June 06
News Impact
- Tree plantation, cleanliness drives mark World Environment Day celebration
- BRO draws flak for slow pace of Bhalukpong-
Tawang road project - Tuki urges Centre to set up an independent HC for Arunachal
- Villagers block road demanding scrapping of Kalai II dam
- Pranab assures to address financial concern of Arunachal
- Matey inaugurates school laboratory building
- AICF to promote Chess in Arunachal
- 24-
hr Pasighat bandh on June 7
48 hrs bandh suspended
ITANAGAR, Jun 05: All Nyishi Youth Council, All Arunachal Pradesh Youth Forum and Abotani Clan Youth Organization decided to suspend its 48 hrs capital bandh call on June 7 and 8 in view of the four days APYC leadership training programme starting from June 6. The organizations took the decision after a meeting with APYC delegation headed by its president Tadar Niglar today.
However, the organizations threatened to go with its phase-
Demand reiterated
ITANAGAR, Jun 05: The people of Old Mengio and Sakiang under Mengio circle reiterated its demand for enquiry into alleged misappropriation of TFC fund sanctioned for construction of 10 km road from Sakiang to Old Mengio.
Reacting to a news item issued by All Mengio Educated Unemployed Forum (AMEUF), a group of people headed by Chukhu Logi of Sakiang village said that they have physically inspected the said road on June 3 and claimed to have found that the sanctioned fund was misused and road maintenance work not carried out properly.
Earlier on June 2, AMEUF claimed that it had conducted a spot verification of project work and found the department concerned executed the work properly. However, the group of people termed the Forum’s claim as baseless.
Awareness programme on IEC
ITANAGAR, Jun 05: Awareness campaign on Information Education Communication (IEC)
under Total Sanitation Campaign (TSC) was organized by EE, District Water sanitation
Committee (DWSC) under PHED Department Papum Pare District in collaboration with
N.N. Charitable Society (NNCS) Langper, Sagalee and Galaxy Family Welfare Society
'E' Sector Naharlagun at Old-
During the programme, the team covered Regio (Rewgo), Old-
On the occasion, Galaxy Family Welfare Society, (GFWS), Chairman G Tate highlighted the aim and objective of the programme.
He advised the Panchayat leaders of the villages to work together and eradicate open defecation and suggested for construction of individual household latrine and community toilet facility in sanitary complex to keep their surrounding clean.
He further suggested them to maintain proper piggery farming system in order to avoid diseases caused by such animals.
Gollo Taru, H/GB, Regio village and Gram panchayat chairperson, Gram Panchayat Members also spoke on the occasion.
Shiv mandir looted
ITANAGAR, Jun 05: The miscreants have looted the newly established Goreshwar Mahadev Shiva Mandir at G Sector Naharlagun on May 23 midnight. This was informed by All Arunachal Hindu Faith and Culture Development Organisation chairman K P Dolo today.
In a letter to the Capital Deputy Commissioner, Dolo said that miscreants smashed the main door lock of the Mandir with iron rod and looted the valuables like snake god, donation box, sound system, bells etc. The Chairman appealed to the DC to direct the Naharlagun PS to book the culprits and recover the looted materials immediately. He also demanded thorough enquiry into the incident.
Tree plantation cum cleanliness drive
ITANAGAR, Jun 05: The members of "Team Go Green" led by Likha Pantom in collaboration with Yazali based NGO "World Vision" organized a “tree plantation cum cleanliness drive” at Yazali Higher Secondary School campus on May 29.
Large number of volunteers and Yachuli EAC Toko Obi, prominent citizen of Yazali
Taba Tachi and local people planted around 120 saplings within school compound on
the occasion. The aim of the programme was to create eco-
AAPPTF unit demands
ITANAGAR, Jun 05: All Arunachal Pradesh Public Transport Federation, West Siang district unit has urged the deputy commissioner to solve the transporters’ problems in the district.
The Federation in a letter addressed to the DC claims that IDMST/parking place constructed under UD & Housing scheme at Aalo town is not functioning properly. They urged that IDMST should handle the issue seriously.
They also called for banning of unauthorized and illegal collection of money at Likabali Check gate and sought action against offenders. Lastly they demanded immediate renovation of Aalo to Basar (51 Km.) road.
Copyright © 2008, The Arunachal Times Publications Pvt. Ltd., Siang House, Sector
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All rights reserved.
Tree plantation, cleanliness drives mark World Environment Day celebration
Itanagar, Jun 05: With the message for a cleaner, greener and plastic free Arunachal, the World Environment Day (WED) was celebrated throughout the state with various programmes.
In the state capital Itanagar, the Arunachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board (APSPCB) in collaboration with the Environment and Forest department, conducted a cleanliness cum awareness drive from RK Mission Hospital Gate to IG Park.
