June 27

News Impact

• Flood continues unabated in Arunachal, Govt sounds red alert
• Capital gets dedicated eye care centre
• KBJ Road handed over to BRO
• NIMAS should benefit the indigenous people: Phurpa
• International Day against Drug Abuse and illicit Trafficking observed
• Tuki visits Tehri project, says fear unfounded
• Gora Tamar Memorial Football Tournament
• 3rd Kharsang Football Tourney begins
• Drug menace engulfs capital region
• Bandh peaceful

NCP calls for demarcation of wildlife sanctuary land

ITANAGAR, Jun 26: Arunachal Pradesh unit of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) vice president Tad Tana has urged the district administration to hold public meeting involving the village heads, GPM’s, ASM’s, youths etc. before acquiring land for the enlarged Wildlife Sanctuary for Itanagar Capital Project Area.

In a letter to the deputy commissioner, Yupia, the NPC leader said that though the decision of the district administration to shift and enlarge the wild life sanctuary is a welcome move, it might affect the poor villagers of Sagalee and Balijan area. According to him, the affected people of the area have raised objection to demarcation of the area/region for the purpose.  According to the affected villagers, he said, the authority did not conduct proper survey of the area and take views of the affected people before acquisition of the land.

He urged the DC to review the demarcation of land made for the project in the greater interest of the affected people as well as to avoid misunderstanding between the administration and the public.

 

Rebia calls for separate recruitment boards

ITANAGAR, Jun 26: Pointing out that the Papum Pare district job quotas are mostly availed by those living in the capital area, thereby depriving the rural aspirants, Doimukh MLA Nabam Rebia today urged the GoAP for separate rural and capital recruitment boards for all district level recruitments, including the ongoing police recruitment.  

While the rural populace is mostly ignorant of the job opportunities, those living in the capital get to know about job avenues first and avail the opportunities while many of them also get scopes in their respective districts.

Informing that he would be moving the chief minister in this respect, Rebia reasoned that separate recruitment boards would help protect the interest of the rural job seekers.

 

Agitation suspended

ITANAGAR, Jun 26: Dibang Adi Students' Union has suspended its proposed 2nd phase of agitation scheduled on June 27-30  following an appeal from Adi Baane Kebang (ABK) Distt Unit. They further informed that the DC, Lower Dibang Valley is out of station for which they took the decision to suspend the agitation.

 

Traffic restricted

ITANAGAR, Jun 26:  Continuous downpour for the last few days damaged a portion of NH52-A at Karsingsa shrinking zone today.

Meanwhile, the  Capital Complex District Magistrate  B Basar in an order prohibited  movement of vehicles at Karsingsa slip zone till the  restoration of the said  portion of road.

The capital DC in-charge also directed the police authority to restrict entry of vehicles at Banderdewa check gate and divert the vehicular movement to Doimukh-Gumto route. The DC further took up the matter with highway  executive engineer.  The highway department also assured the DC for early restoration of the road link, according to an official source.

 

Pisa Gunia passes away

Itanagar, Jun 26: Pisa Gunia, the sitting Zilla Chairperson of Kurung Kumey district passed away this afternoon following ill-health.

The Chief Minister Nabam Tuki has expressed shock and grief at the sudden demise of Gunia.

In a message Tuki said Late Gunia will be remembered as one of the pioneering and prominent personalities of the remote district for his contributions in the fields of politics and social work.

“Despite hailing from one of the remotest parts Sarli, Late Gunia carved a niche for himself in the social ladder and became one of the best known names of the district. People of Kurung Kumey, particularly of Sarli, would miss his services,” Tuki added.

Meanwhile, Nyapin MLA Bamang Felix has also expressed profound grief after hearing the demise of the Zilla Chairperson.  In a separate message, he recalled Late Gunia as an upright and down to earth person, who dedicated his lifetime for development of his area and people.

“The sudden and untimely demise is a great loss for the district that will be felt for a long long time,” Felix added.

Lower Subansiri Zila Parishad Chairperson Likha Tongum has also mourned the death of Late Gunia. He said that in his death, the state has lost a good leader.

Flood continues unabated in Arunachal, Govt sounds red alert

Itanagar, Jun 26: State government today sounded red alert across Arunachal in view of the devastating flood caused by torrential rains for last  many days.

On the directives of the Chief Minister Nabam Tuki, the Chief Secretary has issued strictures to all administrative officers including deputy commissioners and police in the districts to remain alert as well as assess the situation immediately and submit their reports. Similar orders have also been dispatched to the Disaster Management department to alert all the Relief and Rehabilitation officers in the districts. The department has been asked to coordinate with the police and the medical department to provide immediate relief and aid to the people of flood affected areas. While the medical department has been directed to keep medicine, particularly first-aid in sufficient stock, the Civil Supplies department has been asked to keep in stock sufficient food grains, especially in vulnerable districts to meet any eventuality.

To meet the situation, as an immediate measure the Government has allotted Rs 10 lakhs to all the deputy commissioners and Rs 5 lakhs each to Additional Deputy Commissioners. Disaster management and mitigation cells have been constituted in the districts to monitor the situation and launch rescue and relief operations as and when needed.

