mai and Zath at Yachuli under Lower Subansiri district, also announced Rs. 10 Lakh for Community Hall at Mai village and another Rs.10 Lakh for carpeting of approach road to BDO cum CO’s office. He also announced Rs. Five Lakh each for carpeting the approach road to JNV and construction of Helipad at Yachuli.

On water supply scheme of Yachuli township, the MLA, who is also APEDA, said that it has been one of his priority agendas and assured to take up the matter with the department concerned on priority basis. He further informed that he had already discussed with the state Chief Minister on early construction of permanent ADC office building at Yachuli and assured that he will get it inaugurated by Dorjee Khandu by March next.

While assuring to upgrade the Yachuli Middle School to Secondary School and Mai Primary School to Middle School, Saaya also advised the District Medical Officers to initiate works on necessary infrastructural development of Yachuli Primary Health Center.

Besides visiting JNV, Divisional Commissioner’s office site, Primary Health Center, the MLA also addressed the students of JNV and interacted with the officers and staff of the PHC.

The development meeting was also attended by Likha Tongam, Chairperson, Lower Subansiri Zilla Parishad, District level officers, senior citizens, party workers, panchayat leaders and general public of Zath, Yachuli and Mai Anchal segments.

Earlier, on December 29, while upgrading Tajgi Primary School to Middle school, Saaya announced Rs. Five Lakh for construction of a community Hall and Rs. One Lakh for construction of Boys’ Hostel at Tajgi. In another developmental meeting at Dem, the MLA announced Rs. Five Lakh for construction of a Community Hall for Dem village and assured to take up with the concerned authorities for early construction of PMGSY road from Dem to Seya.

State legal service authority visit state jail

ITANAGAR, Jan 15: Following the directions of the National Legal Services Authority, a team of Arunachal Pradesh State Legal Services headed by C.P.Mansai, Member Secretary visited the Arunachal Pradesh state jail at Jully Village near Itanagar. Other members of the team of officers include S.Choudhary, Jt Secy, Law, Dani Belo, Law Officer, P.L. Das and B.Bhatacharya,OSD, State Legal Services Authority. The team interacted with the inmates about the conditions of the jail and various other facilities provided by the jail authorities.

The team after inspection of the Jail found that most of the UTP Jail Inmates were kept in the lock-up without ever being produced regularly before the Court, which is clear violation of the legal provisions of law. The authority shall be taking up the said matter with the Police and the Judiciary concerned.

However, the team was highly appreciative of the works of Michi Paku, S.P (Prison) in taking all steps to provide every facility to the inmates as was evident in the visits, according to an official release.

45 Tarasso farmers trained on aquaculture

ITANAGAR, Jan 15: In one of the technology out -reach programme in Papumpare district, altogether 45 farmers of Tarasso circle were trained on Intensive Aquaculture by Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), in collaboration with Dist Fisheries Development officer (DFDO) , Yupia on Jan 14 and 15. The programme was sponsored by National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), Hyderabad.

The trainees were the selected beneficiaries from different villages of Tarasso area (Radaso, Daria bill, Town bill, Rampla ,Torobill, Pampla.etc) . They have been imparted training on various subjects on fish farming including the Integrated farming system in addition to intensive aquaculture, the trainees were highlighted regarding the importance and need for Conservation of natural resources and wild life sector by Dr. T. Heli. (P.C ,KVK Papumpare) in his inaugural address.

The layout ,design and construction of fish pond , fish pond management and value addition on fish products were covered by Sri Nabam James (DFDO , Yupia) , Sri Vivekanand Safi (SMS , Fisheries. KVK). in the programme.

Upper Siang reviewed development activities, R-Day preparation

ITANAGAR, Jan 15: Pawan Kumar Sain, Deputy Commissioner, Upper Siang held marathon meetings with Dunggoli Libang, ZP chairperson, ZPMs, Anchal Samity chairpersons and officers regarding the celebration of ensuing Republic Day and specified responsibilities for its befitting celebration.

The Governing body meeting of the DRDA was also held where various on- going schemes were assessed. Various schemes were proposed and approved in the meeting.

District Level Relief Committee (DLRC) also met where the amount distributed for fire victim circle-wise, immediate reliefs, flood damages, crop damages etc. were approved. Pawan Kumar Sain, instructed that it has to be ensured that the actual victim gets the relief assistance.

