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June 09

AHSA win crucial match, NSA defeat DFC 2-0

ITANAGAR, June 8: All Hija Sports Association (AHSA) edged past Hari Sports Club (HSC) 3-2 in a crucial ‘Group-A’ match in the 48th Dree Football Tournament at Dree Ground, Ziro today.

It was Hage Kemo who put HSC ahead by scoring in the eighth minute (1-0). AHSA equalized the score (1-1) through a penalty kick taken by Dani Tam in 40th minute before Dani Tang gave AHSA a vital 2-1 lead by scoring two minutes later. HSC again neutralised the score (2-2) through a goal from Gyati Atung in 48th minutes.

Substitute Nada Tamo scored the winner for AHSA (3-2).

Having defeated in the opening match, AHSA needed a must win for survival.

In another match played earlier today, Nenchalya Sports Association (NSA) beat Diibo Football Club (DFC) 2-0. Tilling Saha and Dani Tamang scored a goal each for NSA.

 

Get your own house in order before you criticize others; ABSU

ITANAGAR, June 8: All Bori Students Union (ABSU) has expressed disappointment over the local MLA and Leader of Opposition Tamiyo Taga’s alleged lack of interest and enthusiasm for development of his own constituency.

Highlighting the various problems faced by the public of Payum and Kaying circles in particular and Rumgong assembly constituency in general, ABSU in a press release said that Payum circle created in 1962 still lacks basic civic amenities like, electricity proper, road connectivity etc.

The students union alleged their MLA of practicing favouritism and nepotism in awarding contract works depriving genuine and deserving ones. It also alleged misuse of various centrally sponsored schemes by their local MLA without substantiating any documents.

Reacting to BJP’s recent delegation to Raj Bhawan on state government’s alleged financial management; ABSU suggested the Leader of Opposition and their MLA, who led the delegation, to get his own house in order before criticizing others.

 

Be a good administrator: Lombi

KHONSA, June 8: Tirap DDSE Pobi Lombi has called upon all the Principals, Head Masters, BEOs and  BRCs to  become good administrators. Addressing a coordination meeting of education department here on June 5 last, Lombi said that teachers’ attendance must be checked from time to time in order to ensure  completion of  academic course  before declaration of CBSE/ AISSCE exams.

Emphasizing on maintaining strict discipline within the school campus, the DDSE said that use of mobile phones inside the school campus should not be allowed. He also stressed on implementation of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan in every school.

Speaking on the occasion, Khonsa ADC Ngamjang Wangsu urged upon the DDSE, school principals and headmasters to be pro-active while discharging their duties for good results of the students. Wangsu lamented that for the last couple of years the results of CBSE and  AISSCE (Class-X and Class-XII) in Govt. Higher Secondary Schools at Khonsa, Deomali, Borduria and in various Govt. Secondary Schools in Tirap district have been found very poor when compared with other districts of  the state.

Earlier, principals, vice principals and headmasters said that shortage of subject teachers in various schools of the district is the main cause of poor results in Class X and Class XII exams for the last couple of year. DIPRO

 

Training on account maintenance

ITANAGAR, Jun 8: R.K. Mossang Memorial Society (RKMMS) has conducted a training on cash and account maintenance for the NaRMGs & SHGs under NERCORMP projects in Bordumsa, Jairmapur and Manmao blocks on  June 4, 5 and 7 respectively, according to a release.

 

BJP’s Mahasampark Abhiyan at Longding

ITANAGAR, June 8: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)’s Mahasampark Abhiyan workshop for Longding district concluded at Longding town Saturday last.

Presentations on Mahasampark Abhiyan, its aims and objectives and achievements of BJP-led NDA government’s one in year power were the main highlights of the workshop. About 500 party workers, cadres and office bearers attended the workshop, claimed a release.

 

Gorkhas observe Shaheed Diwas

ITANAGAR, June 8: The All Arunachal Gorkha Youth Welfare Association today observed Shaheed Diwas in remembrance of Shaheed Subedar Niranjan Singh Chetri who was hanged by the colonial British in the year 1891.

Shaheed Subedar Niranjan Singh Chetri was a subedar in the native force of Jubraj Tikendrajit.