Tuki has appealed the civil society organizations, student and youth bodies to voluntarily help the administration in lending a helping hand to the unfortunate victims of nature’s fury. He called upon the people, especially those residing in vulnerable areas, to remain alert and adopt immediate preventive and safety measures. To those who are residing in lowland areas, which are dangerously prone to inundation or landslides, he urged them to shift to safer places.

PASIGHAT: Due to incessant rainfall for the last many days, the water volume of the mighty Siang has increased unpredictably and flowing above the danger mark causing disruption of road communications.

The critical situations are reported from various corners of the district. Pasighat-Ledum-Tene-Koyu, Pasighat-Mebo-Dhola, Pasighat-Mariyang and Pasighat-Pangin roads have been blocked at several places.

Minister Education Bosiram Siram, who is also local MLA rushed to Komlighat to take stock of the situation.

The Minister inquired about various precautionary measures being undertaken by the District Administration for safety and security of human lives and properties and further directed the concerned authorities to provide all basic amenities to the affected people living near the river banks and its adjoining areas. However the minister admitted that situation is grim and further asked the DC to put all efforts to secure life and properties of the citizens on priority. He informed that the CM has been made aware of the situation and sought for immediate financial assistance from the government as welfare and disaster relief packages.

Siram also added for flood protection of Siang and Sibokorong rivers’ banks, the state government has taken the issue very seriously with the central government and expected to receive necessary funds for the purpose.

While updating the minister, the Deputy Commissioner R K Mishra informed that all  the govt agencies  have been alerted and necessary directives have been given to the concerned officers to keep ready for future course of action with man and machineries to tackle any tough situation.

The Circle Officer Kebang, Sanjay Taram informed that six govt. quarters, three private houses and channel of Yembung Hydel have been washed away. The report further added, MICs, rice-fields and orange orchards have are badly damaged in the devastating flood, reports DIPRO

ROING: Paglam Village under Dambuk Sub-Division is in danger of inundation by Dottung river, due to incessant rainfall for the last few days. The river water that has flooded Govt. Secondary School, Paglam on June 24 last compelling it to close down temporarily. Many granaries of the farmers were flooded and the villagers have been advised by the administration to shift to Keba – Tinali near CO Office for the time being on safety measures where the location is comparatively at higher level till the water level subsides, according to an official message received from Eving Yirang, incharge SDO Dambuk.

He requested DC and Director Civil Aviation, Supply and Transport for ration Sorties to Dambuk to cater the immediate need of the denizen, as well as to shift stranded patients and students.

In the meantime, the Flood Protection work carried out by the local people in joint venture with GREF, M/s SOMA Company, M/s SINGLA Company and Crusher Units on Self-Help basis at Sine River, Dambuk was also washed away on the night of June 24 last and as a result the river is posing as a danger to Dambuk SDO Headquarter including Remi and other adjoining villages, informed SDO Dambuk.

The Ferry Services at Amarpur Ghat in Assam, the only route connecting people of Dambuk Sub-Division with the district headquarter, Roing, is also temporarily suspended since June 22.

Due to sudden increase in water volume, Deopani river flowing just 1 km north of Roing township has diverted its course from its original course towards the East Bank posing as danger to nearby residents settled near the  river bank.

With the diversion of the river water, the temporary Bailey bridge over the river is cut off from traffic and thereby cutting the link road connecting Kebali and other adjoining Villages, Hunli Sub-Division, Desali Circle and Anini with Roing, the district headquarter of Lower Dibang Valley District.  In these couple of day’s continuous downpour, the recently restored power channel of Deopani Micro-Hydel, Roing was again washed away and the intake point was silted with sand gravels, informed O Apum, AE (HydroPower, Civil).

She further informed that, “it is the third time in this season; previously the channel was washed away on April 23 and May 23 last”.

She further adds, “it has become difficult for the department to carry out restoration work without financial assistance from the govt. as there are already pending liabilities of the previous restoration works”.

Er S Pertin, EE (PHED) informed that the department is anyhow supplying drinking water to the Roing township and its adjoining villages by tapping the water from seasonal sources and once the rain stops, these sources may get dry within one or two weeks of sunny days thereby creating water crisis in the township. However, efforts will be made to restore the channel on favourable weather, he added. DIPRO

BORDUMSA: The water level of Noa Dehing river is rising gradually since this afternoon and  flood water submerged large area of Bijoypur I, II & III.  The local administration has sought the help of Army personnel in rescuing the marooned villagers, but the personnel could not  take up rescue operation due to turbulent flood water.

Unabated bank erosion is continuing at Diyun circle along the Noa-Dehing river. If the rainfall continues for some more days at upper catchment, then the magnitude of devastation will be enormous, flood water will engulf Dapkhu, Megantong, Kherempani, Wagon, Borkhet, Wakhetna, Dirakpathar villages under Bordumsa circle, official sources said.

However, a official team of WRD  is constantly monitoring the situation and has apprised the local MLA C C Singpho of the situation and the MLA requested Chief Minister to provide helicopter for rescue operation. Local administration has set up relief camp with medical facilities, sources said.

