March 15
News Impact
Intl Day against dams observed
ITANAGAR, Mar 14: Sending a strong message against construction of dams on Siang River, the Forum for Siang Dialogue, Adi Students Union, Siang Peoples Forum and Mebo Area Bachao Committee jointly observed the International Day of Action For Rivers and Against Dams at Raneghat, Pasighat today.
Giving a clarion call to save Siang river, the organizations set up stalls near Raneghat bridge and distributed pamphlets about dams and its negative impact on environment and survival of human being.
The organizations said that the Government should not build any hydropower project on Siang river, the major source of livelihood for the people of Siang Valley. Earlier, a report was also submitted by FSD to the BJP parliamentary committee on Siang water.
Reiterating its movement against big dams on Siang river for the last two years, the AdiSU said that both the state and the Central Govts are deliberately ignoring its grievances. The aspirations of the people of Siang cannot be negated by building big dams on Siang river which is the identity of Siang people, the union said. Any hydropower project or dam on Siang would be decided by people of Siang only, the union added.
The International Day of Action against dams and for rivers, water and life was adopted
by the participants of the first International Meeting of People Affected by Dams,
March 1997 in Curitiba, Brazil. Representatives from 20 countries decided that the
International Day of Action would take place on March 14 -
Our aim on this International Day of Action for rivers is to raise our voices in unison against destructive power development projects, reclaim the health of our watersheds, and demand the equitable and sustainable management of our rivers. Thus, the cause of the Siang River should be considered as an international issue with change perspective of the government to dam the river than to nurture the river for livelihood, said FSD.
Youth stage dharna, seeking justice for boy
Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, Mar 14: The members of United Leil Tara Youth Foundation (ULTYF) today staged a peaceful dharna at Papu Hill demanding justice to the family of late Tana Togu, 13. The body of Togu was found at Papu Hill, Naharlagun on March 7.
Claiming that Togu was murdered before his body was dumped at Papu Hill, the Foundation
demanded the authority to arrest the culprits immediately and exemplary punishment
to them. Citing numerous anti-
Agitated youths stated that they wanted the law to act and punish who ever responsible for the heinous crime. “If the law of the land fails to deliver justice, people will have no other choice but to prefer customary laws in seeking justice, which would be huge embarrassment to present judiciary system, ” they added.
Momik qualifies for 4th round in DID-
Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, Mar 14: Little Momik Borang of Arunachal Pradesh inched towards final audition
round of the reality TV show ‘Dance India Dance (DID)-
Momik is among the 47 selected out of 300 contestants for the fourth round from different audition centers, including Jharkhand, Guwahati, Bhubaneswar, Patna and host Kolkata, screening for which was held in Kolkata today, informed Vijaya Kabak Borang, mother of Momik, from Kolkata over telephone.
If Momik qualifies in tommorrow’s fourth round, she will get chance to compete in the auditions in Mumbai. Geeta Kapur will be one of the judges for the fourth round.
The 7-
Administration calls for collective efforts to prevent forest fire
NAHARLAGUN, Mar 14: A crucial joint meeting of capital and Papum Pare Deputy Commissioners held here today to discuss the strategy relating to wanton destruction of forest land by various individuals and groups by setting jungles on fire.
Expressing grave concern over the forest fire which ravaged the hilltops during last few days in and around Capital region, Capital Deputy Commissioner Onit Panyang said that necessary steps have to be taken up immediately to check it.
Two pronged measures -
Reiterating the need for collective effort of district administration, forest department and Panchayat members, he stressed that proactive role has to be played by forest officials. The forest officials are empowered to tackle such cases as per forest laws, he said.
Explaining the role of administration, DC said that stern action will be taken against any individual found guilty of setting fire in the forest. He also called upon the Panchayat leaders to play a proactive role in sensitizing the local people on forest fire.
Papum Pare Deputy Commissioner Pige Ligu also pointed out that such wanton destruction of forest by shifting cultivation and deforestation will have deep impact on environment. He said that forest areas are the main source of water and its destruction will not only cause environmental hazards but also endanger wild species. The state capital will face acute scarcity of water resources within 10 to 15 years if such rampant destruction of forest continues, he said and exhorted the people to think seriously to save forest for future generation. He further informed that the district administration will create public awareness campaign on forest fire at all administrative circles soon.
City Superintending of Police Hibu Tamang also informed that there are many cases of forest fire in the state capital and its adjoining areas. Police control room is functioning round the clock, Tamang said and appealed to the people and forest department to inform the control room immediately about forest fire so that prompt action can be taken.