Parliamentary Secretary for Environment & Forests C T Mein, APSPCB chairman T N Thongdok along with students of Kingcup Public School, volunteers of Environmental Safety Society of Arunachal Pradesh and Wildlife & Green Sister’s Society (NGO) and others took active part in the cleanliness drive.
Piles of garbage heap in the capital were cleaned up during the drive.
The placards carried during the awareness procession called upon the people to combat and minimize use of plastic carry bags and materials.
Earlier, the cleanliness drive was flagged off by Mein, in the presence of Thongdok, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest, Member Secretary, APSPCB, DC, Capital Complex, all IFS officers and other officials and staff of the Department of Environment & Forests and Urban Development department.
Speaking to media, Mein informed that World Environment Day which is a UNDP programme is being observed all over the state to create awareness for a clean and healthy environment. He said that for a green and clean environment, mass tree plantation and forestation and other schemes for protecting and conservation of the environment are also taken up by the department of Environment and Forests. At Deomali, the students and staff of R K Mission School, Narottam Nagar, the staff of Deomali Forest Division planted 1000 medicinal seedlings of Agar, Amla in the school premises to mark the day.
Deomali SDO G. Singpho highlighted the importance of World Environment Day celebration. He said that students are the ambassadors to spread the message of protection of forest and wildlife. He suggested the students to preserve and nurture all those seedlings which are planted on the occasion during their study at RKM.
On this occasion, V K Jawal, DCF, DFO, Deomali briefed about the theme of this year’s World Environment Day and advised the students to contribute in protection of environment and forests. He suggested that by adopting the basic concept of Green Economy, we all can contribute towards safer environment and make our livelihood happier in this planet.
The Swamiji Maharaj in his address advised the students to keep in mind the basic concept of celebration of this day so that our environment is free from pollution.
The Range Officer R. Socia, FR and the field staff provided all support in systematic planting of seedlings in the selected site. Seedlings were also distributed to the public present on the occasion.
The people of Tawang carried out a mass plantation drive to mark the WED. They planted more than a thousand saplings at the barren campus of SIB.
Apart from the general public, the plantation of pine saplings was carried out by district administration staff, EPS members, DCC members and students. Saplings were also distributed to the participants.
The gathering walked about 4 miles -
The exemplary event witnessed the participation of hundreds of young students from various schools.
Participation from ADC Tawang, HODs, PRI members, DCC members, Civil Police personnel and tour operators along with the general public at large made this event worth applauding.
Earlier, Tawang DCC president Tsering Tashi along with Superintendent of Police S.N. Mosobi flagged off the WED 2012 organized by EPS in collaboration with the DFO Tawang.
A mass tree plantation was organized by Dibang Forest Division at New Colony Roing as part of WED celebration today.
Taking part in the plantation programme, Deputy Commissioner Garima Gupta emphasized on the need to plant more trees in Roing township and other parts of the district to keep environment clean and green.
DFO (T) Koj Tassar informed that tree plantation programmes were also organized in five ranges of the division with a target of planting 5000 saplings. He further informed that different species of seedlings are available with Range Officers of different ranges for public distribution.
The mass plantation was also participated by the director of APFTI, Roing and his staff and faculties and trainee foresters.
The GB Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment, North East Unit celebrated the WED with the staff and students of Don Bosco School at its Multi Technology Demonstration Centre, Midpu .
The students were exposed to various green technologies like trellises, biobriquetting,
biocom-
They were also given demonstration on other skill oriented programmes like tailoring, weaving, mobile phone repairing, etc. conducted by APSS/KVIC. The exposure demonstration on the green technologies to the students were imparted by Er. M.S. Lodhi, Mihin Dollo, Dr. L.J. Singh and Dr. S.C. Arya, staff of the Institute.
Addressing on the occasion, Dr. P.K. Samal, Scientist in-
The 3rd Kharsang Eco-
Flagged off by Jairampur DFO J K Hipoh, the race was participated by 77 women of
age above 15 years. The race started from Kharsang CO’s office point and culminated
at Namphai-
Rodo Hodong won the race while Romtum Ronrang and Roshmi Ronrang finished second and third respectively. They were awarded cash prizes along with certificates. Consolation prizes were given to 10 other participants.
Speaking at the environment awareness campaign, DFO Jairampur J K Hipoh urged upon the people to save and protect environment for the future.
Chaglang Zilla Parishad Chairperson J Jugli, Miao DSP M Gambo, Circle Officer, Kharsang A.J Lungphi also spoke on the occasion.
The World Environment Day was observed at Dollungmukh by organizing a joint plantation programme along both side of the historic Raj Ali.