 

BJP slams Govt for poor road work

ITANAGAR, June 8: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Arunachal Pradesh today vehemently criticised the state Govt, particularly the highway department for alleged poor quality road construction work at sinking zone near Karsingsa.  

While visiting the Karsingsa sinking zone block point today, a team of BJP headed by BJP ST Morcha state unit president Tadar Akap expressed shock over the ‘sub-standard’ work executed by the highway department eight months ago. There were no any retaining walls to protect the road on the either side, Akap said.

Akap alleged that the Itanagar-Banderdewa road which is the lifeline for the people of the Capital Complex remains cut off due to inefficiency of Highway department.

Terming the ruling Congress Govt as “lootera Govt’ Akap exhorted one and all to raise voice against ‘substandard road work’. The ST Morcha leader said that it would continue to expose the “failure of the ruling state govt. which makes road by filling sand and pebbles only to fulfill their evil desire.”  The road, which was constructed few months ago, is just like a cricket pitch which has no any strength to bear even a minor down pour, he further alleged.

 

Power Dept reviews performance

ITANAGAR, June 8: The overall performance of power department was reviewed and the finalisation of IPDS, DDUGY scheme for construction of 132kv transmission line in the state, plan for ensuring  24x7 power to all were discussed in a review meeting of the power department held at Banquet hall here today.

Presiding over the meeting Power Minister Tanga Byaling has stressed the need for imparting training to all technical staffs up to the level of EEs for delivering service to the people up to the desired level. He also called for proper coordination among all concerned for ensuring safety of the public and gave emphasis on strict checking on revenue leakage.

During the meeting, all the four chief engineers of the department have been directed to submit details of the CSS schemes so far being executed to find out any lapses in execution as per guidelines.

The meeting was conducted as a follow up action as per the decision taken by the state cabinet recently to review the status of all ongoing and completed schemes under CSS.

Besides all the SE(E)s & EE (E)s of the department, Power Commissioner Kaling Tayeng, Er. A Perme, CE (TPM), Er J Tato, CE (WEZ), O Moyong, CE (EEZ), Er. T Mara, CE (CEZ) attended the meeting.

 

Committee writes to CS

ITANAGAR, Jun 8: The Bodo Development Committee (BDC) under Sawa circle of East Kameng district has alleged that M/S Trans Infracon Pvt Ltd did not comply with the DPR in the construction of road from 51km point of Seppa-Chayang Tajo road to Sawa HQ. It has complained to the chief secretary in this regard.

‘..as the route has been deliberately diverted away from Bodo village to avoid extra expenses in earthwork and to shorten the distance, which henceforth deprived the rightful road connectivity of Bodo village to other towns,’ the committee’s letter to the CS read.

The committee sought stringent action against the officers involved in the irregularity.

 

ANYA threatens social boycott

ITANAGAR, Jun 08: All Nyishi Youth Association (ANYA) called upon people of neighbouring Assam and other states to maintain peace and cordial relationship with Arunachal Pradesh failing which they will face social boycott.

Taking strong exception to the repeated atrocities and attack on Arunachalees by Assam people, ANYA cautioned that any recurrence of such incidents involving Arunachalee people may spark retaliation.

ANYA also appealed to the Chief Minister and authorities concerned to come up with written and authentic documents regarding the peace talks and safety measures of both the states, especially of Tarraso and adjoining areas.

Water logging in Naharlagun

ITANAGAR, Jun 08: Driving in the stretch of road from Hotel River View point to A-Sector Naharlagun has become dangerous and hazardous due to water logging in the middle of the road, said All Arunachal Contractor’s Welfare Association (AACWA).

Alleging that use of low quality materials and improper filling of soil caused premature damage of the busy road, the contractors association demanded the department concerned to repair the road portion immediately.

It held the executing department solely responsible for the present dilapidated condition of the road saying that regular monitoring was the only tool to check and ensure quality of work besides timely payment of contractors’ bill.

Meanwhile, AACWA strongly condemned the recent Behali incident and said that such type of incident does not auger well for future relations among the people of two neighbor states.

