The Arunachal Times - Archives

Govt opposes any proposal for inclusion of Arunachal land

Naharlagun, Mar 5: Arunachal Pradesh Government is opposed to any proposal for inclusion of its land under proposed Nagalim territory, said Home Minister Tako Dabi today while addressing media persons at his official residence.

Recalling the firm resolution adopted by various governments in the past including the ones taken in 1999 and 2006 by Mithi and Apang Governments respectively and the present one under Dorjee Khandu, Dabi affirmed the government will not ‘part an inch of Arunachal territory’ to any force.

The Home Minister, though, welcomed the ongoing talk between NSCN (Issac Muiva) group and the representative of centre. He said that the longstanding impasse can only be resolved through dialogue. He further expressed the hope that through the bilateral discussion the issue would be amicably resolved.

He urged the centre to facilitate a peaceful environment and development in the North East and underscored the need of developing a common platform for taking up all important issues by affected states.

About the status of ‘Arunachal Scouts’, the Minister informed that 700 personnel would be recruited from September by Indian Army. He called upon the centre to recruit only Arunachali youths under the proposed battalion. Dabi further informed that 1000 IRBn personnel would be recruited from April 2010 to strengthen the state police force. According to him, the centre has re-enforced the Assam Rifles strength all along the Indo-Myanmar border to curb the anti-national activities of various underground groups operating in the region. (DIPR)

DoNER sanctions Longdig-Nokja Road

ITANAGAR, Mar 5: The Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, has sanctioned two important NEC Road projects , based on the recommendations of the Expenditure Finance Committee of the Ministry chaired by Secretary DoNER which includes Longdig-Nokja Road, Arunachal Pradesh/Nagaland at an estimated Cost of Rs.84.34 Cr.

Agia Medhipara Phulbari- Tura Road, (Meghalaya Portion) at an estimated Cost of Rs.90.64 Cr is the other road project.

RIDF disbursement touches Rs.42.48 crores

ITANAGAR, Mar 5: National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has disbursed Rs.42.48 crores as on March 5 under Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) to Government of Arunachal Pradesh against the target of Rs. 125.00 crores.

Last year, the state could draw Rs. 84.84 crore under RIDF for creating rural infrastructure in the state. The poor of-take of the RIDF loan is due to the tight fiscal situation of the state and the state is allowed to borrow to the tune of Rs. 78.41 crores under article 293(3) of constitution of India for this financial year.

Incidentally, NABARD extends loans to the State Governments at 6.5 percent rate of interest and this soft loan facility is being utilised by the State Governments for building Roads and Bridges, Drinking Water project, Mini Hydel, Flood Protection, Rural Education Institutions, Irrigation, Seed- Testing Labs, Primary Health Centres and Horticulture related projects etc., encompassing 31 areas of activities.

Mra felicitated

ITANAGAR, Mar 5: The M/s Tawang Tours & Travels along with M/s Agola Films, Tawang & M/s Naga International Vacanza, a travel agency, were the latest to felicitate Everester Tapi Mra for scaling Mt. Kilimanjaro successfully. They felicitated Mra at Arunachal House in New Delhi on March two.

Indian Youth Congress general secretary Nyamar Karbak and assistant residential commissioner of Arunachal Bhawan Delhi Marto Bagra spoke about the importance of mountaineering and Mra’s achievements.

Tomo Nomuk, CEO, Supere Co. Ltd, United Kingdom & Cheme Tsering, MD, Sonam Infracon Pvt Ltd, who were also present on the occasion, assured Tapi of financial help. Mra would attempt to scale the Mt. Alaska, North America in June 2010.

One injured in bus mishap

Staff reporter

ITANAGAR, Mar 5: Atleast one person suffered grievous injury when a mini bus fell into river Dikrong at Sinking Zone near Karsingsa at around 10.30 am today. Fourteen other passengers travelling in bus, however, managed to jump out of the bus, according to Banderdewa police.

The bus which was coming from Banderdewa developed mechanical problem near Durga Mandir and began to move in a backward direction. In the meantime, all the passengers boarding the ill-fated bus jumped out of it immediately accept one, who escaped miraculously below 300 feet, police said, adding that the driver of the bus fled the spot immediately.

Indian Army mutes camping at Seppa

SEPPA, Mar 5: The Indian Army is planning to start a camp at Seppa. A meeting was organized today to take suitable steps for the early settlement of the army in the area.

The Indian Army had written to the Deputy Commissioner, asking allotment of 1100 Acres of land at Seppa for the Key location plan of Infantry Brigade, artillery Regiment and allied unit/detachment. The letter also mentioned that a Gazette notification in respect of land identification to be acquired by the Army, be issued at earliest possible. The Army also proposes for the field firing range of about 17 KM at Lada.

In the meeting, a committee comprising of officials from the District Administration and the public leaders from the concerned area, was constituted for the fixation of the rates of the land. It was also resolved that a sub committee would be formed for the actual assessment of the land and other relevant work like compensation to the owners.

However, it was decided that compensation would be fixed as per the report of the committee and shall be subject to final approval by the state Government.

