March 06
News Impact
- Tawang erupt in protest against mega hydro projects
- NHPC seeks people’s cooperation for 3000MW DMP implementation
- TRA to open its centre at Yupia
- BJP demands thorough inquiry into PMGSY project implementation
- AJA selects 16 judokas for NE games
- AAYA demands immediate restoration of power and water supply at Pasighat
- One arrested for offensive facebook post
Tawang erupt in protest against mega hydro projects
Correspondent
ITANAGAR, Mar 5: Thousands of people led by the Buddhist monks and nuns descended on the streets of Tawang today demanding scrapping of mega hydro projects and to protest against corrupt dealings in the district.
This was third and the biggest in the series of protests which started in April last year initiated by the members of Save Mon Region Federation and Society for Development of Cultural & Education, Sera Monastic University, Karnataka.
The organisations have received massive support from the people of Tawang and today’s rally which started from the revered Tawang Monastery saw participation of thousands of common people.
The monks who led the rally stated that they have been forced to protest as the voices of the people have been repeatedly ignored by the elected representatives and the administration. The monks are firm in their stand that there is no need for construction of mega power projects when there are smaller projects to fulfill the needs of the people.
The monks threatened self immolation if the views of the people were not heard.
They also reject the claims of the administration that public hearings of the power project have been completed.
“The voice of dissent are never heard in Mon Region instead they are suppressed, oppressed and most often victimized. This is the general scene of Tawang”, read a release from the two organisations.
Power Developers have managed to obtain no objection signed by few contractors and leaders with vested interest.
They further resented that go ahead for major projects were given without seeking the consent of the people.
To authenticate the claims of the government authorities, dealings should be transparent and known to the public, said Geshe Norbu Tashi.
The monks, while justifying their resentment against big projects in the district said that erosion near the famous Tawang Monastery is standing testimony to the devastations caused by deforestation and indiscriminate construction of Hydro Powers and roads. Lama Lobsang Gyatso, General Secretary of SMRF in his speech said that for few crores of rupees, the iconic cultural and religious centre like Tawang Monastery should not be sacrificed.
Tenzin Dakpa, a youth leader while addressing the gathering expressed the fear that influx of outsiders to build power projects will overwhelm the district which is already grappling with the issue.
They further questioned why a hurried meeting was held on 12th February 2012 by the District Administration & the Power Department on development of HydroPower in Tawang District where only select few were invited.
Lama Thupten Phuntsok while questioning the timing and the presence of the selected few including the Tourism Minister Pema Khandu asked why there was a sudden need for conducting a meeting on Hydro power development whereas the officials have kept their dealings with the developers secret for so long.
He further wanted to know when and where public hearings for 15 projects were held and who attended the public hearings.
The monks have further questioned the role of elected representatives of the districts.
The monks also targeted Rev. T G Rimpoche for softening his stand on the hydro power projects where as “ he had objected to construction of Kungba Power House & HydroPower projects on Nyamjngchu river when he was sitting MLA”.
The speakers also objected to “unnecessary concrete constructions around the sacred lakes even though there is no history of flooding and landslide caused by lakes in Tawang”. They alleged it was way to earn easy money.
Even the traditional grazing areas are not being spared, the monks alleged.
The role of the administration also came in for questioning as the speakers alleged that information which otherwise fell under the purview of RTI Act were not disseminated.
The monks also questioned why a follow up action was not being initiated by the elected
leaders regarding the gang-
NHPC seeks people’s cooperation for 3000MW DMP implementation
Correspondent
ROING, Mar 5: In the wake of the growing opposition to the public hearing for 3000MW Dibang Multipurpose Project (DMP), General Manager of DMP, NHPC Ltd VK Rattan appealed to the people for cooperation in executing the project.
Addressing a meeting here on Monday, he made a fervent appeal to the people. “Please have faith on us. We are here to make people’s life better.”
The meeting was organized by the district administration to facilitate interaction between the local representatives and the company.
Outlining the current issues, Rattan said, “As per the representations received from opposing parties, we are able to draw the issues which are related to revenue share and feasibility of having dam in a highly seismic zone.”
The major concern he said was “why such high dam?”
Addressing the details of the concerns, he said people have expressed ambiguity in state’s hydro power policy related to revenue share which needs to be addressed. “Currently NHPC is committing 12% free power share to the state government which comes to Rs 600 crore a year. Additional 1% is for local area development, which comes to Rs 50 crore a year.”
He also informed that there was additional 1% revenue share, which the state government can allot for the local area development.
In his PowerPoint presentation Rattan explained about the technicalities of the dam as being seismic proof. He said the dam is a multipurpose project that will generate electricity and act as flood cushion.
“The dam can store 100 years of flood water. So the high dam,” said Rattan.
Joining in the appeal, Roing MLA Laeta Umbrey said the Dibang region is today the most backward. “The dam will be a big break in elevating our economic position.”
The only flaw he said was the lack of vision and plan from the state government. “MoUs after MoUs were signed without any plans for tomorrow.”