Papum Pare SP Nabam Gungte also stressed on formation of vigilance committee in every village to check such incident. Divisional Forest officers, who were also present in the meeting, briefed the house about their role in dealing such cases and said that public awareness is very important.
Sangdupota CO Likha Teji said massive deforestation, mining and quarrying are disturbing the ecological balance of the region. Panchayat members also spoke and expressed their solidarity in tackling the problem. DIPRO
BJP demands action plan to solve insurgency problem in trouble-
KHONSA, Mar 14: The State unit of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) today demanded the
Arunachal Pradesh Government to ensure safety and security of the people of trouble-
Insecurity and uncertainty is looming large in most people’s lives due to frequent turf war between the two factions of NSCN in the districts, including the newly created Longding, BJP said.
The Centre and the State Government can not and should not remain a mute spectator of the prevailing situation. They should rise above politics and come forward with effective action plan and strategies to solve the insurgency problems permanently, said the party in a press statement. “The ground situation seems very horrible, traumatic and distressing,” the party said adding that innocent citizens especially the youths are being victimized due to mistaken identity and wrong intelligence feedback etc.
BJP, however, appreciated Arunachal Pradesh Police for their timely rescue operations
along with security forces during the recent gun fight at Borduria-
The party also criticized the government for lack of proper developmental initiatives in those districts.
Prafulla Kaman
PASIGHAT, Mar 14: The residents of Pasighat township are frustrated a lot these days with erratic power supply to the township continuing for the last several months.
There has been no respite from unscheduled power cut bringing the normal lives of the common people to a complete standstill. The unscheduled power cut is compelling the consumers to make alternative arrangement at extra cost. It has not only affected the general public, businessmen and students but also normal functioning of government offices. It has badly affected the functioning of “Jana Subidha Kendra” and DIPRO office.
The consumers blame the department’s indifferent attitude towards the present power crisis.
“'The department is sincere only in sending bills and disconnection of power supply.
They do not understand the plight of common people. The century-
“We met the chief minister, power minister and other top officials last year seeking their immediate intervention to find a lasting solution to the problem, but nothing fruitful has come to fore in this regard till date,” lamented Yosung.
Having failed to get any positive response, the PPWC threatened to launch democratic movement against the authority, if the power scenario does not improve within a week.
“We have decided to launch agitation if the situation is not improved within a week,” Yosung added. Pasighat Bazaar Committee president Onyok Tamuk alleged that the department officials, despite their promise, have miserably failed to restore regular power supply in the area. They become more accustomed to diverse lame excuse like technical snags at main power supply line for this chronic power problem.
According to sources from Pasighat Electrical Division, disruption in power supply to Pasighat is due to common circuit breaker at Pangin trijunction point of the 132 kv line which needs to be rectified immediately by installing Minimum Oil Circuit Breaker
Training programme on commodity future trading
Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, Mar 14: The Institute of Cooperative Management (ICM), Guwahati in collaboration
with NEFA Thrift and Credit Cooperative Society Ltd, Nirjuli under the aegis of National
Institute of Agriculture Marketing (NIAM), Govt of India, organized a day-
Dr Ibomcha informed that more such awareness programmes with more duration would be conducted very soon in some selective places of Arunachal Pradesh.
K H Rangamilian, faculty from ICM , suggested participants to acquire adequate knowledge on future agriculture commodity trading before venturing into any kind of business related to it.
APSCU CEO G Nyorak suggested the participants to gain maximum benefit out of the awareness programme.
NEFA Chairman Nabam Azmi encouraged the participants and assured to extend every possible help from her side, particularly in loan related matters so that they can run their business efficiently.
During the interactive session, participants shared their experiences and views on the programme and also their existing marketing techniques.
Conference of West Siang Gaon Burahs
ITANAGAR, Mar 14: The two days conference of West Siang District Gaon Burahs began yesterday at Aalo. Around 800 CHGBs, HGBs and GBs are participating in the conference at Gumin Kiino.
The State Chief Secretary Tabom Bam along with Deputy Commissioner Shri Amjad Tak graced the occasion.
Addressing the huge gathering, state Chief Secretary Tabom Bam exhorted the GBs to keep intact the sanctity of the institution and continue to discharge their duties effectively. This institution has withstood test of time right from British days as a representative of the Govt. and the guidelines as enshrined in the Regulation Act of 1945 was framed lucid considering simple nature of the hill people. Urging GBs not to be swayed by influence, growing demands and amendments to existing laws, he said the existing customary law should go along merrily as the civil and criminal cases passed by the GBs at various levels are up held by the court. On enhancement of honorarium, he said that it is a big drag on state exchequer and Govt. is contemplating to appoint GBs on the basis of population to minimize random appointments.