 

Water supply gets disrupted

ITANAGAR, Jun 8:  The main water supply line of 300 mm diameter DI pipeline which feeds the residents of Naharlagun, Nirjuli and adjacent areas has been snapped due to soil erosion at Naharlagun on the way to Youth Hostel. This was informed by Debia Padang, Assistant Engineer, PHED, Naharlagun.

He further added that the restoration work is going on and it might take at least three to four days to bring back normal supply. The department has sought cooperation from the local public in this regard.

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News Impact

Food shortage in Lazu, Anjaw while Dambuk cut off

Capital region battered by rain

ITANAGAR, June 8: With heavy downpour continuing unabated, several parts of Arunachal are battling landslides and blockades.

Surface communication of Anjaw district has been completely disrupted for last few days due to continuous rainfall leading to shortage of essential commodities in the district and subsequent hike in prices of all available items.

Landslides triggered by rains also damaged roads at Tidding, 21Km, Quibang, Lautul-Kherang and Changwinti BRTF camp and several other minor points from Tezu-Hayuliang-Hawai-Walong. Some portions of the formation cutting of the road was washed away by rain water.

Though BRTF personnel are working hard round the clock for restoration of the road, but heavy incessant rain is hampering the work. Many of the heads of offices are held up on the way to their respective headquarters; even the Deputy Commissioner has been stranded at Hayuliang for the last three days on his way to Hawai, reports DIPRO.

Dambuk sub-division in Lower Dibang Valley is cut off from the rest of the country since last five days with floodwaters snapping roads in several locations.

The Dambuk-Paglam road is also cut off due to flooding in Sisar River at two points between Dambuk and Bizari while Bizari-Paglam road is cut off due to flooding in Singkin and Loklung River that washed away the PWD road at various locations in Loglung and Paglam areas.

The Sine River near Dambuk town is also flowing at danger level.

The flood affected public of the area has urged for immediate resumption of the Pawan Hans helicopter service to Dambuk as road communication is blocked from all sides and the situation will remain same till onset of winter.

At Paglam, floodwaters of Dotung river submerged Govt. quarters, Paglam Secondary school and the Paglam A and B villages. Water also submerged the newly planted vast paddy fields in the area, informed Dambuk ADC Atul Tayeng.

The ADC along with the Anchal Chairperson Moba Riba and Panchayat members took stock of the situation in the area and had provided rice and tarpaulin sheet to 15 worst affected families as immediate relief.  

The people of Lazu and adjoining areas have been reportedly facing acute shortage of essential commodities due to road blockade caused by landslide. Frequent road blockade near Longtang Pongkong on Khonsa Lazu road is also hampering hassle free movement of security forces in the sensitive Lazu area bordering Myanmar, reports DIPRO.

While expressing concern over frequent occurrence of landslide causing disruption in surface communication, Khonsa West MLA Tirong Aboh appealed to the concern department and the district administration to clear the road blockade to throw the road open for traffic.

In East Siang, the surging water of Poglek River, locally known as Pagla Korong has snapped road communication between Yagrung and Pasighat for the third day today.

Uninterrupted rainfall at upper reaches of Mebo hill-site is causing constant rise in water level of Siku rivers posing serious threat to RCC bridge on NH-52.

The route is the lifeline for the people of Mebo subdivision and parts of Lower Dibang Valley district as food, medicine and other essential commodities are transported to these area through this highway.

Rainwater also inundated many portions of Pasighat town. The Airfield (ALG), Muriline, Banskota and Pasighat bazaar have been the worst affected areas.

At Ruskin, the entire township is almost submerged by water causing immense problems. The forest range office and forest colony, Tax & Excise office, agriculture office and Ruksin police station were knee deep in water.  According to Indian Meteorology Department report, south-west monsoon this year, which hit Kerala on Friday, is proceeding to the Himalayan region. The report has predicted heavy rainfall in Arunachal Pradesh and other northeastern states for the next few weeks.

Meanwhile, the Capital Complex MLA cum Parliamentary Secretary Town Planning and Housing Techi Kaso along with Deputy Commissioner Capital Complex Mige Kamki accompanied by Councilor Tarh Nachung visited Sinking Zone (Karsingsa-Nirjuli) road today to take stock of ongoing restoration work.