At Chowkham, flood water of Kamlang breached its bank near Kamlang Nagar at two places; consequently Bereng river is flooding Chowkham areas while flood water of Mora Kamlang river had breached its bank at Sibrimuk and is flooding Alubari area. The resident of MLA Chow Tewa Mein, is still marooned by Sibri river. The administration and panchayat leaders are monitoring the flood situation.

At Mebo, the  Mebo to Pasighat surface road communication has been cut off following washed away of Siku bridge abutment in a flood on Siku river. Meanwhile, Mebo ADC Oti Dai, Mebo block NCP president Todol Pertin, Monggu Banggo ZPM Tokram Yirang, other public leaders and officers visited all the vulnerable areas like Sigar, Kiyit, Ngopok and Borguli villages to ascertain the damage caused by flood water.

In Upper Siang district, Tuting sub-division remains cut off from the rest  of the state due to flash flood triggered by heavy downpour for last few days, according to sources. Sinying River at Tuting has caused extensive damages to road, bridges and WRD’s anti-erosion project. The flash flood was caused due to torrential rainfall as well as breakage of anti-erosion protection work constructed on the left bank of Sinying River to protect the Gompa at Tuting. Water supply lines are reported snapped while Sipo and Sikut Hydel have been extensively damaged plunging the area in complete darkness.

 

Capital gets dedicated eye care centre

ITANAGAR, Jun 26: A dedicated Eye Care Centre, first of its kind, run by  NGO Arun Dristi, was inaugurated yesterday by Itanagar MLA Techi Kaso, at Zero Point here.  Kaso, after inspecting the facilities at the centre, congratulated and lauded the Arun Dristi team for opening such a dedicated centre for Eye Care in the state.

He expressed satisfaction on the facilities and emphasized on the need to reach the community in far flung area and providing low cost and affordable services for the rural folks, while pledging to support the cause for blindness reduction in days to come.

Earlier in a power point presentation, Dr. Taba Khanna outlined salient features of Arun Dristi and dwelt on length on the services to be provided by Arun Dristi Eye Care Centre. He said that the centre will run on 'No profit no loss' basis and will provide services like daily OPD including free consultation every Thursday,  Computerised Vision Testing, cosmetic eye care, state of art cataract surgeries like Phaco, MICS and latest trend of  Multifocal intraocular lens implantation. In addition, Arun Dristi will continue  its Community Outreach Programme for under served people of the state and  school screening programmes.

 

 

KBJ Road handed over to BRO

ITANAGAR, Jun 26: The much-maligned and talked-about Khonsa-Bogapani-Joypur road has been finally handed over to the famed road construction organization Border Road Organization (BRO) recently thanks to the persistent effort of the elected leaders of Tirap, GoAP and 117 Infantry Brigade.

Though the road stretch from Hukanjuri to Khonsa spanning 30 KM has been finalized, some minor hiccups remain on the road portion from Hukanjuri to Tinsukia in Assam. However, hectic parleys are on to hammer out the differences.

It is needless to mention here that this KBJ road is the life-line of Tirap and newly created Longding district. However, as of now the condition of the road is deplorable, to say the least. The Public Works Departments  of both Assam and Arunachal had been trying their best to improve the said road but without much success. It was once taken up under NEC and other various schemes but to the great chagrin of the people the condition of the road has never improved. The biggest problem of the KBJ road is that the major chunk of the road falls in Assam due to which the progress of work has been painfully slow. Many say that KBJ road is the graveyard of many vehicles thanks to the fish pond-like water-logged areas and protruding sharp boulders  here and there. A number of fashionable and latest model cars have met their waterloo in this wretched road.

But the news of KBJ road being handed over to the BRO has come like a breathe  of fresh air and  the people’s joy knows no bounds. They feel that the BRO is the most efficient organization to take care of the troublesome KBJ road by making it an all-weather road. People are looking forward to that day when they would reach Deomali about 38 KM in an hour. Now it takes 3 tedious hours to reach there. The work on this road will be carried out by 103 road construction Coy (GREF) under 752 BRTF. (DIPRO)

 

 

NIMAS should benefit the indigenous people: Phurpa

Gyati Kacho

DIRANG, Jun 26: The 100 crore mega National Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports (NIMAS) should benefit the indigenous local people and Arunachal Pradesh as they have donated huge tracts of cultivable land in anticipation of some tangible benefit to them, said Parliamentary Secretary Science & Technology and local MLA Phurpa Tsering here today during the review meeting of NIMAS.

On sidelines of the project proposed to be taken up directly by the Ministry of Defence, Phurpa said that it should, instead be taken up by Govt. of A.P, for its better and more pragmatic execution. ‘Money should be placed to state Govt for execution of NIMAS project as it can better understand the local situations and problems and implement the project in a more better and logical manner while also generating revenue to the state exchequer’, he advocated.

The MLA further appealed the visiting Sports & Youth Affairs (SYA) secretary and the West Kameng Deputy Commissioner to plead their counterpart higher ups in Delhi for implementation of the same by the state Govt. in interest of the state.

Earlier, explaining background of NIMAS, state S&YA secretary Gamli Padu informed that the only institute of its kind in the country announced by the Prime Minister in 2003 had now been sanctioned Rs 81 crore in the first phase for civil works on basis of the estimate proposed by state PWD.  He further informed that an area of 49.50 acres had been acquired for the project and a committee comprising the Union Defence Minister as chairman, state Chief Minister as vice-chairman and the local MLA as member had been proposed to be constituted to supervise the project.