The Liromoba EAC, Hento Karga hailed Keba as the cheapest means of getting justice and urged them to refrain from active politics and favouritism to maintain their self respect. He also sought appointment of literate GBs. The President of Arunachal GB Association, Nabam Epo highlighted the problems and efforts made by him to uplift the cause of GBs. The legal advisor, advocate Minrik Nosi stressed on translated version of the Regulation Act of 1945 as the institution is well organized but most of the members of the institution are illiterate.
The Secretary Bogum Boka, the Apex Body of Local cases, Liya Ete laid emphasis on appointment of GBs on merit basis and recognize Bango and circle level Keba system. The President and Secretary of West Siang GB Association, Gumjum Ango and Medam Ete also spoke on the occasion. The day two of the session will be chaired by DC and Admin officers and GBs representing various parts will give detail deliberation.(DIPRO)
BJP demands proper measures to save Capital
ITANAGAR, Mar 14: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Arunachal Pradesh has demanded the state government to find out the actual cause of forest fire and take proper measures to prevent recurrence of such fire in future.
Criticizing the Govt for holding only jhum cultivation responsible for forest fire, the BJP in a release said authorities should check rampant setting of winter dry bush, leaves grasses on fire everywhere in the capital by certain elements and bulldozing of jungle land which causes landslides and erosion and leads to climate change. Instead of blaming jhum cultivation being practiced by poor families for livelihood, the authorities should check unplanned construction of buildings and forceful encroachment of land in capital area which pose threat to the city dwellers.
Expressing concern over the recent fire incident at Nirjuli in which a mother and her two minor sons lost their lives, the BJP demanded adequate compensation for the victim’s family. Proper steps should be taken to deliver justice to the fire victims, it added.
The party further urged the state Govt to find out ways and means for regular supply of potable water to the citizens of the Capital Complex.
Illegal activities on the rise in boundary area
Correspondent
RUKSIN, Mar 14: Anti-
The elite section blames the police and excise department of both the states for ignoring the alarming situation.
“It is very unfortunate that the administration has no control over those anti-
Inquiry has revealed that most of the shops/vendors at Ruksin gate are involved with
trading of Opium, Ganja and other contraband drugs substances. Moreover, easy access
to cheap Indian made foreign liquor (IMFL) is severely affecting the environment
of the area. These illegal activities are going on unabated in broad day-
2 killed by forest fire in West Kameng
Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, Mar 14: Two persons identified as Purpa Tsering (35) and Gopal lost their lives when they were trying to douse forest fire at Namsu village near Dirang in West Kameng district on March 8 last.
According to West Kameng SP SB Tamang, both the persons had to surrender on their fate after they were trapped in the ragging fire. The bodies of the deceased were handed over to relatives after Police registered a case of unnatural death in Dirang police station.
Five places near Dirang and Bomdila were ravaged by the forest fire, the SP informed. However, team from fire brigade along with the help of police and public has brought the fire under control.
Two arrested for illegal hunting
PASIGHAT, Mar 14: A team of forest officials conducted surprise raid at D Ering Wild Life Sanctuary and arrested two hunters recently.
The team also seized carcass of one Hog-
Later, a case has been lodged under Wildlife Protection Act. DIPRO
Basic Computer Training
DAPORIJO, Mar 14: National Informatics Centre, Upper Subansiri district unit conducted two days Basic Computer Training for Veterinary Officers (VOs) of the district recently. Altogether 7 VOs attended the training and resource persons were District Informatics Officer Milan Lego and Field Engineer K Dangngo. DIPRO
Unions support ALSU demands
ITANAGAR, Mar 14: All Lower Subansiri Students Union (ALSSU) and All Dollungmukh Area Students Union (ADASU) have extended their support to Arunachal Law Students Union (ALSU)’s demand for stoppage in construction work of the Convention Hall at IG Park and shifting it to other place.
Union demands ban on tobacco products
ITANAGAR, Mar 14: All Yachuli Students Union (AYSU) has urged the district administration to ban sale of tobacco products like, gutkha (Tiranga) and cigarette within its area.
The union said that sale of such tobacco products has adversely affected the health of the students.
It also drew administration’s attention towards price rise in all essential commodities and selling of mobile recharge top up cards at exorbitant rate which made common people’s lives difficult.