A part of the NH 52 A was washed away by the incessant rain affecting normal vehicular movement and normal travel of people from Karsingsa and Banderdewa. To get in and out of Itanagar, commuters have to use Gumto-Harmuti road. The department concerned has pressed in three excavators for immediate restoration of the road.

Later, Kaso and Kamki visited the flood ravaged, P Sector Nirjuli where most of the private and government buildings have been badly affected by the flash flood. The Gyan Joyti School at P, Sector Nirjuli is partially submerged under mud, sand and debris due to the heavy rain. The residents of the sector are working on war footing in clearing mud filled sector road and choked drains.

Speaking to media persons on sideline of the visit, Parliamentary Secretary Techi Kaso reassured the general public that government and district administration are with them. Kaso exuded hope that restoration of Karsingsa-Nirjuli road would be completed soon depending on the rain.

DC Mige Kamki cautioned the commuters not to cross slide prone areas (sinking zone) to avoid any untoward incident, saying the area is precarious during heavy rainfall. The DC further hinted that the district administration will possibly review the haphazard earth cutting menace which is believed to be the root cause of floods in the Capital Complex.

Meanwhile, Pasighat DIPRO informed that the rain water played havoc bringing normal life to a standstill in Pasighat and its adjoining area. According to official sources, water supply to entire Pasighat town and its adjoining area remains disrupted as the rain water washed away the water supply pipeline.  Rain water also damaged Sille hydel and disrupted the Aalo-Pasighat power supply.

Meanwhile, the DC Nidhi Srivastava informed that the district has sufficient food stock to deal any critical situation. He strictly directed all the Heads of Departments and other Govt officials to remain alert.

Meanwhile, Srivastava accompanied by the local MLA Kaling Moyong, ADC Deepak Shinde, DDMO, engineers and officers conducted spot visit of all the rain water affected areas today.

 

 

Election officials urged to be committed to achieve NERPAP target

KOLORIANG, June 8: Kurung Kumey District Election Officer (DEO) Mamata Riba has requested all the EROs and AEROs to be committed to achieve the NERPAP target in all four Assembly constituencies of Kurung Kumey district within the given time. She was addressing a consultative committee meeting on public awareness campaign for effective implementation of NERPAP in Kurung Kumey district here on June 5.  

While explaining in detail about the importance of biometric enrollment and purification and authentication of electoral rolls, she asked all the EROs to ensure that all the BLOs were present in the training to be held on June 10 in the respective headquarter at Palin for Palin and Tali segments and at Koloriang for Nyapin and Koloriang constituencies. A refreshment training is also fixed on July 4, she further informed.

After a detailed discussion, the meeting decided to organise special sensitisation camps on NERAP in four phases at Koloriang. The  first and  second phase of the camp will be organised on June 28 and July 12, while 3rd and 4th phase will be held on July 19 and 26. Apart from this, a separate dates for meeting of all political parties and respective ERO/AERO have been fixed.

The representatives from  Kra Dadi district administration and Additional Deputy Commissioners of Tali, Jamin, Nyapin, SDO Sangram, AEROs and representatives of political parties were present in the meeting. DIPRO

 

 

PADC questions delay in start of Highway work

ITANAGAR, Jun 8: The Potin-Area Development Committee (PADC) has questioned the delay in starting of construction works under Trans-Arunachal Highway between Potin and Daporijo stretch. In a press release, PADC claimed that during his visit to Ziro in the month of April, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highway Nitin Gadkari had assured to start the work within two months. However, as of now no work has started at the ground level.

“Earlier the said stretch of road was maintained by Border Road Organization (BRO). But later it was handed over to the state highway department. Now both of them are blaming each other and are not maintaining the road. Due to it, the condition of the road is worse and motorists are suffering a lot”, said Taba Sanka, chairman of PADC. Further he added, “The highway team made assessment of government as well as public properties many times from 2009 onwards. After the completion of assessment, district administration took control and issued order to stop all kind of construction and agri-allied activities along the highway. Public has cooperated with them. However till date no compensation has been disbursed. This is affecting the economy of local citizens. They are not able to carry out any agri-allied activities in their own land. Also the highway department should hand over the road to BRO for maintenance until they are ready to start the work.”