The plantation programme was attended by Forest officials, PRI leaders, GBs and local populace from both sides of the boundary. It was organized under the initiative of Dollungmukh Circle Officer Dr. Tojum Ete and District Forest Officer, Lakhimpur C.K. Bar and supported by Lakhimpur DC Dr. Anwaruddin Chaudhary. The Lakhimpur DC stressed upon importance of conserving flora and fauna for human existence. He also stated that people residing along the boundary should share good relation and foster spirit of brotherhood.
Dollungmukh CO Ete too stressed upon importance of plantation. He stated that human relations should be valued much more than man made land boundaries. The DFO Lakhimpur and Bini Talom of Dollungmukh also spoke on the occasion.
People from both the side of the boundary resolved to maintain healthy relation through exchange of culture and organization of games and sports in future, according to an official release.
BRO draws flak for slow pace of Bhalukpong-
Taba Ajum
ITANAGAR, Jun 05: Tawang is one of the most strategically important border towns
situated along Indo-
Govt of India has given special importance for improvement of the infrastructure
of two districts and the priority was given on improvement of 290 KM Bhalukpong-
Accordingly, the Central Govt allocated Rs 600 crore for Project Vartak of the Border
Roads Organization (BRO) in the year 2008-
“Govt of India talks about matching up with China in terms of infrastructure development. But BRO has sunk their entire claim. Four year has passed since the double lanning work started, till today the condition of road remains the same. In fact it has got worse in recent years,” told a local citizen. Further he added, “During holidays like Sunday even if there is road blockade BRO never clears it. Therefore, on Sunday, most of the time local citizens and motorists including tourists who come on holiday clear the road blockade putting their own life at risk. We understand that BRO workers need rest but they can work in shift and let some workers be in standby for any emergency on Sunday.”
It is appalling to see the pathetic condition of Bhalukpong-
Govt of India has compromised with security of the country by not improving infrastructure
of the region on urgent basis. Some of the major blame is to be borne by BRO for
not expediting Bhalukpong-
Tuki urges Centre to set up an independent HC for Arunachal
NEW DELHI, Jun 05: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Nabam Tuki today requested the Centre to establish an independent High Court (HC) for the state.
At the moment, Arunachal Pradesh has a permanent bench of the Gauhati High Court.
Tuki, who called on Union Law Minister Salman Khurshid at New Delhi Monday, pointed out that an independent High Court had become a necessity in the state.
Khurshid assured him active consideration of the proposal by his ministry.
The Union Minister also promised sufficient funds for up-
The Chief Minister also met Defence Minister A K Antony to demand infrastructure like connectivity to villages in border areas by constructing and maintaining porter tracks and log bridges, the sources said.
While attending the Congress Working Committee meeting yesterday, Tuki highlighted the financial burden upon the state government due to various factors.
He said that due to lack of revenue generation sources of its own, the State Government
has to solely depend on the Center for all its needs. Appreciating the Center’s concern
for the state, he requested continued support and cooperation to run a people-
Elaborating some of the steps initiated by his little-
The Chief Minister also emphasized on assistance to develop infrastructure in border
areas of the state. He pointed out that due to lack of development and almost-
“In order to dissuade the people from migrating and keep human habitations intact along the border we have to provide them with basic infrastructure for which we look up to the Center for assistance,” Tuki added. Media Cell, CM
Villagers block road demanding scrapping of Kalai II dam
Raju Mimi
HAWAI, Jun 05: About 500 villagers of Hawai circle on Monday staged a dawn-
The villagers protested under the banner of Peoples Forum for Project Affected Families (PFPAF). Road communication at Hawai was totally disrupted for the whole day affecting even the movement of military vehicles.
Talking over telephone from Hawai, PFPAF Chairperson Behenso Pul said: “We had earlier submitted memorandum demanding scrapping of Kalai II dam to Union Ministry of Forest and Environment, chief minister, local representatives putting our grievances. But no one’s listening to us. So we decided to launch our democratic movement.”
The villagers staging protest demanded for permanent halt of property survey, and other survey and investigation being carried out for the hydro electric project. A memorandum was submitted to deputy commissioner, Hawai placing all grievances and the demands.
“We are highly encouraged by the massive participation of villagers in such short notice. It’s a great moral boost for people working against dam,” said Pul. “But there was no participation from panchayat leaders, students union and other civil society organization.”
The Kalai II Hydro Electric Project is to be developed by one of the major Reliance Power subsidiary, Kalai Power Private Limited (KPPL). It was incorporated on September 26, 2007. The project site is in Lohit River in Kumblung and the submergence route extends upto 23 km upstream.
The project involves construction of 161 meter high concrete dam. An underground power house will be constructed to house 8 units of 150 MW turbines. The total project cost is estimated at Rs. 69,551 million and is likely to be completed in 7 years time.