East Kameng Deputy commissioner Pige Ligu told the Army led by Col S.P Tiwari, CO, 59 Field firing, that the establishment of the Indian Army shall benefit the people in manifold including security. He further assured that he would expedite the work for the early materialization of the proposal.

SP Tumme Ammo, District planning officer Vijay Sonam spoke on the occasion. (DIPRO)

APSCW, BJP to celebrate IWD in a big way

ITANAGAR, Mar 5: Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Women (APSCW) has decided to celebrate the International Women Day in a big way all over the state.

To commemorate the day, it has already decided to felicitate Karya Bagang and Nang Sati Mein, two women members of state Legislative Assembly as women achievers who have made their way to 60 members Assembly after a long gap of 5 years.

The Commission has decided to organize women awareness camp at Seppa and Namsai on March 8 and 14 respectively.

In collaboration with the leading NGOs working for women empowerment in grass root level and under the guidance of the respective DC of the districts, the Commission will also organize 6-day intensive programme to give a wide awareness on legal rights of women with special emphasis to CEDAW and protection of domestic violence Act 2005 in Upper Subansiri, Lower Subansiri, Papum Pare, Changlang and Tirap from March 8 to 13. Leading Women based NGOs including Arunachal Pradesh Women’s Welfare Society, Arunachal Pradesh Women’s Voluntary Association are participating in the events, according to a Commission release.

While APSCW chairperson Komoli Mossang will participate in various events being convened at the Capital by various organizations on March 8, to be followed by camp at Jairampur on March 11 and felicitation function at Namsai on March 13, the Commission vice president Tadar Mepong will attend the felicitation programme at Seppa in East Kameng on March 8 and later proceed to Khonsa.

Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party Arunachal Pradesh Mahila Morcha State level committee in its meeting held here today reviewed the arrangement for the celebration of the International Women’s Day at the State BJP headquarters, Itanagar on March 8.

The celebration would be followed by BJP’s nationwide protest programme on price rise of essential commodities besides recent hike in petroleum products. It would also launch a signature campaign demanding roll back of prices.

The meeting presided by the President, State BJP Mahila Morcha, Tame Yam Natung was also attended by state Mahila Morcha executives besides state BJP leaders and other members. It also held discussion on the passage of Women’s reservation bill in the parliament, according to a BJP release.

Indigenous handicrafts treasured souvenirs for tourists: Singh

ITANAGAR, Mar 5: We must keep the prices of our indigenous handicraft items to the minimum, said State First Lady Anupama Singh while interacting with Poma Village Welfare Society chairperson Techi Anna, ASM, at Raj Bhavan Tuesday last. She also called for maintaining quality of products.

Traditional and indigenous effects will always raise its marketable factor, Singh, who had earlier taken up projects for designing of handicraft and textiles in Jammu & Kashmir, Rajasthan and Sikkim said. Moreover it will be treasured souvenirs for tourists, she pointed.

As large numbers of women are engaged in production of handicraft items, the Bamboo Processing Centre, Poma has become a source of financial help to the village womenfolk.

While the Governor Gen JJ singh, advocates on financial empowerment of the rural community through capacity building, the First lady is offering her expertise to tap the handloom and handicraft potentials of local tribes. (PRO, Raj Bhavan)

J N College Pasighat on a new academic sojourn

ITANAGAR, Mar 5: Known for its unique identity as the oldest institution of higher learning in the state, J.N. College has proved once again that it is the numero uno in the state in the academic ranking when quality education becomes the sole determinant for awarding this college the tag of “Potential For Excellence”.

Fresh notification from the University Grants Commission, New Delhi for the XIth Plan has identified J.N. College as the only institution, affiliated to the Rajiv Gandhi University, Itanagar, with Potential For Excellence.

This rare academic recognition comes in the backdrop of assessment and accreditation of this premier institution learning by National Assessment and Accreditation Council, Bangalore in year 2006 with B++ Grade, which is till now the highest grade given to the institutions of higher learning in Arunachal Pradesh.

Established in the year 1964 on the bank of river Siang the J.N. College has consistently maintained its leadership status as the cradle of higher education for the aspiring youth of the state.

Its alumni cover the coveted Who’s Who list of the state in the realm of politics, bureaucracy, academics, philanthropy etc. who has immensely contributed to the building of this institution in the last four and half decade.

Behind the silent march of this college from sole status in 1964 to the present enviable position among the comity of colleges in the state, the dedication of the faculty members, majority of whom are Ph. D. holders, stands tall in addition to the services rendered by a galaxy of Principals, who had achieved distinction in their respective field of research. The current status recognition from UGC only unfolds the vision of a brighter future with challenges that our academics and academia are ready to shoulder with a smile for the sake of achieving yet another milestone in future.

For this achievement the Principal of JN College, Pasighat, T.Talom acknowledges the support and contribution of the Minister of Education Bosiram Siram and the Vice Chancellor of Rajiv Gandhi University Prof. K.C. Belliappa. Without blessings of the Minister and VC it would have been impossible to reach this milestone, the principal said.