Emphasizing the need to honour local sentiments, West Kameng Deputy Commissioner Rinchin Tashi said that the project would not only benefit West Kameng District but the state as a whole. He also informed that final notification for implementation of NIMAS had been issued by the Govt. and the Department of S&YA had been made the nodal agency to execute the same. On the need of temporary accommodation to house the executing nucleaus staffs of NIMAS, the DC informed that suitable vacant Govt. buildings of Dirang would be identified and made available for the purpose.

SYA Director D.K Dinglow said that public participation and cooperation of the local people was necessary for smooth and speedy execution of NIMAS. ‘Local people should be taken into confidence and made to feel that NIMAS is their project rather than people coming from Delhi to execute the same’, he pointed out.

The review meeting was attended among others by commandants of Dirang based SSB, ITBP, various Govt. officials and senior public leaders of Dirang. The visiting SYA team was also taken a tour of the NIMAS land acquired atop the beautiful Mithong Thung Top.

 

 

International Day against Drug Abuse and illicit Trafficking observed

ITANAGAR, Jun 26: Along with rest of the world Arunachal Pradesh observed International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking by creating public awareness against drugs, especially to save our young generation from its evil effects.

At Pasighat, the day was observed with active participation of school children. A procession was taken out in the main thoroughfare of the township carrying anti-drug banners and placards.

Addressing the gathering Dr. M Perme, DMO said that the day is observed to sensitize the people about ill effects of drug abuse and illicit trafficking. Drug addiction causes immense human distress and the illegal production and distribution of drugs have spawned crime and violence worldwide.

Drug abuse has led to a detrimental impact on the society said Dr.Perme. It has led to large increases in crime rate. Addicts resort to commit crime to pay for their drugs. The drugs remove inhibitions and impair judgment, egging them to commit offences. Apart from effecting the financial stability, addiction increases conflicts and causes untold emotional pain for every member of the family, The DMO said and appealed all to avoid drugs and also create awareness amongst their friends and relatives. He also appealed to one and all in the society to lend their cooperation to eradicate the dreaded menace.

The DMO informed that to face the menace in national and international level, India has taken several measures. The Narcotics and psychotropic substance Act 1985 with stringent provision is in practice. Comprehensive strategy involving specific programs to bring about overall reduction in use of drug has been evolved by various government agencies, NGOs and further supplemented by measures like education, counseling, treatment rehabilitation programs, he added.

At Changlang, the 4th (Manipur) Bn of Assam Rifles under the aegis of HQ 25 Sector, Assam Rifles observed the day by organizing various events to spread awareness about drug abuse amongst the public and children.

A mass awareness run was organised and leaflets on drugs abuse were distributed among the participants.

Flagging off the run, Changlang DC Opak Gao appreciated the efforts made by the 4th Assam Rifles and Headquarters 25 Sector Assam Rifles in bringing mass awareness about drug abuse, especially amongst the youth and children of the district. While expressing his concern over the growing drugs menace, he appealed Army to engage them in constructive activities.

More than 1200 students from various schools of Changlang district and a number of general public and govt employees participated in the programme.

At Tezu, the Disrict AIDS  Prevention & Control Unit, Lohit conducted IEC activities with awareness on drug abuse and HIV/AIDS on the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking today at Govt. Sec.School, Tezu.

Over 450 students, all DAPCU staff of Lohit and teaching staff  from Govt.Sec. School, Tezu attended the programme.

Dr.J. Ado DPO, DAPCU highlighting the evil effects of drug abuse stated that despite continued and increased efforts by the international community, the world drug problems continue to pose a serious threat to public health, the safety and wellbeing of humanity, particularly the young people.  He also stated that drug abuse is also associated with increased risk of committing criminal offences, domestic violence, rapes, burglaries, assaults, motor vehicle accident etc. He advised the youths to abstain from such risky behavior as Lohit district is also more prone to opium addiction.

M.Rina, Headmaster of the school also spoke on the occasion.

 

 

Tuki visits Tehri project, says fear unfounded

Itanagar, Jun 26: Chief Minister Nabam Tuki visited the Tehri Hydro Power Project of Tehri Hydro Development Corporation Ltd in Uttarakhand yesterday. The Chief Minister was part of a delegation comprising Union Minister of State for Water Resources Vincent Pala, Member of Central Water Commission S Kakran and Yingkiong MLA Alo Libang.

The Chief Minister upon his arrival held a high level meeting with the officials of Tehri Hydro Development Corporation Ltd where D.V Singh, Director (Technical) gave a detailed presentation on the history, commissioning, technical aspects, Rehabilitation & Resettlement Policies and multipurpose benefits of the Project. The Chief Minister discussed in detail the various components of the Tehri Project with special emphasis on power generation and transmission, flood modulation, water distribution and irrigation systems, resettlement scenario among others. He was also briefed about the studies and concerns of the evolutionary stages of the project.

Later in the day, the Chief Minister visited the different units of the Complex including the Dam and spillways, reservoir and a state-of-art underground power station.