“The Kalai II project will lead to submergence of entire Hawai circle and all the major villages. Around 1500 people are being directly affected by the dam,” said Pul. “Since last week, we carried out grassroots’ campaign on dams. We haven’t met one single person who is in favour of dam. Everyone one is scared and against it.” In Anjaw district alone, at least 6 large dams are proposed within 150 km of river route out of 13 projects in the entire Lohit basin. Water and Power Consultancy Services (WAPCOS) had earlier conducted a cumulative impact assessment of various hydropower projects in the entire Lohit river basin, as per the directives of MoEF.
“WAPCOS made a farce report, completing within 2-
According to PFPAF, they are, however, not opposed to all dams in Anjaw district. They view that projects along the tributaries of Lohit river can be harnessed, instead of building large dams along the main river alone. Citing a report in a national news magazine, Pul said the tributaries of Lohit alone had capacity to produce 8000 MW.
“Out of the 7 circles in Anjaw district, 5 are situated along the main Lohit river. Even Hawai headquarter is in the bank of Lohit river. So, if dams are built along the main river, majority of the 18000 Mishmi population will be affected,” said Pul.
In April 13 meeting with Chief Minister Nabam Tuki at Tezu, the PFPAF had suggested the government to consider harnessing power in the tributaries of Lohit river, not in the main river, where majority of population live. It is learnt that chief minster had made assurance of stopping all dams ‘wherever not required’.
“If small dams are built in the tributaries, which are in the interior places, people there can benefit in the form of roads and other developments,” Pul said.
Pranab assures to address financial concern of Arunachal
NEW DELHI, Jun 05: Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee today assured that he would address the financial concerns of Arunachal Pradesh in subsequent State Plan meetings to be held separately with the Chief Minister. This came in response to the submission of Chief Minister Nabam Tuki, who highlighted the fiscal position of the state during the meeting of Chief Ministers from the North East convened by the Union Ministry of Finance here this morning.
The meeting, attended by Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, Deputy Chairman of Planning Commission Montek Singh Ahluwalia and Chief Ministers of all the North Eastern states, discussed the various grievances of the states related to the Ministry. Tuki was accompanied by Minister of Finance, PWD and Planning Chowna Mein and Planning Parliamentary Secretary Nabam Rebia. Tuki later called on Union Defence Minister A K Anthony to discuss among other issues, the setting up of the National Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports (NIMAS) at Dirang in West Kameng district.
While positively responding to the Chief Minister’s invitation to grace the foundation stone laying ceremony of NIMAS as Chief Guest, the Defence Minister assured that he would visit the state soon for the same.
The establishment of NIMAS was announced by the Defence Minister on completion of the Silver Jubilee of Statehood at Itanagar on February 20 last, which he had subsequently cleared.
Tuki also brought up for discussion the status of roads under Border Roads Organisation and requested the Defence Minister to impress upon the BRO to expedite its ongoing projects in the state. He further appealed the Defence Minister to establish one Sainik School in the state.
Anthony assured the Chief Minister that he would duly consider the same and apprise the latter accordingly. Meanwhile, the Defence Minister informed the Chief Minister that he has approved the proposal for raising one battalion of 2nd Arunachal Scouts under the aegis of Defence Ministry.
Meanwhile, NHPC Chief Managing Director (CMD) A B L Srivastava called on the Chief Minister to discuss the status of ongoing power projects in the state. Tuki urged the CMD to fast track the implementation of power projects in accordance with the terms and conditions specified in respective MoUs.
He impressed upon the CMD that the NHPC should authorize the State Government for
recruitment of the non-
For recruitment of security personnel for its different projects, the Chief Minister asked the CMD to either employ local people as private security or request the state machinery to provide security guards on payment basis.
While discussing the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities of the NHPC in the state the Chief Minister requested the CMD to expedite the establishment of the college in Tawang and the construction of a tunnel from Sessa to Jang as committed.
Media Cell, CM
Matey inaugurates school laboratory building
KHONSA, Jun 05: Parliamentary Secretary for DoTC Y Matey inaugurated a laboratory building under DoTC and constructed by the PWD at Ramakrishna Sarada Mission School at Khonsa today.
Addressing a meeting of the students and teachers which coincided with the World Environment Day, Matey appreciated the Secretary Mataji and her staff for providing quality education to the girls of Arunachal Pradesh. He asked the students to take maximum benefit out of the great opportunities which are being provided by the school and told them that the parents and the teachers repose great faith in them.
Matey asked the students to accord top priority to their studies while showing a
keen interest in other co-
Later, the students presented attractive cultural programmes and one of the students spoke eloquently on the urgent need for conservation of the environment through community participation.