The committee also questioned why the three MLAs of Lower Subansiri district were maintaining silence over the whole issue. “The citizens of Raga, Ziro and Yachuli constituencies are the worst sufferer. However, sadly the MLAs are maintaining a stoic silence over the issue,” the PADC alleged. The committee further informed that apart from Potin to Daporijo stretch, the condition of Potin-Kimin road is also worse.

 

 

SPF against declaration of Un-Classified Forest land

ITANAGAR, Jun 8: The Siang People’s Forum has expressed its displeasure over the declaration of existing individual or private land as Un-Classified Forest land within undivided Siang by the state government.

‘We have 80 percent  forest covered area and all the land virtually do not belong to the Govt, except for few patches of land which has been duly notified by the Govt, through due process of land acquisition. And as such, all the land belongs to private individuals which are being held under local customs by way of inheritance from ancestors. Therefore, within the forest area, we have well demarcated land holding system by way of erected stone pillar boundaries or by planting Sojok/Horjok-Lipang (boundary plant) which is non-perishable,’ the SPF letter to the chief minister read.

It further requested for early recognition of all the lands of un-divided Siang as private land.

 

 

Japanese agency ready to finance projects

As part of Japan’s growing engagement with India, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is willing to finance infrastructure projects in Indian border areas that abut China, like Arunachal Pradesh.

This comes in the backdrop of multilateral lending agencies often expressing reluctance to do the same.

In 2009, China protested the inclusion of a water management project in Arunachal, parts of which India’s northern neighbour lays claim to, as part of a $2.9 billion loan that Asian Development Bank (ADB) had promised India. The row forced ADB to introduce a disclaimer in its project documents that, while stating that it has no position on territorial disputes, effectively discourages applicants from pushing for assistance for projects in disputed areas.

In response to a direct question about the JICA financing projects in Arunachal Pradesh, Shinya Ejima, chief representative, JICA India Office, said: “It depends upon the decision first by the Indian government and also the government of Japan. But, as far as JICA is concerned, I don’t think (there’s) any problem in Arunachal because JICA is the lending, implementing agency of Japanese foreign assistance.”

“We know that Arunachal is a little bit sensitive area, but we still think that it is a territory of India,” said Shinya Ejima while adding, at “JICA India office in our map, it (Arunachal Pradesh) shows as Indian territory, and if the request is made by the government of India, then it is accepted by our government. We have no problem to implement it”. China claims 90,000 sq.km of Indian territory in Arunachal Pradesh and occupies around 38,000 sq.km in Jammu and Kashmir.

Also, under a China-Pakistan boundary agreement signed in March 1963, Pakistan illegally ceded 5,180 sq.km of Indian territory in the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) to China. Also, there is Japanese unease over Chinese claims over islands with Japan in the East China Sea.

Japan’s foreign minister Fumio Kishida, during his visit to India in January this year, said Japan was ready to fund development activity in northeastern states of India, but refused to make any commitment regarding Arunachal Pradesh, which China claims in its entirety.

Experts termed it a smart move. Jabin T. Jacob, assistant director and fellow at the New Delhi-based Institute of Chinese Studies said, “The Japanese are playing the China game. Only the Chinese are disputing Arunachal Pradesh. Everyone else accepts it. As far as the Japanese are concerned, they are willing to fund a project in Arunachal Pradesh, which is under India’s administrative control.”

India has stepped up efforts to develop border infrastructure as key to the nation’s so-called Act East policy—a focus on South-East Asia. This follows the Japan Plus initiative, which was started after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Japan last year.

The initiative refers to a special panel of officials created by Modi to speed up Japanese investments in India.

Mint reported on 8 September 2014 that India will pursue major electricity transmission projects in the states that border China, going it alone if multilateral lending agencies, such as the World Bank, back out. A decision to this effect was taken by the cabinet committee on economic affairs for the so-called Comprehensive Scheme for Strengthening of Transmission and Distribution System in Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim—states that border China—at an investment of Rs.4,754.42 crore. State-owned Power Grid Corp. of India Ltd has planned these strategic electricity transmission links.