The visit of the Chief Minister to gain knowledge on a successful project is significant as similar projects are coming up in Arunachal Pradesh. The Tehri Dam and Hydro Power Project (1000 MW) is one of the highest in the world and the highest in India (earth & rockfill dam of 260.5 m), which despite being situated in a highly seismic zone is scientifically proved as the safest. It is a multipurpose project providing power benefits to the Northern region, irrigation benefits to Uttar Pradesh and drinking water benefits to National Capital Territory of Delhi. Due to regulated release from the Tehri storage reservoir, the existing downstream hydro projects of Uttaranchal are also benefiting by way of augmentation in generation (200 million units annually) at no additional cost to.

“People having apprehensions over power projects in Arunachal should come and see this project. Then they will realize how trivial and unnecessary their fears are,” the Chief Minister observed.

What impressed the Chief Minister most, which he said should be a lesson to anti-dam protagonists, was the systematic regulation of inflow and outflow of river water from the Tehri Reservoir. During the monsoon period in Uttarakhand (21st June to 31st Oct) water inflow is heavy at about 590 cusecs, but only 406 cumecs is allowed as outflow, thus preventing any kind of flood-like situation in the downstream. On the other hand, in the winters (Nov to March) inflow becomes as less as only 60 cumecs. However, due to the regulated reservoir, the outflow is maintained at about 184 cumecs.

“This is spectacular as the flow of water is almost uniformly maintained all through the year. As such, there is no scope for floods in the downstream. People opposing dams in Arunachal ought to understand this fact,” Tuki pointed.

 

 

Gora Tamar Memorial Football Tournament

GMSC-A beat NLFC 2-0 in opener

M Doley

ITANAGAR, Jun 26: Gora Makik Sporting Club- ‘A’ (GMSC-A) scored a goal in each half to beat Nyokum Lapang Football Club (NLFC) 2-0 in the opening match of the first ever Gora Tamar Memorial State Level Football Tournament at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Naharlagun today.

Incessant rain could not dampen the spirit of players of either team as the match started on a promising note with both the teams sharing equal opportunity and ball possession in the first half. However, the slippery ground caused by torrential rain over the past few days made it almost difficult for the players to play their natural game. But it was the Gora Makik team getting on the scoreboard first via a goal mouth melee few minutes into the match.

Gora Makik team seemed to have upper hand in the second half. The team could have won the match atleast a margin of 3-0 goal had Loie Kena not missed a full scoring opportunity in the second half. He failed to score as the ball got stuck in the mud in the goal mouth. Though NLFC made several attempts to equalize the goal could not score mainly due to poor finishing.

The second match of the day was due to play between 10 ITBP, Kimin and Tali Pip Sorang SC.

Earlier, the match was kicked off by Member of Parliament Takam Sanjoy as chief guest amidst huge gathering of soccer enthusiasts and participating teams.

In his brief speech, Sanjoy advised the participating teams to maintain strict discipline and sportsman spirit during the tournament. He highly appreciated Gora family, specially Gora Makik for providing the football players a platform to show their hidden talents through this tournament. Sanjoy, who also is president of Arunachal Pradesh Football Association (APFA), suggested the football players of the state to get registered with Arunachal Pradesh Football Players’ Association (APFPA) under the aegis of APFA for availing the benefits.

Palin MLA Takam Tagar (Pario) was also present on the occasion.

Women cultural troupe presented Rikam Pada dance on the occasion.

The sole objective of organizing the tournament is to produce quality players and develop football in the state, Gora Makik said.

The organizing committee has kept a cash prize of Rs.1.50 Lakh for the winner, Rs.75,000 for the runners up and Rs.20,000 for the fair play team. Individual prizes of Rs.10,000 each would be given to Best Player, Best Goalkeeper and Highest scorer of the Championship.

Altogether, 25 teams are participating in the tournament.

Late Gora Tamar was Political Interpreter (PI) during NEFA period. He was also ASM of Dari in Kurung Kumey district and Head Gaon Burah of Sangchang. The Dari primary school (now secondary) was established under his initiative, family sources informed.

The Championship is being organized by Gora Makik Sporting Club.

Teams: Capital Complex Sporting Club PH., Gora Makik Sporting Club ‘A’, Gora Makik Sporting Club ‘B’, Bamang Taji Football Club, Arunachal United Football Club, East Kameng Football Club, Gyammar Welfare Society Nyapin, East Kameng Capital Complex Football Club, Tayar Brother’s Football Club, Critical Football Club, Tali Pip-Sorang Sports Club, NYWA Sports Club Nirjuli, 10 Indo Tibetan Border Police Kimin, Biri Brothers Football Club, Game Zone United Football Club, Sagalee Sports Club, Emchi Football Club, Nyokum Lapang Football Club, Zine Urbane Football Club, Banderdewa Youth Sports Club, Barapani Football Club, Laa-Punglu Football Club, Ajin Football Club, Karsingsa Football Club, Jiyo Aur Jine Do Football Club.

 

 

3rd Kharsang Football Tourney begins

ITANAGAR, Jun 26: The 3rd Kharsang Football Trophy Tournament 2012 organised by Kharsang Sports Committee and Kharsang Circle Unemployed Youth Association under the sponsorship of GeoEnpro Petroleum Ltd, Kharsang began at Govt. Hr. Sec. School playground, Kharsang yesterday.