The Parliamentary Secretary also addressed a co-
While throwing light on the functioning of DoTC, Matey said that DoTC was a regular department and that its working pattern had been fully streamlined to effectively address the problems of Tirap, Changlang and Longding districts. He said that the main objective of his whirlwind tour to the three districts was to get acquaint himself with the pressing problems of the people and the government departments and to identify the urgent needs so that he could reflect them in the AOP of DoTC.
Matey said that establishment of a permanent opium de-
AICF to promote Chess in Arunachal
ITANAGAR, Jun 05: All India Chess Federation (AICF) has assured the All Arunachal Pradesh Chess Association (AAPCA) to extend all possible help and support in popularizing and promoting the sport of 64 squares in Arunachal Pradesh.
The assurance was given to AAPCA by AICF Secretary Bharat Singh Chauhan during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of AICF at Chennai on June 3.
Responding to the request by AAPCA president Er.Niapung Konia and Secretary Tamchi Kache, who were also present, Chauhan agreed for conducting a coaching for chess players at Itanagar by International Masters. He urged AAPCA to organize chess events in the state for which he had assured all support and help. He also expressed his desire to visit Arunachal Pradesh shortly.
Five times World Chess Champion, Vishwanathan Anand also made a visit to AGM meeting and interacted with all the members present in the meeting.
AAPCA expressed gratitude to AICF, particularly, DV Sunder, Vice-
24-
Correspondent
PASIGHAT, Jun 05: The Pasighat People’s Welfare Committee (PPWC) has announced its
second phase of 24-
The decision was taken in an emergency meeting convened by PPWC at Siang Guest House, Pasighat which was attended by various organizations, student unions, including members of All Arunachal Pradesh Students Union (AAPSU), All East Siang District Students Union (AESDSU), All Bogong Students Union (ABSU), Adi Students Union (AdiSu) East Siang Unit, panchayat members of Bogong and Bosing Anchal Block and senior citizens.
The meeting further threatened to launch its 3rd phase of Pasighat Bandh which will
be of 72-
The agitating organizations had earlier given 12-
Police personnel, magistrate on duty, ambulance, para-
The PPWC has been demanding replacement of turbines at Yembung Hydel, complete renovation of Sille Hydel project, Pasighat, early completion of 132 KV tower line from Aalo to Pasighat and immediate extension of power supply from Rina Hydel project to Pasighat to meet the power crisis.
Obey the traffic rules
Dear Editor,
I would like to express my deep concern over the way the people are driving their vehicles in Capital roads. Nowadays, it seems that some drivers/vehicle owners are not driving but participating in a race in capital road for name and fame.
In recent past, I could witness how a Scorpio and a R 15 were racing each other to overcome traffic jam near Akash Deep, Ganga. It was really a shocking incident for me. Today most of the accidents occur due to careless driving wherein the victims are common people; our relatives. After the road accident, most of us prefer to blame each other instead of taking precautionary measures to avoid road accident.
A little tolerance, coolness and strict adherence to traffic rules are the main mantra to minimize the road accident. We should very careful while driving a vehicle or riding a bike in busy capital road. On the other hand, the government, particularly traffic cell should also impose heavy penalty on violators of the traffic rules so that they may not dare to disobey traffic guidelines.
I request the vehicle users/drivers to be careful while driving in the road. Driving license is not a license to kill.
Yours’
Giogi Tade
Itanagar
Please look into genuine grievances
Dear Editor,
This is in support of the letter “Need of basic facilities” (May 16) issued by All Nyishi Youth Association, Upper Subansiri district unit president Komji Murtem.
The BSNL network is not functioning properly in Dumporijo area and this problem can be solved by installing a microwave tower (satellite system) in Upper Subansiri district.
Many villages under Sigin-
Regarding communication problem, I would like to mention here that Daporijo to Itanagar
via Ziro is a shortcut route for the people to reach state Capital. Re-
Therefore, I request the concern departments to look into the matters and take immediate steps for solution to various problems.
I also request the SBI general manager to set up an ATM booth at Dumporijo town. In term of population, Dumporijo circle is next to Daporijo. It is not possible for the people of Dumporijo circle to visit Daporijo only to withdraw money from ATM installed there in every occasion.
Yours’
Tamar Yudik
Joint secretary
All Upper Subansiri District Contractors Welfare Association
The road that needs attention
Dear Editor,
I would like to draw the attention of the authorities towards dilapidated conditions
of Itanagar-
Last year, the road renovation work was done by concern department with estimated
SPA fund of Rs nine crore. The officers, particularly the Junior Engineer, who was
in-
However, with the onslaught of the rainy season, the condition of the road had gone
from bad to worst, particularly from Papu Nallah entry point to the residence of
Tali MLA and entry point to District Institute of Teachers Training. This road in
the recent past assumed significance as the commuters are using this road as an alternate
one to avoid traffic jams in between, Itanagar-
Therefore, I request the concerned authority to repair the dilapidated portion of the road immediately. I also request local MLA, Techi Kaso to intervene into the matter and ensure that this road of public importance is fully maintained.