This also comes at a time when Japanese lending institutions and banks are willing to aid India’s quest for providing power to people still living without electricity by supporting coal-fuelled power projects, even as multilateral funders have stopped doing so.

JICA disbursed 162.2 billion yen (about $1.42 billion) in official development assistance loans for India in 2014-15. The amount disbursed is the highest among countries where JICA extends such assistance.

Japan has been involved in helping India develop large infrastructure projects, including the western dedicated freight corridor and the high-speed rail project between Ahmedabad and Mumbai. It is also interested in helping India develop projects in its northeast that would improve India’s connectivity with its South Asian and Southeast Asian neighbours.

India has also stepped up efforts to develop border infrastructure, such as roads and railways. Some of the important projects planned for the northeast region include the 670-km east-west corridor, connecting state capitals with a broad gauge railway network and developing a greenfield airport in Itanagar. (Courtesy-live mint)

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Copyright © 2008, The Arunachal Times Publications Pvt. Ltd., Siang House, Sector - E, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh - 791111, India

All rights reserved.

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---- Editorial ----

 

Wastage of public money

The monsoon fury has caused destruction throughout the state. Heavy rainfall in the last few days is causing massive destruction of public as well as government property across the state. Many parts of state are cut off from rest of the country due to washing away of road and heavy landslide.  Capital complex is one of the worst sufferers. As usual national highway has been washed away at Karsingsa. The conditions of sector road are also bad. Landslide has been reported from many parts of capital. If heavy rainfall continues in the next few days, the situation will turn worse.

The question is how prepared is state government to tackle any kind of emergency. Unfortunately disaster management agencies of state are not well equipped to deal with such crisis. Lack of proper training and non-availability of modern equipment is hampering the capabilities of disaster management agencies. Also the relief and rehabilitation department has acquired notoriety for being corrupt and inefficient. The deteriorating condition of national highway raises many serious questions. These roads were renovated in the month of January prior to the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the state. The contractors and engineers should be held responsible for constructing such kind of road which could not withstand the monsoon fury. Every year government of Arunachal spends crores of money to repair roads but moment monsoon arrives situation gets worsened. Such kind of wastage of public money should be avoided. Road constructing agencies will have to find out some mechanism to deal with the monsoon fury in the future.

 

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---- Readers Forum ----

 

APCMUHIS discrepancies rectified

Dear Editor,

This is in connection with the news matter published on 05/06/2015 stating discrepancies in APCMUHIS Smart Card. Since the inception of Services under APCMUHIS at Divjoni Medicare and Diagnostic Centre at Ruksin, the Unit has rendered services to 47 patients which includes surgery (open and laparascopic), Obstetrics and Gynecology (Open and laparoscopic), General medicine,  orthopedics etc without any hassles except for one  Yabi Tayeng who failed finger verification (not gender

issue) due to unknown reason. The matter was in fact brought up by one Kangge Modi (ASM Ngorlung) who happens to be Son -in law of the patient.

Make these known to all readers that the unit is in contact with the NIA and DHT round the clock and simple gender issues are rectified immediately after consulting the authorities and smart card benefits are provided to the beneficiaries under the scheme immediately. We have as such not refused services to the beneficiaries for gender issues which are otherwise rectified instantly.

APCMUHIS seems to be one of the best Health Insurance schemes till date especially for underprivileged citizens and should be pursued by the citizens for lifelong continuation.

Yours,

Dr K. Jonnom

Proprietor

 

 

 

Scrutinize authenticity before publication

Dear Editor,

Allegations are made about the moral responsibility of the Bollywood actors who endorse the products like Maggie and other unhealthy products. A very good approach indeed as we follow our idol in this or that field. I would like to know that whether our very relied and esteemed newspapers have ever ascertained the reliability of the advertisements they carry in the newspaper, especially for the dharm-gurus camping in various hotels in Itanagar/ Naharlagun and for higher educational institutes located outside our state.

Being the main source of every advertisement, the print media of our state should scrutinize these advertisements before publishing.