The inaugural match was played between Nolang Club Balinong and Kuttom Sporting in which the former defeated the latter.

Inaugurating the tournament, Environment and Forest Parliamentary Secretary CT Mein  encouraged the youths to play games and sports for mental and physical development. If taken seriously, sports can not only bring personal glory to sportspersons but also earn livelihood for them, he said. He said that sports have now become an industry where there are lots of scopes for employment generation.

Minister for Geology and Mining, Food and Civil Supply etc. K Mossang also appealed to the youths to take up games and sports seriously besides their formal education. He urged them to refrain from taking drugs and alcohol etc which not only ruin lives but also bring miseries to a family.  The Minister expressed gratitude to GeoEnpro Petroleum Ltd. for sponsoring the tournament.

Changlang ZPC J Jugli gave more importance on organizing such games and sports activities to channelize youth energies in right perspective and make the state proud of their contribution.

Arunachal Pradesh Youth Congress (East Parl. Constituency) president  James Jugli stressed the need to expose hidden sports talents of the district while Kharsang Unemployed Youth Association president Sanjay Kimsing urged the youths to avail the opportunity to show their talents.

Altogether 24 teams from every circle of Changlang district are participating in the tournament.

 

 

Drug menace engulfs capital region

Taba Ajum

ITANAGAR, Jun 26: Nations across the world are observing International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on June 26. Every year, this day is observed to raise awareness about drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

In Arunachal, drug problem is often associated with districts like Lohit, Tirap and Changlang where  people use Opium during social gathering  as tradition.

Most people often ignore the drug menace which has gripped  the Capital Complex. Today large numbers of young citizens of  the Capital  region  are falling prey to drug addiction.

Some of the major reasons attributed to this sudden rise in drug use are: lack of awareness among youths about its consequences, easy availability of various type of drugs in the market and  peer pressure etc.

Most often it is seen that family members of drug addict have to go through severe trauma. This journalist met a young lady whose husband is a drug addict and is currently undergoing rehabilitation in somewhere in South India.

Her husband has been fighting drug addiction for the last 10 years. Numerous visits to various rehab centres of the country have not yielded any result yet.

“I took him to almost all the rehab centres of country. Every time he would promise me and children that he will stop using it. But just few days after coming back from rehab, he will start taking drugs all over. I have almost given up,” she told.

While trying to stop her husband from using drug, she herself has explored into drug world and gathered some fascinating information about how drug peddlers works in  the Capital.

“Most of the drug peddlers of Capital are themselves addict. You will find peddlers in Itanagar, Naharlagun and Banderdewa. The peddlers of  the Capital Complex get drug supply from their counterpart based at Banderdewa on the Assam side,” she informed.

Further she added, “Majority of drugs which come to  the state Capital find their way from Dimapur. From Dimapur it is routed through Assam and then finally reach here. The second drug supply route  is via Tirap and Changlang. Large numbers of people are involved in this racket.”

When contacted Superintendent of Police Capital Complex, Hibu Tamang, stated that they are keeping tab on drug users and whenever police get any information about drug peddlers, they will make arrest.

Among the drug users of  the Capital Complex, brown sugar is the most popular. It has overtaken older form of drug like SP, Nitro-10 Tablet, Codine syrup, etc. A small packet of adulterated brown sugar cost around rupees 4,000 in the market. The drug users comprises of students, businessmen and even government officers. The most saddening part is that majority of drug users are teenagers and it includes both boys and girls.

The drug menace is posing a serious threat to the social fabric of our society. Along with corruption and unemployment, it is one of the most serious problems which will have devastating effect on young generation.

 

 

Bandh peaceful

ITANAGAR, Jun 26: The state-wide 24 hours bandh called by All Arunachal Pradesh Border Students Union (AAPBSU) in protest against non-fulfillment of demands evoked mixed response throughout Papum Pare district.

The bandh, which began early morning today did not create any impact in Kimin, Balijan, Sagalee, and Doimukh area and the normal life goes as usual, informed the  Papum Pare district administration. The band remains peaceful and  there was no report of any untoward incidents  so far.

In capital region, the market and business establishments remained open for two hours up to 12 noon. Though the private passengers vehicles off the road,  state transport buses, few numbers of two wheelers and Tata Sumo vehicles are seen plying on the capital road.

 Both the offices of the Capital and Papum Pare DCs remained open as usual. However, there was thin attendance in other Govt offices, informed   administrative sources. AAPBSU called the bandh in protest against  the Govt’s alleged failure to respond to its 10-point charter of demands which include immediate establishment of 4th IRBn training centre cum Headquarters at Radhaso under Taraso Circle, free of cost land possession certificate to the people residing along boundary area and  construction of permanent police check posts  under various circles near the boundary areas.

The Papum Pare district administration did not see any justification of the bandh call saying  the Govt. had sanctioned police outposts at Gumto, Tarasso and Kakoi  and infrastructure in these police outposts is being developed. Moreover the one platoon Police force has been stationed at Tarasso to defuse any untoward incident. The Capital Complex district magistrate also prohibited the bandh and various organizations including ANSU opposed it.