Yours’
Tado Dungro, Paga Tara, Jully, Itanagar
Let us hope for the best
Dear Editor,
Experience is the child of action and action is the child of a thought.
Above lines is for our MP N. Ering Sir who had dared to ferry the river Sisar in this early monsoon season riding on an Elephant. Ering Sir visited Dambuk subdivision on 2nd June to take stock of the grievances and miseries of Dambuk people. Delighted with the visit of the MP, we hope for implementation of Sisar bridge and the Dibang bridge projects at the earliest.
Dambuk, a place of historical importance remains cut off for almost six months in a year due to nature’s wrath during monsoon. The bridges are only lifelines for the people in Dambuk area. Now, our hopes being rekindled again with visit of the MP.
For my fellow Dambukians, I would say, without inspiration the best part in us remains dormant. There is fuel in us that needs to be ignited with spark. So keep on pressing, for what we do now, will define our future.
Yours,
Dr. James Modi
Kolkata
We are expert in carrying coals to Newcastle !
Dear Editor,
Immediately after an individual comes up with a personal landmark by wasting precious
deliveries thereby "helping" the team to lose the match or a sportsman comes up with
fifth championship title in his stream; all and sundry cry promptly, cry themselves
hoarse by demanding Bharat Ratna for him! But when millions of our own countrymen
continue to languish in poverty, hunger and malnutrition day after day; no one demands
even basic amenities of life for them! Is Bharat Ratna more important for the already
super-
Yours’
Kajal Chatterjee, Kolkata
Land encroachment
Dear Editor,
The land allotted to the Department of Power department (Yingkiong Electrical Division) is being encroached for private residences and paddy cultivation as there is no permanent boundary fencing around the departmental land. The department is regularly paying the land revenue for their allotted land but encroachment is still on. When contacted the Executive Engineer of the Division said that the proposals for permanent boundary fencing is pending in the office of the Chief Engineer Power (Elect.) or in the Planning Department since last year for sanction. The delay in sanctioning fund for construction of boundary creates doubt in the mind of public. It may be like match fixing game to make chances for some individuals to encroach the departmental land. The E.E and the A.E are tirelessly standing on the spot like security guard to protect the land. The higher authorities of the department is urged to either provide fund or surrender the land to the District Administration for allotment to the public following proper procedure of allotment.
Yours’
Yahung Tekseng
Chairman, Aarro Welfare Society
Yingkiong
The sports icon will live in the hearts of his fans
Dear Editor,
My heart bled when I read about how my favourite sportsman from Arunachal Pradesh was shoddily treated by the powerful people in office. Thanks to brother Geto Eshi for enlightening me and all his fans through the premier daily of the state, Arunachal Times.
Many years ago, to be precise in the Vol.13 No.316 of Saturday, May, 25,2002 edition,
I had done a feature story on Gumpe Rime along with a very candid and in-
At that time, the nascent National Football League (later re-
My verdict is simple: the so-
Gumpe Rime will always be remembered as the trailblazer of Arunachal Pradesh Football.
Yours’
Yumlam Tana, Itanagar
All email and surface mails must be accompanied with contact numbers and full postal address. Do keep writing but please make sure that letters are short and to the point.
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Green economy and job opportunities
The transformation to a greener economy could generate 15 to 60 million additional jobs globally over the next two decades and lift tens of millions of workers out of poverty, according to a new report led by the Green Jobs Initiative.
The study "Working towards sustainable development: Opportunities for decent work and social inclusion in a green economy " says that these gains will depend on whether the right set of policies are put in place.
At least half of the global workforce -
Tens of millions of jobs have already been created by this transformation. For example
the renewable energy sector now employs close to 5 million workers, more than doubling
the number of jobs from 2006-
In the United States, three million people are employed in environmental goods and
services. In Spain, there are now more than half a-
In emerging economies and developing countries, the gains are likely to be higher
than in industrialized countries, because the former can leapfrog to green technology
rather than replace obsolete resource-
These good results have one thing in common: the recognition that environmental and
socio-
Transit of Venus: the Rarest Celestial Phenomena
Debajit Mahanta
On June 06, 2012 we are going to witness one more celestial event of the 21st century i.e. the ‘Transit of Venus’. It is one of the rare celestial phenomena having great significance for the astronomers, although visually the phenomenon may not be as spectacular as the total solar eclipse. The Venus Transit on 6th June 2012, is the 8th transit of Venus since the invention of the telescope. The Venus transits have played an important role in the advancement of our knowledge, so far as our solar system is concerned. If you have seen the transit of Venus on 8th June, 2004, then you will be indeed most fortunate to see the transit of Venus again which is occurring on June 6, 2012. If we miss the opportunity then we will miss it forever because the next transit of Venus will occur after a long gap of 105.5 years. Witnessing the spectacular celestial phenomena of the transit of Venus on June 6, 2012 is definitely going to be our life time achievement.