In Agricultural Technology Mission Agency (ATMA) meeting it was informed that there are interstate exposure visits where progressive farmers of different sectors are selected. Farmer- Scientist interactions, training, District Level exhibitions are the other components of ATMA.

In the District Level Tourism Committee, various ongoing schemes in the district was reviewed. The D.C. instructed the departments to complete the works in time.

He also said that the projects selection should be on merit and should be useful. He also instructed that for construction of Tourist Lodges the power and water supply facility has to be given priority. Bat- cave at Pongging has to be developed as tourist spot and a tourist lodge was proposed to be constructed there.

In the DUDA meeting source of fund generation for maintenance of town cleanliness and hygiene was discussed and worked out.

In the meeting regarding Highway, the compensation components of Agriculture, Horticulture, electrical, telephone, irrigation, water supply etc. were taken up. The departments were asked to review the earlier proposals and frame realistic valuations and submit them in time.

The Deputy Commissioner also informed that a mega medical camp will be held at Tuting to treat the people of the interior areas for which he sought co-operation from all the departments. DIPRO

K/Kumey bat for hydro projects

ITANAGAR, Jan 15: A meeting of all the elected representatives, officers, social workers, student leaders and senior public leader of Kurung Kumey district was organized on Friday by Lokam Tassar, parliamentary secretary, Food and Civil Supplies. The meeting was presided over by Pisa Gunia, ZPM-chairperson of Kurung Kumey. MLA’s Bamang Felix, Er. Markio Tado, Takam Tagar and Remo Kamki, Deputy Commissioner of Kurung Kumey were present during the meeting.

During the meeting everyone present stressed upon the importance of working together for speedy development of district. Speaking on the occasion, parliamentary secretary Lokam Tassar stressed on the need for setting up of mega hydro electric projects as district boast of large rivers with potential to generate abundant power. “Developmental projects like hydro electric can create job opportunities for many local youths which will lead to progress of district as well reducing migration of people from Kurun Kumey to other parts of state,” said Tassar.

In his address Bamang Felix, MLA Nyapin constituency emphasize the importance of bringing all circle headquarters under road connectivity and also for preparation of comprehensive plan on educational sector. Tali area MLA, Er.Markio Tado believed that people of area should evolve sense of responsibility and belongingness for any developmental work to get success. He also expressed hope that authorities would provide sufficient fund for completion of Yangte-Tali road in time. Takam Tagar, MLA Palin constituency impressed the need of proper vigilance for the implementation of Rajiv Gandhi Gramin Vaidyutikaran Yojana (RGGVY) scheme in the district.

After marathon discussion, the house unanimously adopted various resolutions to be taken up with state Govt on priority basis. According to some of the resolutions adopted in the meeting all the MLAs of the district shall apprise the state Govt for setting up mega Hydro projects in the district, creation and posting of sufficient doctors and other health staff with fund provision, changing of SSA guidelines in Kurung Kumey, for single wholesale nominee cum carriage contractor of PDS items in entire district, creation of adequate posts in various departments with proper facilities in the district, creation of separate working division like WRD, Hydro power and many others issues.

Gayatri Mahayagna to promote and protect intrinsic human values

Ranjit Sinha

ITANAGAR, Jan 15: The Gayatri Parivar Fraternity of Arunachal Pradesh is agog with hectic activities for smooth organization of the 24 Kundiya Gayatri Mahayagna and Pragya Puran Katha at Nyikum Niya ground from Jan 17 next. A large pandel is being erected to facilitate participation of thousands of people from all walks of life.

The five-day programme is being organized as a part of the centenary celebration of the Yug-Rishi Taponistha Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya, the founder patron of World Gayatri Parivar under the guidance of Shantikunj, Haridwar.

The first day of the great spiritual extravaganza will begin with a spectacular Kalash yatra. On and from Jan 18, the much awaited 24 Kundiya Gayatri Mahayagna will be solemnized along with other spiritual activities.

A Philosopher par excellence, Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya was born on 20th September 1911 in the village Anwalkhera, Agra. The gist of Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya’s message is the lighting up of human consciousness to a higher and nobler realm of light, love and life instinct with divine harmony and joy.

