The Arunachal Times - Archives

Citizens seek greater response & transparency: Governor Singh Koyu gets EAC office

ITANAGAR, July 7: Citizens seek greater response and transparency from their Government, said Gen (Retd) JJ Singh while inaugurating the Extra Assistant Commissioner Office at Koyu in East Siang district today.

“Up-gradation will bear results only when people employed in this office maintain a good work culture. It is for the Extra Assistant Commissioner to shoulder the responsibility to ensure that the voice of the people of this remote place is heard and addressed. I am confident our Koyu EAC will not let me down, he added addressing a public meeting at Tumpak Koyu Memorial Hall.

The Governor congratulated people of Koyu circle and East Siang district for the establishment of the Extra Assistant Commissioner’s Office and expressed his hope that it will boost the pace of development in this part of Arunachal Pradesh. He added, the up-gradation of Koyu Circle to EAC Headquarters would bring administration more close to the people. Now people need not go to ADC Office at Nari or District Headquarter at Pasighat for pursuing every case, he said.

“I am very positive that once Nari-Kora road is completed, this place will be directly connected to Assam, which would give further impetus to economic activities in this area” he said.

Gen Singh said, it is one of many initiatives of the State government through its ‘People first policy’ to address the needs and aspirations of the people at their doorstep. He congratulated State Government for such a significant step which will result in more effective governance.

Pointing at the huge scope for horticultural and agricultural activities in the Koyu area, especially pineapples, chillies and oranges, the Governor urged upon the government officials, especially those concerned with the agrarian and horticulture sectors to encourage the local people to avail benefits from these products by marketing not only fresh fruits and vegetables but also by taking full advantage of the Government policies which promote food processing at small and medium scale for financial empowerment of the people and to generate jobs for the youth. Reiterating on financial empowerment of the people, Gen Singh dwelled on the Poma Bamboo project, honey mission and also on the orchid initiatives. He also emphasized on developing enterprises especially for women folks.

Local MLA and Minister Water Resources, Parliamentary Affairs, Panchayati Raj Tako Dabi, Secretary to Governor Amit Singla, East Siang Deputy Commissioner Onit Panyang, SP R. Padu, Nari-Koyu SDO O.Dai, government officials, Panchayat leaders, goan burahs and public of Koyu circle were present on the occasion.

In his address, local MLA and Minister Dabi giving an overview of the Koyu area of the district said, in spite being an interior area, the circle has produced numerous graduates, post graduates, lecturers, officers, doctors and engineers. People of the circle are very good natured and have excellent accomplishments in the field of education. Dabi expressed his hope that Koyu will progress with its up-gradation into EAC headquarter.

East Siang district Zila Parishad chairperson Yai Dabi submitted a three-point memorandum to the Governor on the occasion, which includes sanctioning for second phase of NEC road of Pasighat-Ledum-Tere-Koyu, creation of PWD division at Nari and sanction for construction of road from Nari ADC headquarter to New Seren CO headquarter.

Earlier on his arrival to Koyu, the Governor and his entourage were accorded a warm traditional reception by the ‘Ponung’ troupes and elderly goan burahs from different parts of the circle. (PRO to Governor)

Arunachal gets new DGP

ITANAGAR, July 7: Vimla Mehra will take charge as the Director General of police, Arunachal Pradesh. Mehra is an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of 1978 batch.

Starting with a posting in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands after her induction into the IPS in 1978, Mehra is credited with many achievements. She was posted as additional DCP, south, after the infamous 1984 riots in Delhi, and has worked in the Central Reserve Police Force for four-and-a-half years, which included two years in the Rapid Action Force (RAF) and crime against women (CAW) cell, Delhi cell since 2002.

Mehra is also credited with starting the 1091 Helpline, a 24-hour distress call centre for women.

“Hydro power is key to development”

ITANAGAR, Jul 07: Host village Welfare Association, Lower Siang Project in a letter to Chief Minister regarding Lower Siang under taken by JP Associates said that the hydro power development in the state is the key to progress and development. It further said that the agitating people against the project are self appointed. They neither have land in the affected area nor do they belong to the area at all. Only, due to fear of submergence of the village some people of Pongging village are against the Dam. In fact no survey and investigation have been conducted in their area. It question the People that how they estimate the submergence of their villages.

It clarified that the submergence level is not going above the river bank, in fact in most areas submergence level is below the peak monsoon river water level. It further said that we are happy that Rehabilitation and Resettlement Policy 2008 of the state government has substantially addressed most issues. However, as stated in the policy, compensation for irrigated land may have to be suitably enhanced at the time of land acquisition, it added. It further called for safe and secure atmosphere and appealed the government to place highest level of security to ensure construction of project and also requested for placement of independent observer to review the situation.

Reports of Dree celebration from across the state

ITANAGAR, Jul 07: At Ziro: Dree is a festival where Apatani people from all walk of life join together and celebrate the festival with great zeal despite political differences, said Land Management, Minister Atum Welly while inaugurating the 42nd Central Dree Festival at Dree ground Ziro on July 5 last.