Transits: What are they?
When Moon comes in between the Earth and the Sun, a solar eclipse takes place. On October 24, 1995, June 11, 1999 and 22 July 2009, we had a rare opportunity of witnessing a Total Solar Eclipse from India, when millions observed and enjoyed one of the most spectacular phenomena of nature. Total solar eclipse takes place when the Moon is close enough to the Earth and hence its angular diameter is large enough to cover the disc of the Sun. When Moon is rather far away from the Earth and the Earth close enough to the Sun, making the apparent diameter of the Moon smaller than that of the Sun, thus cannot cover the entire disc of the Sun. under such circumstances, an annular eclipse of the Sun takes place. We then see a bright ring around the Sun with Moon positioned inside the disc of the Sun, as was witnessed on 15 January 2010 from many parts of the world including India.
However, when either Mercury or Venus (one of the inner planets) comes between the Sun and the Earth, it is called a Transit. The disc of the planet Mercury and Venus as seen from the Earth are much smaller than that of Moon. Therefore, they make no more than a small black dot when they move in front of the Sun. With every transit, depending upon the geometry involved, this dot may traverse a different path across the face of the Sun. The transits do not take place frequently because the orbit of both Mercury and Venus are tilted at small angles to the ecliptic (the average plane of Earth’s orbit around the Sun). Hence, they will be usually be either above (north) or below (south) the ecliptic. On June 6, 2012, we will have an opportunity of watching Venus move across the disc of the Sun.
The transit phenomena are rare. Mercury transit takes place some 13 to 14 times in a century. Transits of Venus are even rarer taking place with intervals of over a century. The first transit of Mercury of twenty first century took place on May 7, 2003, which was visible in the entire country. Incidentally, there was no transit of Venus in the entire 20th century.
What is a transit of Venus?
A transit of Venus is the passage of the planet Venus across the disk of the Sun. At this time, the planet can be seen as a small black disk slowly moving in front of the sun. The orbits of Mercury and Venus lie inside Earth’s orbit, so they are the only planets which can pass between Earth and the Sun to produce a transit. Transits are very rare astronomical events. Transits of Venus are much rarer than transits of Mercury. In the Case of Mercury, there are on average thirteen transits each century. However, transits of Venus are among the rarest of planetary alignment and occur approximately 4 times in 243 years. The Venus transits occur in pairs separated by 8 years and these pairs are separated by over a century.
When is the transit of Venus? When else have transits been seen?
The rarer celestial phenomena of transit of the Venus will occur on 6th June 2012. Indeed only seven such events have occurred since the invention of the telescope and till the beginning of the 21st century (1631, 1639, 1761, 1769, 1874, 1882, and 2004). In the 21st century, the transit of Venus took place on 06 June 2004 after a gap of 121.5 years, the earlier one having taken place on 06 December 1882. The last one of this century we are going to witness is on 06 June 2012. The Venus transits occur in pairs with each pair separated 8 years and these pairs separated by over a century, and show a clear pattern of recurrence at intervals of 8, 121.5, 8 and 105.5 years. The pattern of 8, 121.5, 8 and 105.5 years makes a basic cycle of 243 years. The next pair of Venus transits will occur on 11 December 2117 and 08 December 2125.
The first recorded observation of a transit was by the English Astronomer Jeremiah Horrocks in 1639, about three decades after the invention of the telescope. Since then, transits have been witnessed in 1761, 1769, 1874 and 1882. The transits of 1761 and 1874 were fully visible in India. The transit of 8th June 2004 was witnessed entirely from all over India, unlike the transit on June 6, 2012, in which we cannot witness the first and the second contact. The Venus will already be in transit phase at the time of sunrise in India on June 6, 2012. Again only in the year 2255, June 9, the entire Venus transit will be visible in India.
Why is a transit of Venus so rare?
Transits of Venus have a strange pattern of frequency. The last transit happened in 1882 and for about 121 1/2 years there occurred no transit. Then there was a transit in 2004 which is being followed by the transit of Venus eight years later that we are going to witness on June 6, 2012. Then there will be a span of about 105 1/2 years before the next pair of transits occurs, again separated by eight years. The reason for these long intervals is because of the difference in the orbital planes of the Earth and the Venus. If Venus and the Earth orbited the Sun in the same plane as the sun, transits can happen frequently.