According to North East organizer of the Gayatri Parivar Fraternity, Dilip Bardwaj, the Gayatri Mantra is the reliever of diseases, the mantra wards off all misery. It is beneficial to all who chant it with full faith. If the Gayatri Mantra is chanted with full devotion various kinds of powers will emerge in us. Therefore, it should be chanted by all irrespective of religious believe and faith for the benefit of the whole world, he said.

The yagna and gayatri chanting proved to be beneficial to mankind and environments too. Both the energies - hit from Yagna and sound from Gayatri chanting are combined to achieve the desired human benefits. The purified smoke which emanates from the yogna help reduces pollution, said organizing committee president Dr. Hui Tag.

Committee chairman Neelam Rani said, the yagna will be beneficial to all people of the state. Gayatri chanting is a way of life for all. She appealed all irrespective of religious belief to come round this spiritual extravaganza and derive benefit out of it.

Gorkha XI clinch Yaja Waii Memorial T20 Cricket

Seppa, Jan 15: Gorkha XI outsmarted Chayang Tajo XI by two wickets in the summit clash of the Yaja Waii Memorial Twenty20 Cricket Cup 2009-10 at General Ground here yesterday and pocketed cash prize of Rs.50,000.

Chasing a moderate target of 103 runs set by Chayang Tajo XI to win, Gorkha XI reached the destination in 19.1 losing eight wickets. Gorkha XI, however, lost two quick wickets in the form of Prem Rai and Suraj Rai. While Prem was run out by Tsering Jomoh, Suraj was caught at slip by Chacho Digging off a delivery from Atum Sonam Waii.

Just when the match looked slipped out of their grip with score reading 33/4, Skipper Vijay Tamang came in as messiah and played a brilliant innings of 34 run to lead the team to victory. He was declared man of the match.

Earlier, riding on Sanam Bagang’s 21 runs Chayang Tajo Cricket Club set a moderate target of 103 to win. Skipper Chungma Bagang’s decision to bat first backfired as their opening pair of Rahim Yangfo (6 runs off 11 balls) and Judi Bagang (4 runs off 12 balls) were soon sent back to the pavilion. However, the pair of Sanam Bagang and Tsering Jomoh took the total to a respectable 102. Gorkha XI skipper Vijay Tamang and his younger brother Purna Tamang, who hauled four wickets each, removed all CCC tailenders.

Atum Sonam Waii, who became highest wicket taker, was adjudged the man of the series for his all round performance and pocketed a total of Rs 7,500 as prize money.

Runners up team Chayang Tajo XI walked away with cash prize of Rs 25000.

APPDSU decides to boycott NY Convention

ITANAGAR, Jan 15: All Papum Pare District Students’ Union has decided to boycott from participation in the forthcoming VIII Nyishi Youth Convention to be held at Daporijo from January 27 for non-fulfillment of its demand for retainment of title in the sports events as Tana Doya Archery Competition.

Belliappa is honorary AUQA auditor

ITANAGAR: Prof. K.C. Belliappa, Vice-Chancellor, Rajiv Gandhi University, Rono Hills has been appointed as Honorary Auditor of Australian Universities Quality Agency (AUQA), Melbourne, Victoria for a term of two years. Dr. David Woodhouse, Executive Director of AUQA in the letter of appointment has thanked Prof. K.C. Belliappa for agreeing to work for AUQA as an auditor.

GB rising day celebration

ITANAGAR: All Sagalee Sub-Division Gaon Burah Welfare Association is celebrating its rising day at Sagalee on January 20.

PWD and UD Minister Nabam Tuki and ADC Sagalee would attend the function as Chief Guest and Guest of Honour respectively.

NABARD sponsors SHGs in Tezu Expo

ITANAGAR: In order to promote the products of SHG members, NABARD is sponsoring 24 SHG members with 6 stalls to market their products in the Tezu Expo-2010 which commences from 15 January and will continue till Jan 30. Thousands of people are expected to visit the stalls since the expo is being organized during the Parshuram Kund Mela.

The expo will provide opportunity to the SHG members to understand the consumer preferences, to hone their marketing skills in a face-to-face situation and negotiate with the customers for future buying. It will also broaden their understanding on different designs and packaging from other agencies besides selling their own products.