Tight security for exams

Seppa, Mar 5: The CBSE exam at Seppa got off amidst tight security today. The exam is being held at Govt. higher secondary School, Seppa and Govt. higher secondary School, Bazarline.

to thwart unfair means during the exams, the District Magistrate has prohibited the movement of the people within the 200 meters radius from examination center by imposing Cr PC 144 in the area.

No outwards incident has been reported so far and the first day of the exam passed off peacefully. (DIPRO)

Ali Aye Ligang

ITANAGAR, Mar 5: Chambers of commerce Itanagar president Techi Lala has consented to attend the Ali-Aye-Ligang celebration at Nirjuli as chief guest on March 6.

Union urges reopening of school

ITANAGAR, Mar 5: All Palin, Chanmbang, Yangte, Gangte and Tarak-Langdi Students’ Union has called for re-opening of the school immediately which witnessed one the most horrifying tragedy in recent times.

Totpu mini hydel project

ITANAGAR, Mar 5: Totpu Panchayat Youth Welfare Society (TPYWS) has appealed the Arunachal Pradesh Energy Development Agency to start power generation work from mini hydel project situated in Totpu Panchayat under Sagalee area which was constructed during the year 2006-7. The Society in a release said that the said hydel project has been lying defunct for the last three years. The project must be utilized in a proper way for the benefit of rural people, it said.

Forest fire and some of its impacts

Joram Dopum

Forest Fire: - An uncontrolled fire often occurring in wild land areas, but which can also consume houses or agricultural resources is called as forest fire. Forest fire tends to be most common and severe during dry season and occur on days of strong winds. The term Forest Fire is also called as wildfire which refers to all uncontrolled fires that burn surface vegetation or biodiversity.

Forest fires may be caused by many factors. But factors responsible in our State are mainly of the following:

1. Accidental causes: - Fires caused by sparks like electric short circuits and other related accidental causes. It has least significance as per as the forest fire of State of Arunachal Pradesh is concerned.

2. Forest fire by negligence:- (i) The most important factor causing Forest fire, according to me is due to Negligence.

We all know that traditional Jhuming system is practiced in our State. Besides jhuming, we also clear jungle for WRC field. Most importantly, so called traditional hunting practice in the State in different types of forests varying from tropical to temperate is very common. The livestock ascertaining of the semi domesticated animals like Mithun in the forests by respective owners or by their men in most part of the State is not an uncommon feature either.

It is, the people who are directly or indirectly involved in the aforesaid activities responsible for such forest fire around Itanagar and the state as a whole. Controlled fire in jhum cultivation is of course permissible.

At times, they lit forest fire just for fun or to have an open space in the forest for their easy movement without realizing the quantum of biodiversity loss and the pollution, Global warming.

(ii) Forest fires caused by negligence not otherwise defined are also equally destructive.

Some of the impacts of forest fire:

They are as under :-

a. Loss of biodiversity and depletion of carbon sinks

b. Degradation of water catchments areas

c. Extinction of some plants and animals

d. Loss of wild life habitat and depletion of wildlife and Birds

e. Loss of natural regeneration and reduction in forest cover

f. Global warming

g. Change in micro climate of the area

h. Soil erosion affecting productivity of soils

i. Ozone layer depletion

j. Health problems leading to diseases

Preventive measures: -

The Central Government and State Governments are both competent to legislate on the issue of forest fires. Creation and maintenance of fire-lines, fire-tracks, controlled burning; engaging fire-watchers during fire seasons etc. are some of remedial steps generally undertaken (where ever conditions apply) by the Department of Environment and Forests.

Villagers, NGOs, SHGs, volunteers, inhabiting in and around forest areas are legally supposed to assist the forest department staff in checking, controlling and extinguishing forest fires.

I would like to request all concerned to be awake, aware and realize the unaccountable loss caused by Forest Fire in our state and the world. (The contributor is currently working as a DFO, siviculture, State Forest Research Institute)

Society appeal

ITANAGAR: Kameng and Tawang District Development Society appealed PWD, RWD, WRD, PHED and other departments of East Kameng, West Kameng and Tawang districts not to award any work or release payment without the completion of work to any firm or contractors under various schemes and projects of the state and the centre.

It appealed the concerned departments, firms and the contractor to judiciously use the released fund for area development.

Trust demands

ITANAGAR: Camdir Foundation Trust condemned the ransacking of private residence of its president and Papum Pare DDSE Gania Leiz last night at Rono village Doimukh.

It appealed the concerned authorities to book the culprit immediately.

IMWA appeals

ITANAGAR: Itanagar Market Welfare Association (IMWA) in a letter to Deputy Commissioner Capital Complex highlighting the problems created by ever increasing stray animals in the state capital, appealed to the Deputy Commissioner to take necessary steps.

Results out

ITANAGAR: The Rajiv Gandhi university has declared the results to B.Ed I Semester examination held in the month of December 2009.

Corrigendum

ITANAGAR, Mar 5: In the March 4 edition of this daily under the heading “Nyokum Celebration” organized by Nyishi students of Tamil Nadu, Galore was wrongly inserted instead of Chennai.

The inadvertent error is regretted.