However, the orbit of Venus is inclined to the orbit of Earth, by about 3.4 degrees, so when Venus passes between the Sun and the Earth, Venus usually is a little bit above or a little bit below the Sun, invisible in the Sun’s glare. However, if the Venus passes between the Sun and the Earth near the nodes, a transit occurs. The points where the orbit of Venus crosses the Ecliptic are called the ‘nodes’.
The ascending node is where the planet crosses from south to north; the descending node is where it crosses from north and south. It takes Venus about 225 days and Earth about 365 days to circle the sun. This means that when Venus returns to one of the nodes, Earth is not yet there, and vice versa. In addition, a few more effects lead to the observed long and slightly irregular intervals.
The transit of Venus in the year 2004 occurred near descending node. The transit of June 6, 2012 will also occur near this node.
What is the significance of transit?
The Venus Transit brings our attention to the complex motion of the planets around the Sun, the Kepler’s laws, dynamics and gravitation. The scarcity and the periodicity of the passages show us also the difficulty of astronomical calculations for the prediction of celestial phenomena. The Transit of 1761 allowed a scientist named Mikhail Lomonosov to prove that Venus had an atmosphere, which could be seen as a blurry halo around the planet. Observations of the transits of Venus across the Sun also yielded information of Venus’ size.
Most importantly, the geometry of transit of Venus had allowed us to estimate the
Sun-
What is the meaning of ‘Black Drop Effect’ ?
One of the chief problems visual observes of transits faced during the observation of previous transits was pinpointing the exact time when Venus was first fully on the visible face of the Sun. Astronomers call this point ‘second contact’. This is the most important moment when Venus appears to completely cross the inner edge of the sun. After that time Venus seems to elongate near this internal contact an d the edge of Venus’s disk appeared to deform. Since the edge of Venus smears against the edge of the Sun at this moment, observers have a tough time estimating the exact second contact when is actually made. The accurate timings needed were not possible due to this mysterious “black drop” effect.
The black drop effect is due to a combination of two effects. One is the image blurring that naturally takes place when a telescope is used, described technically as ‘the point spread function’ caused by atmospheric turbulence. The other is the way the brightness of the sun diminishes close to its visible ‘edge’, known to astronomers as ‘limb darkening’.
Venus Transit June 06, 2012: From where and when will it be Seen?
The entire event of the Venus Transit of 06 June, 2012 will be widely visible from the Western Pacific, Eastern Asia and Eastern Australia. Most of North and Central America, and the northern South America will witness the beginning of the transit on June 05 but the Sun will set before the event ends. Similarly, observers in Europe, Western and Central Asia, Eastern Africa and Western Australia will see the end of the event since the transit will already be in progress at sunrise from those locations. In India too, the transit would already be in progress at sunrise on 06 June 2012 would be visible almost till 1030 hrs.
From Itanagar, we would be able to witness this unique and rarest celestial phenomenon
of Venus transit on the T-
We do hope that the weather would remain favourable with the Sun smiling on Itanagar
on the T-
Is it safe to view the transit of Venus?
One should never look at the Sun directly with naked eye or with any other optical device such as telescope or binoculars. Severe eye damage or blindness can result if the Sun is viewed without proper eye protection.
The safest and most inexpensive method for observing the Sun, is by projection. A pinhole or small opening is used to form an image of the Sun on a screen placed about a meter behind the opening. Binoculars or a small telescope mounted on a tripod can also be used to project a magnified image of the sun onto a white card, but care must be taken to ensure that no one looks through the device. The main advantage of the projection methods is that nobody is looking directly at the sun.
Do’s
* View only the projection of the solar disk.
* Project the image of Sun on a shade wall through a pinhole, telescope or a pair of Binoculars.
* Direct viewing should be done using only a scientifically tested/certified solar filter. However, one may use the dark Welder’s (welding) Glass (No. 14 and above) for viewing.
Don’ts
* Don’t attempt to observe any phase of transit with the naked eye. (Use a safe solar filter).
* Never look directly through a telescope or a binocular.
* Don’t use smoked glass, colour film, sun glasses, exposed black and white film, photographic neutral density filters and polarizing filters. They are all unsafe.
* Don’t look at the Sun continuously even with your solar filters, view it intermittently for few seconds.
The 2012 Transit of Venus: Chance of a Lifetime:
Arunachal Pradesh State Council for Science & Technology (APSCS&T) have planned programmes
on the T-
So, let’s not miss this unique opportunity and get ready to witness, safe viewing of the rare celestial phenomena of the Transit of Venus on the June 06, 2012.
Acknowledgement: Vigyan Prasar, Department of Science & Technology, Government of India, Noida.
(Dr. Debajit Mahanta, Scientist-