In East Siang district, though the central govt. institutions like Post office, Banks were closed, the offices of the state govt. remained open with full attendance. Shops in market areas found partially open and no untoward incident has been reported during the bandh, reports DIPRO

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Resurrection of Public Health Cadre – The need of the hour

Dear Editor,

Public health systems  in India have weakened since the 1950s, when the central government decided to amalgamate the medical and public health services and to focus heavily on single-issue public health programs. The amalgamation was intended to improve coordination between various components of health services, but with passage of time inadvertently marginalized public health services. The focus on single-issue programmes sought to concentrate resources on some important diseases and public health concerns - but this detracted from maintaining strong integrated public health systems which could proactively deliver a range of preventive health services to reduce people’s exposure to disease, including implementing health and sanitary regulations to protect environmental health.

Over time, most state health departments have come to focus their public health work largely on implementing the single-issue programs, which include programs to control specific diseases, disease surveillance, family planning, and maternal and child health. They de-prioritized their public health systems, and their administrative and workforce capacity for delivering broader public health services eroded at both the managerial and grassroots levels. This has resulted in an unnecessarily high toll of morbidity for people of all ages and socio-economic strata, and elevated child mortality. Health resources are deployed to treat people who should never have been exposed to disease in the first place.

Situation is not different in state of Arunachal Pradesh either. The panacea for the problem would be to revive public health system with a separate Public Health Cadre with the desirable key ingredients of the system, which are (1) a separate Directorate of Public Health, with (2) its own budget, (3) legislative underpinning for its work, (4) a professional public health cadre managing a team of non-medical specialists and lower-grade staff working solely on public health which would conduct long-term planning and state health policy-making to avert outbreaks, manage endemic diseases, prevent the resurgence of diseases after they have been controlled, manage disasters and emergencies, and support local bodies to protect public health in both rural and urban areas.

Moreover, making it happen seems so imperative and appealing when Central Government has also decided to support the State deciding to create separate Public Health Cadre with an additional 15 per cent of total outlay for NRHM for the purpose, as the mandarin of Health & Family Welfare Ministry of Central Government has also realised that Public Health Cadre is vital to run health programmes on the ground and states which don't have one will be given extra funds if they introduce such a cadre.

So the dawn for the resurrection of Public Health Cadre in the state of Arunachal Pradesh has emerged. The success of the model shall depend on the better administration and accountability of health service delivery system. If implemented effectively, the model would be able to protect the people’s health more cost-effectively while also helping to develop the basic health infrastructure. By doing so, the State would follow what the developed world has been doing for over 125 years, to protect its people from exposure to disease and facilitate overall economic growth.

Yours,

Dr Tana Natung,

Medical Officer, CHC Doimukh,

 

 

Private University at Ziro

Dear Editor,

This is my initial, may be knee-jerk, reaction to the proposed establishment of a private university at Ziro, by World Institution Building Programme. The news has put me in the state of confusion, as I am not sure whether to congratulate the people of Ziro Valley and thank the government of Arunachal Pradesh or to be pessimistic about the mushrooming of private educational institutions in India.

Private parties have made a big headway in the field of education in India. Many have succeeded exceptionally well. We may remind ourselves that there are many universities which exist for the sake of providing degrees without imparting any educational value. This may the reason that the Supreme Court of India declared establishment of 112 universities in the state of Chattisgarh as illegal. It is to be seen which categories of the universities the proposed university will fall. Hopefully, it is for the educational good of Arunachal Pradesh.

What makes me slightly sceptical is the fact that the university in question promises almost every degree under the sun:  Information Technology- Imaging Technology; Hotel Management- Hospital Management; nursing, radiology, technology, medicines, etc. Such promise is being made with a meager amount of Rs 3 crores as endowment fund. The mentors of Nalanda International University believe that an amount of 500 million US dollar is not sufficient enough to start many courses (it is starting with social sciences only).

Rajiv Gandhi University is struggling to manage traditional courses with some innovative programmes. Its monthly salary component is Rs. 1.5 crores.

If I could recollect correctly, the then Advocate General of Arunachal Pradesh, Mr. Nilay Dutta had recommended  that “a far more indept analysis of the MOU as well as the courses offered by the NGO are made by the experts in the State Government”. My simple question to the Government of Arunachal Pradesh- Did the experts examine the MOU and the courses proposed? If yes, who were the experts involved? Why did the present Chief Minister showed much urgency when his predecessors did not give green signal? Why should any political leader pursue so vigorously for a lesser- known NGO? A political leader of Ziro, vide his memo No. PS/LM-10/2010-11 to the Chief Minister, dated 24th June, 2010 had strongly argued in favour of the establishment of the said university.  

It is either the Governor or the Chief Minister of the state, who becomes the Chancellor of any university within the state, atleast by convention. In this case, as per newspaper report, Mr P R Trivedi himself is the Chancellor.  