Assoc. demands action
ITANAGAR, Mar 14: The All Arunachal Pradesh Agriculture & Horticulture Dealership Registered Tribal Contractors’ Association today alleged that some of the senior officials of Horticulture department are “doing all the (contract) works including supplying of seeds and
seedlings under Horticulture Mission North Eastern & Himalayan States (HMNEH) scheme” in violation of govt norms of decentralized purchase policy. The Association, in a complaint letter to the Chief Minister
demanded suspension of the officers as well as cancellation of the work order awarded
to an Assam-
RGU Exam schedule
ITANAGAR, Mar 14: Rajiv Gandhi University has announced the examination schedule
for B.A/B.Sc/B.Com-
Computer training prog for VOs
ITANAGAR, Mar 14: A two days training programme on “Computer and Internet fundamental” for veterinary officers (VOs) of Changlang district concluded in NIC District Centre, Changlang today.
Attending the programme, Changlang District Informatics Officer Radhe Hinda informed that NIC has developed a software called NADRS (National Animal Disease Reporting System) for online reporting and monitoring of animal diseases prevalent in each veterinary block across the country. The computer has already been provided to each veterinary block in the district by NIC and the NADRS software will be used by the Veterinary Officers of blocks.
The engineers working under NIC district Centre Nyapu Antony and Mungtu Ngemu were the resource persons.
Fund for power plant
ITANAGAR, Mar 14: The Union Ministry of Renewable Energy sanctioned Rs 2.43 crore for establishment of 100 KWP power plants at Jote, the permanent site of National Institute of Technology, according to an official release.
Workshop on Building Byelaws held
TEZU, Mar. 14: The Department of Town Planning, Government of Arunachal Pradesh in collaboration with the Lohit District Administration organized a one day workshop on Arunachal Pradesh Urban and Country Planning Act, 2007, and Arunachal Pradesh Building Byelaws, 2010 at Tezu yesterday.
Addressing the workshop, Deputy Commissioner R K Sharma highlighted the town planning activities and building byelaws. He urged every department to cooperate for proper implementation of Arunachal Pradesh Building Byelaws for general safety and comfort of the people.
Likha Suraj, Town Planner in his power point presentation explained in details about the contents and necessity of the Arunachal Pradesh Urban and Country Planning, Act, 2007. He also explained on the constitution of Tezu Local Planning Authority and its functioning.
Assistant Town Planner Tabom Tamut also highlighted the Arunachal Pradesh Building Byelaws, 2010, rampant encroachment of land and construction of unsaved building in the state. The workshop was participated by all the department heads and the Zila Parishad Members. DIPRO
Farmer awareness prog
ITANAGAR, Mar 14: NABCONS organized one day Awareness Programme for farmers at Solungtoo and Libang villages. The team also organized a Bankers Meet at Namsai recently.
MEDP training
ITANAGAR, Mar 14: National Youth Project of Arunachal Pradesh organized Micro Entrepreneurship
Development Programme for Self-
Manufacture of paper cups, plates and other paper containers, Noodle Making, Chinese Food Making, Processing, packing and marketing of cereals, pulses, spices training were imparted during the workshop.
QAC meeting
ITANAGAR, Mar 14: The District Health Society, West Siang District, conducted District Quality Assurance Committee (QAC) meeting at DC’s Conference Hall on March 13.
Presiding over the meeting, ADC Kangki Darang urged the committee to make a copy of QAC manual available in all the health centres of the District and advised for inclusion of more number of doctors in empanel list of the State for the Sterilization especially from CHC Basar and CHC Likabali. He also expressed his satisfaction over the Districts performance on Sterilization and urged the department for the regular submission of Monthly/ Quarterly/ Annual HMIS report.
Dr. Goter Doke, Obs. & Gynae., District Hospital, spoke on the need of QAC on Male & Female Sterilization and its aspects. He also informed that under QAC there is Insurance coverage under ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company for a period from 1st Jan 2012 to 31st Dec 2012 for any failure of Sterilization (Male & Female) and Death.
Dr. Moli Riba, DFWO, West Siang District highlighted the performance of Sterilization
(Male & Female) under West Siang District as per District HMIS Report. During 2011-
During open discussion most of the MO i/c from CHCs and QAC members clarified their confusion regarding QAC.
IFCSAP and AVP provide relief materials to fire victims
ITANAGAR, Mar 14: Indigenous Faith and Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh visited fire accident site at Nirjuli, where two minor sons and their mother were charred to death on March 3.