Highlighting the importance of culture and tradition he said that people of Apatani valley have became conscious of the traditional values and are capable to protecting and preserving their culture.

He wished that Dree god and goddesses shower blessing to people with bumper harvest, good health, communal harmony and prosperity this year.

Meanwhile, the chief guest released the Apatani Dree dairy and an audio album Dodu and donated an amount of Rs. 1 lakh to the organizing committee, GBs and cultural troops.

Local MLA Nani Ribia, who is also the chairman of CDFC, Ziro informed that a scheme of Rs. 5 crore meant for construction of bunds at Kiley River has been approved.

Among others, Member of Information Commission Nipo Nabam also attended the function as special invitee.

Beside cultural show, game and sports were also conducted to add festivity on second day of the celebration on July 6.

Yachang Tarang of Nenchalyang village was awarded with the title of Mr. Dree.

On the occasion, food festival cum exhibition and cultural competition was also organized by Central Dree Festival Committee (CDFC), Ziro, which was inaugurated by the Director of Tourism AK Singh at Nenchalya Dree ground, Old Ziro on July 2 last.

Kimin: MLA Ngurang Pinch appreciated the Apatani Community for maintaining and preserving old age culture and appealed the people not to mix religion and culture. He was speaking as Chief Guest at Kimin during Dree festival celebration on July 5 last.

DC, Papum Pare District Bidol Tayeng attended the festival as Guest of Honour.

Besides the local unit, KAKA Cultural troop from Itanagar also displayed cultural items.

Tezu: Dree celebration would eliminate epidemic and natural calamities and fetch bumper harvest said MLA Karikho Kri at Tezu on July 5.

He was speaking as Chief Guest on the Dree festival celebration, and appreciating the organizing committee, he donated an amount of Rs. 20,000 to organizing committee and Rs. 15,000 to cultural troupes.

Secretary, organizing committee Kago Loma highlighted the Dree Mythology and its importance and its President Lod Tabyo thanked all for taking part in the festival.

Later, prizes were distributed to the winners of cultural, games and sports events.

DC K Tayeng attended the function as Guest of Honour.

Editor’s note: In yesterday’s edition in a report on Dree celebration in Tezu, the name of chief guest was mentioned as Kaling Tayeng DC in place of Karikho Kri MLA. The inadvertent error is regretted.

Computer lab inaugurated, Vanmahotasav observed

ITANAGAR, July 07: Doimukh ZPM Tana Bado inaugurated the computer lab of Boum Kakir Mission School Midpu today.

MLA Ngurang Pinch had donated funds for construction of the computer lab building for introduction of computer education in the school.

A plantation programe was organized during the day.

Tana Rekhi Tara and forest officer D Lachang stressed on the importance of plantation to control global warming, scarcity of rain, pollution besides other climate affects.

Principal B L Sharma and senior teacher A F Alamgir also spoke on the occasion. Debate and extempore speech competition was also organized to mark the celebration.

Meanwhile, Oyan Government Middle School under East Siang also observed Vanamohotsava which was conducted by the Lishang unit of the Bharat Scouts and Guides of the school.

The students and teaching staffs along with headmaster Paul Ering participated enthusiastically.

All scouts and guides along with Scoutmaster Jitendra Pait planted tress around the school campus.

Committee demands clearanceof drainage and culvert

ITANAGAR, July 07: Polo Colony Welfare and Development committee (PCWDC) said that the heavy downpour had disrupted drainage system resulting to blockade and damages of culverts at Polo Colony, Naharalgun.

It appealed the concerned department for timely clearance of blocked culverts and drainage system to avoid untoward incident and also appealed the DC, Capital Complex Itanagar to initiate immediate measures on the issue to save public and private properties in the area.

Diyun CD block inaugurated

ITANAGAR, July 7: Minister R.D. and R.W.D., Chowna Mein accompanied by Minister Health & Family Welfare, Food & Civil Supplies C. C. Singpho inaugurated the newly created Diyun C.D. Block HQ at Diyun bifurcated from Bordumsa CD Block today.

The Minister appraised the general public about the developmental works taken up by the Govt. under the Congress leadership and he stated that C. C. Singpho as a leader of the area is leaving no stone unturned to develop the area at all spheres. He said that NREGA is a flagship programme of the Govt. and the Congress Govt. has upgraded the wage rate from Rs. 55/- to Rs. 80/- per day for every household. He said the registration of household is continuous processes which must not be confined to villages. It also cover town area also which is not under urban notification. The concept is not only for wage earning but demand drive to create useful community assets.

He said that one should not hesitate to work a avail the scheme with financial benefit of at least upto Rs. 8,000/- per year and more in case of skilled and semi skilled job seekers.

C. C. Singpho said that Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu has kept his words and upgraded Diyun to E.A.C. HQ and also created an independent CD Block bifurcating from Bordumsa CD Block.

He pointed out to the gathering that the Govt. red coat supplied to HGBs/GBs are meant for use in winter season only and in place like Bordumsa, Diyun such coat are difficult to use in social/VIP function in summer time. Therefore he requested the General Administration Changlang for Summer GB Half Coat and he promised to purchase for all GBs of Bordumsa, Diyun area at the initial level from his honorarium.