Yours,

K. Basar

Basar

 

 

More than symbolism

Dear Editor,

More often than not, in the annals of history, railways have played the agent of unification and hastened formation of a new progressive society. It, however, also brought in class disparities and social tensions due to unprecedented influx of new ideas, ethos, culture, opportunities and human souls. Despite opposition, railways have begun its journey in Arunachal and the positive impacts that it promises to bring to Arunachal is positively anticipated. 

In the midst of hopes and anxieties, the celebrated Rajdhani Express and Naharlagun-Guwahati Inter-City Express and the Naharlagun railway station, sadly, sounds like one from yesteryear Bollywood movies picturized in a rustic sleeping town.

As rightly pointed out by Governor Rajkhow, the ‘very old’ wagons have to be replaced. In the first place, why were ‘very old’ wagons and ‘linens of lowest quality’ given?  Why new recruits amongst the locals aren’t being carried out especially when there is dirt of experienced people coming to Arunachal which reportedly is taking its toll on efficiency of the railways, its cleanliness and hygiene?

The issue of ‘experience’ can be sorted out by giving training to the newly recruited staffs. Accepted that Naharlagun line is small in the vast network of the great Indian railways, but the Prime Minister himself had inaugurated the launching of this Railway. We hope that it was more than symbolism?  

Yours,

Nang Mil

 

 

 

Environment & plastic

Dear Editor,

The very technology that has provided us with material prosperity has also created unparalleled environmental problems. Plastic which was once hailed as a revolutionary invention is posing a serious threat to environment disturbing the ecological balance. Many of plastic bottles and polythene bags found in vacant lands and garbage bins find their way into stomach of animals, which prevents food digestion and can lead to slow and painful death. The Chief Justice of India’s insightful remarks on the lack of implementation of environmental laws in connection with cases of animals suffering after ingesting plastic bags should serve as an eye-opener on the urgent need to ban plastics. It is high time we realise that, we who consider ourselves superior to animals in many ways, should realise the pain we are inflicting on these voiceless species and popularize /use only environmentally friendly products.

Yours,

T.S. Karthik

Chennai

 

 

 

Let us not be fooled by the beautiful colors and labels

Dear Editor,

Nestle Maggi Noodles being caught for overshooting harmful chemicals opens up so many questions:

How can a World Class Food company- Nestle do this to public?

What are the Food Safety Inspectors/board members/ officials/Ministry doing for so long a time?

If Nestle does this, what is the assurance that other companies are innocent?

If Nestle is now being checked, what about other food brands? Will they be checked or not?

How much will Nestle be fined? Will the authorities responsible for food Safety be taken to task as well?

What Nestle is doing is detestable! However are other departments guiltless?

Why not check the road making standards, schools, hospitals, offices, funds utilization, list of beneficiaries under various schemes so on to see if the laid norms are being followed or not?

This is the time for Food Safety Commissioner, Directorate of Health Services, GoAP, to show that they exist. Show that you are alive and cannot be pacified with bribes. Come out to the streets. Make your presence felt.

The Nestle case is a good eye-opener for us unsuspecting Arunachalees! It calls for a lot of awareness campaigns!

So, the next time you visit a store and see packaged food, think twice! Let us not be fooled by the beautiful colors and labels on the cover! Let us opt more for local food. Let us grow our own rice and vegetables. Let us raise chickens and keep fishes and consumed fresh and healthy. This is enough! It has been too long a time we have been throwing our money to the stores instead of taking advantage of the ample local land products that we have!

Let us think more and be more responsible!

Yours,

Apho A Ngwazah

Miao

 

 

 

Improve telecom services

Dear Editor,

Through the column of your esteemed daily, I would like to request the telecom service providers’ viz. BSNL and Airtel to kindly improve its services at Tawang. Common citizens have to suffer depending on these two providers especially when urgent.  

I would like to welcome other private players to this majestic land to provide us your valuable service. As a local I have come across tourists, both foreign and domestic complaining about the same.

As a very sensitive area and also one of favourite destinations among the tourists, it is important for the telecom providers to improve their services.

Faster communication adds numerous benefits saving time among the busy people. I hope this will be an eye opener among all the service providers around Arunachal.

Yours,

Gombu T.T

 

 

 

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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