The IFCSAP team donated some cash amount to Tamar Yoka, the lone surviving member of the family. Meanwhile, the team appealed to the concerned investigating officer to trace out the fact of fire accident immediately.
While providing relief to Tamar Yoka, the members of Arunachal Vikash Parishad
Papum Pare district unit demanded the law enforcing agency to make an inquiry into
the matter and book the culprits. It claimed that “missing of valuable household
materials from the fire accident site indicates involvement of anti-
Capacity Building Programme held
ITANAGAR, Mar 14: NABARD Consultancy Services (NABCONS) Pvt. Ltd, Arunachal Pradesh
Regional Office organized a one-
Meanwhile, Fisheries, Kiwi and Piggery farming were identified as priority sectors for large scale farming. The Farmers’ Club members also shared their experiences and their views on the occasion.
Copyright © 2008, The Arunachal Times Publications Pvt. Ltd., Siang House, Sector
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All rights reserved.
Climate change and river basin
According to a report by scientists, climate change could lead to huge water shortages
in southern India’s fertile Godavari river basin. The team of scientists used water
flows and soil data in the Godavarai basin from 1961 to 1990 as the baseline and
simulated availability from 2021 to 2050 in the near-
The simulations showed rainfall increase in the river basin due to global warming, but with variations in quantity and intensity in different areas. This would result in floods and droughts; soil erosion and deposition of soil sediments in river basins. Scientists say that an increase in soil sediments would lower the capacity of dams and hydroelectric power stations due to clogging, while higher temperatures would reduce the availability of soil water, affecting crops, and calling for conservation practices.
The Godavari study is the offshoot of a series of studies on river basins conducted by the Indian government as part of its national communication project for the 2007 meet of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The present study and the NATCOM project provide inputs into the national water policy that is being revised by the Indian government to incorporate adaptation strategies to cope with global warming.
The revised draft of the policy suggested options like more storage reservoirs including hydropower plants, creating basin committees to decide on local water issues and pricing of water.
Be true to yourself
Dear Editor,
It’s true that people of Arunachal Pradesh are agitated and completely not satisfied with the way our state is governed. Our system is in total mess.
Everyone is aware that the people in power are corrupt from head to toe. But the truth is we Arunachalees do nothing, only brag about everything. We never try to mend our own way of living. Our people have the habit of discussing everything but finally they will land up where they have started and sleep out saying what can we do. Each and every individual in our state especially the educated lots in some way or the other are entwined with the corrupt system and no one is willing to raise their voice. There is lack of sincerity, honesty, will power and determination in every individual. These words may sound like morale lecture but they are the pillar to success. Our people are like those fools who wait for the snake to enter their compound, otherwise they consider themselves safe. But they forget that a snake is a friend of none. I am not asking our people for an outbreak like in Tunisia or Egypt or Libya, but to be true to yourself.
Yours’
Kesto Loriak
Daporijo,
Preserve every drop of water
Dear Editor,
There is every possibility of an alternative for every thing except water. It is next to impossible to survive without water. Of all planets, our mother earth is the only planet that has life due to presence of water body. The water content of the earth is around 70 percent. But if we take the case of water scarcity in Itanagar, it seems that the water content is in opposite ratio. There is an acute shortage of water in every sector. It is being supplied once in a week in some sectors, once in three days in another sectors that too for a very short period of 30 to 60 minutes and sometimes the supplied water is not at all useable. How the city dwellers are surviving with these small amount of water that invites a thorough examination and research.
In metropolis like Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata, concern department makes water available every moment that too directly drinkable. Many a times, we use to blame rapid growth of population in the capital complex for irregular water and electricity supply, but the truth is that the big cities of our country with 100 times more than the population of our capital are providing potable water to the citizens regularly. No doubt, the public as a whole is also responsible for the scarcity of water.
There cannot be enough water without forest and thereby preservation of forest is the need of the hour. As responsible citizens, we can at least plant trees thereby helping in protecting forest and environment. We should remember that every drop of water is important for survival of all creatures. At the same time concern department should take necessary measures for regular and smooth supply of water to city dwellers.
Yours’
Minto Ete,
Itanagar
Learn to appreciate
Dear Editor,
Dear Editor,
The pathetic batting display in Australia ultimately brought Rahul Dravid to the
realization that he was way past his prime and the wall had got crumbled to pieces.
Thus instead of trying to hang around the team by exploiting his past glories and
achievements, the self-
Yours’
Kajal Chatterjee,
Kolkata
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