R. C. Deori, ZPM submitted a memorandum for sanction of Residential and Non-Residential Building for newly created block with CIC facilities. He further reiterated for an all weather roads under Diyun Circle on PMGSY Schemes on top priority.

A ghost town!

BOMDILA, July 7: The tourist town of Bomdila has literally turned into a ‘Ghost Town’ with no power supply for the past several days. The people of Bomdila get only 30 min of power supply in 24 hrs! The local populations are the disheartened lot with most shops downing their shutters early in the evening due to power problem. Most of the motor garages, electronic shops, private schools, computer institutes, cyber cafes, hotels, restaurants and other small scale industries are facing huge lose. The livelihood and the business establishments in the whole of West Kameng district have been badly affected. Almost all developmental activities have come to a standstill - courtesy Power Grid of India Limited!, informed a release sent by Bomdila Town Committee (BTC) vice chairperson Tsering Wange.

Arunachal Pradesh - the so called ‘Power House of India’ has also surprised many a foreign tourists and Indian visitors who visited the district in the recent past. They could not believe that their dream holidays would have to be spent in total darkness. They could not even charge up their laptops, digi cams, mobile phones let alone enjoy TV news or cable entertainment!, the release stated

Print and electronic media repeated claims that Arunachal Pradesh is going to become the richest State in the country as its hydropower potential will generate 27000 MW across the length and breathe of the State. Over 39 power projects have already been allotted to CPUs and private developers like NEEPCo, NHPC, Reliance, Jai Prakash, KSK Energy, etc. Several MoUs were signed by the Govt for hydropower development covering almost all districts, yet the people of the State are facing power problem day in day out. It is time the Govt of Arunachal Pradesh gave a serious thought to this burning issue and try to mitigate people’s problem at the earliest, it went on to add

If power problem is not solved immediately, then The Bomdila Town Committee (BTC) would seek relevant information from PIOs of Power Department and Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd under RTI Act and also launch a democratic agitation in near future, it stated.

ATU calls on govt to take over RKM hospital

ITANAGAR: Arunachal Tribal Union (ATU) in a memorandum to the Arunachal Pradesh Governor J J Singh said that R K Mission Hospital Itanagar be handed over to the state government for the welfare of the indigenous people of the state.

The union further alleged that the hospital is not being run properly and that recruitment of medical staffs and doctors are not up to the mark.

It also said that the salary paid to the medical officers and staffs are not satisfactory though crores is given by the government to R K Mission hospital to serve the indigenous population.

It further alleged that no free medicines are provided to the poor.

ATU strongly demanded that the Governor address the problems faced by the people.

ATSU questions Rajkumar investigation

ITANAGAR: All Tirap Students’ Union (ATSU) extending its support to the representation submitted by the apex students body AAPSU for immediate discloser of the CBI findings in connections with the assassination of former MP Late Wangcha Rajkumar, said that even after more one and half years since the crime was committed yet nothing is being done to apprehend the perpetrators of the brutal killing.

Such delay reflects the step motherly attitude towards the people of Tirap district in spite of such regular occurrences of killing and intimidation, union said.

The union further claimed that the law and order scenario of the district has not improved in spite of many representations and memorandums submitted to the home department.

ATSU demanded the immediate resignation of the Home minister.

(Readers’ Forum)

There is something in name

Madam,

With reference to the news item that appeared in your daily entitled "EPG for river conservation" dated 7th July, 2009, I would like to inform the concerned persons that an NGO under the name and style of "Environment Protection Group of Arunachal" [EPGA] with its head office at Aalo, is actively functioning in West Siang District for the last three years.

The EPGA is a registered body with its registration No.SR/ITA/3834. I welcome such organisations who are working for the cleaner environment.

The EPGA has been working tirelessly for the uplift of the deteriorating environment.

Through this column I would like to request the organisers of the other EPG, to change nomenclature of the organisation to avoid misunderstanding in future.

Yours sincerely,

Dr G.Ete,

Member Secretary,

EPGA, Aalo

Are they still sleeping?

Madam

Now that union rail budget has been declared, I see there is no mention of rail activities in Arunachal Pradesh. Whereas there are lots of expansion, extension in already rail road developed states, why there is no word for Arunachal Pradesh. State has been ignored for decades and our representative had been sleeping in Delhi's street till now, this the time that we/our representative in parliament wakeup and take right steps to connect our state with rest of the country. Are our representative taking any action regarding the same in centre ? Please let us know from our parliamentarian through your column.

Nabam Serbang,

Computer engineer, Pune, India

Blast and a court order!

Madam,

I am quite dismayed to see a leading paper of the state committing such irresponsible mistake. In 3rd July edition, your paper has included the same picture for two different stories.

In the front page a photo of Rawalpindi blast was carried with the news of Court verdict on Gays and the same photo was carried with a news on Rawalpindi blast. The vexed question is are we readers to understand that the activists are enjoying the blast at Rawalpindi!

A dismayed Reader