It is learnt that Global Open University, another university of the same group, offers many degrees through distance mode. Many of our students have obtained M Phil degree. I would reserve my comment on the quality of such degrees but there are huge debates in the academic circle. It has 30 schools (eg. School of Pollution Control) whereas Jawaharlal Nehru University has around half a dozen

Land donors need special appreciation. Personally, I have not known land being donated free of cost to an individual NGO in any part of the country. May be, they had the idea that medical college within the university campus would benefit them. But alas! the university is just putting ‘proposal’ to the Medical Council of India.

Will it be possible to start B.Tech. or M. Tech. programes from the next academic session when even the necessary land development has not taken place? When will they construct infrastructure and recruit faculty? Who will ensure that the university runs within the paranmeters of UGC guidelines?

Yours,

Nani Bath

Rajiv Gandhi University,

Rono Hills.

 

 

 

Festival of bandhs

Dear Editor,

Every now and then there is a bandh call from our leaders or self proclaimed leaders. For some its a day to go out fishing while some get busy in playing carrom and for most students its cricket at highway. Each time someone write against it in this daily placing the problems of traders, as they suffer the most.

Now it’s even worse there are groups of people who with their mighty looks yell all to close all shops or else get beaten up, while drinking and driving their SUV in bandh time claiming to be bandh callers and few minutes later another groups of mighty people, also in there SUV, with hammer comes shouting to all, to open there shops or else, they will break it open.

So I stand at my shop, thinking whether to open it or not. Both way I might get beaten up. What do you think I should  do ?

I am an Arunachalee, I have my own right in my own state, so sometimes I think I shall stand with my loaded 12 bore to see who dares to open or close my shop.

Do you think its right? If not, will you my dear leaders feed my family? There are many forms of opposing a government, say by dharnas, fasting or peace rally. If such old person like Anna can fight Indian government by peaceful methods why can’t the young guys?

Anna did not use bandh call. Through peace and mass awareness, he got the attention of the people of this country.

I even doubt whether the so called unions leaders are truly leading us for mass development or  as usual find bandh a shortcut way to get fame and wealth?  If you are really on a process for mass development why dont the leaders fast till death to get our real overall development or against the injustice of government. If so I shall stand there with you till we get it.

Like me many will arise for a fight in a peacefully methods. If your intention is not for our welfare then please try not to disturb us in general by your bandh call.  

An those opposing groups please station atleast 5 persons each in a shop if you want us to open and if you can’t then you dont have the right to forcefully open because its our shop. If we like it, we can open it. If not we can shutters down. There is no any rule that we have to open it always.

Lastly we Arunachalee are sleeping, we will be sleeping and we shall sleep as each five years, we are the one who will take sleeping pills from our local leader and elect him and then sleep for five more years, which includes you, my union leaders.

Yours,

Alvish, Naharlagun

 

 

The bridge that collapse even before inauguration

Dear Editor,

I would like to draw the attention of the RWD department as well as  Upper Subansiri district administration towards the problems faced by the  people of Debom, Dera, Giamuk Rijo and Rari Rijo villages  due to  collapse of steel suspension bridge on Subansiri river.

The suspension bridge, which was washed away by flood water on June 22,  is the lifeline of the villagers. There is no alternate route for them to fetch ration items from nearby towns. Therefore, I request the concern authority to restore the bridge at the earliest.

In addition to that, I would like to highlight the history of the collapsed suspension bridge  for public knowledge.  During the construction of the Rs 60 lakh bridge project under the RWD  division by a contractor, the local people and panchayat leaders of four villages  verbally requested the engineers of RWD Daporijo division  to maintain the appropriate height of the bridge over Subansiri river. But the officials did not give attention to the suggestions of the villagers. The department also did not maintain quality of work while constructing the bridge. As a result, the bridge, which is yet  to be inaugurated,  collapsed just after the six months of the construction.

Therefore, I request the Subansiri district administration to constitute an enquiry committee with involvement of  members from each  affected village to find out the cause of bridge collapse and give stringent punishment to the engineers responsible for it.

Yours’

Sokpa Debom, Co-Convenor

Make Debom,  Advisor, ATTAWS, Daporijo

 

 

 

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.        

----Editor

New mechanism for disaster warning systems

Twenty-one countries have agreed to develop a financial mechanism for the sustainability of the Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System for Africa and Asia (RIMES). The Member States and collaborating countries approved a plan of action for sustaining the delivery of RIMES products and services that aim to increase scope for dealing with natural calamities and extreme weather events.

RIMES, an intergovernmental institution, evolved with support from United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific through efforts in the aftermath of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami to build a regional system which would generate and communicate early warning information, and enhance the capacity of countries to deal with such hazards.

Most RIMES members look towards support in several aspects of actionable early warning. In articulating the members needs and priorities in these areas, the RIMES Master Plan has determined that implementation of the 5-year plan would require about US$ 64 million in funding. So far, a total of 13 countries have signed cooperation agreements with RIMES and another 17 others are in various stages of agreement consideration and approval.

The ESCAP Trust Fund for Tsunami, Disasters and Climate Preparedness, established with a contribution of US$10 million from Thailand and US$ 2.5 million from Sweden in 2006, supported the establishment of the RIMES through the Asia Disaster Preparedness Centre. Additional support has been received from Bangladesh, Nepal, the Philippines and Turkey. To date, the Fund has supported a total of six projects related to RIMES, totaling US$6 million.