Adding a word of prudence, Lower Dibang Valley Zilla Chairperson Chiliko Meto said people are ready to welcome the project, but their concerns and doubts must be addressed first. Without which, he said “there will only be opposition.”
Concluding the session, Roing Deputy Commissioner Shiv Kumar said, “We will not force public hearing on people. They should not apprehend that there will be heavy police buildup in the town. It’s for people to decide their future.”
TRA to open its centre at Yupia
ITANAGAR, Mar 05: Tea Research Association (TRA), Tocklai, Jorhat has selected Yupia as the site for establishment of proposed Arunachal Advisory Centre of Tea Research Association (TRA).
Dr. SK Pathak, Deputy Director and Dr. S Baishya, Advisory Officer of TRA, who were on a two days visit to the State Capital on invitation of the state government finalized the site at Yupia to set up the Arunachal Advisory Centre of TRA today, informed Tokong Pertin, Director Trade and Commerce.
Later, the team accompanied by Director Pertin called on Parliamentary Secretary (Trade &Commerce) Phosum Khimhun in his office.
Interacting with the scientist duo, Khimhun lauded the TRA for timely finalization for setting up of Arunachal Advisory Centre and said that he will apprise the progress to the Chief Minister for further direction.
Khimhun said that the State Government has shown much enthusiasm towards tea cultivation and the proposed Arunachal Advisory Centre of TRA will definitely be a boon for future growth of tea in the state. Dr. Pathak, who was posted at Darjeeling Experimental Station of TRA for 7 years and whose contribution brought Darjeeling into world Tea map, said that ‘Arunachal Pradesh has the potential to create 4 to 5 such Darjeelings out of the state and it can be one of the top tea producing states if proper scientific planning and tea management methods are practiced by the tea growers”.
BJP demands thorough inquiry into PMGSY project implementation
ITANAGAR, Mar 5: Taking serious note of the observation made by the Union Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh over the poor implementation of the PMGSY roads, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Arunachal Pradesh today urged the state Govt to conduct thorough enquiry into the whole gamut of PMGSY road projects implementation in Arunachal Pradesh. The BJP said that Govt, particularly the Rural Works Department should come out before the public with details of MPGSY implementation including number of new road projects and fund sanctioned for renovation of already implemented PMGSY roads.
(A /Times impact)
This daily has reported in its Monday edition that Jairam Ramesh had written a letter to Chief Minister Nabam Tuki expressing serious concern over the implementation of PMGSY road projects in the state. Ramesh in his letter dated 22nd February 2013, showed his concern over quality of roads.
The Union minister clearly mentioned in his letter that the roads already sanctioned are yet to be completed, including 90 works sanctioned prior to March 2010. “Against required maintenance expenditure in the last 3 years of Rs.6.65 crore, actual expenditure is only Rs.1.94 crore. The quality of roads is very poor, with 23 per cent at ongoing stage and 17 per cent on completion being graded unsatisfactory by national quality monitors,” Ramesh wrote in the letter.
Expressing shock over the revelation of the Union minister over the ambitious projects for all weather road connectivity to rural areas, BJP said poor condition of PMGSY roads in the state, despite allocation of huge funds for quality construction, had presented a negative image of Arunachal Pradesh before the Nation. The BJP further said that there is an urgent need to check the present corrupt system for proper implementation of the PMGSY projects. While welcoming the observation of the Union Minister, state BJP president, who is presently camping at Delhi, demanded that the chief minister should issue a statement on this matter on behalf of his people first ruling government. The state BJP chief further alleged that the government has already failed in containing law and order, providing primary health care facility and improving the primary education scenario in the state.
AJA selects 16 judokas for NE games
ITANAGAR, Mar 5: Arunachal Judo Association (AJA) has selected 16 judokas-
The selected players are, Boys) David Wangsa, Ponkap Techi, Dindu Chuckla, Toku Tacho, Rahul Mipi, Madin Hina, Ogam Boli, (Girls) Pesan Pangkhu, Aom Yigom, Alim Khunjuju, Ehalu Tega, Anjali Sagro, Masali Mikhu, Yari Maying, Yami Mara.
The month-
Meanwhile, AJA appealed to the authorities concerned to release the cash incentives of those sportspersons, who have brought laurels to the state by winning medals at national and international level in various disciplines.
AAAA selection trial
Arunachal Amateur Athletic Association (AAAA) will conduct a selection trial at Sangey Lhaden Sports Academy playground, Chimpu on March 12 from 9 am to select the athletic for the ensuing North East Games scheduled to be held in Imphal, Manipur from April 8 to 11.
The selection trials will be held for both men and women in 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, 5000m, 10,000m race, long jump, triple jump, high jump, shot put, discuss and javelin throws. The department of sports and youth affairs will sponsor the coaching camp for the selected players, according to AAAA release.
AAYA demands immediate restoration of power and water supply at Pasighat
Pasighat, Mar 5: Expressing serious concern on erratic water and electricity supply in the Pasighat Township, the All Adi Youth Association (AAYA) demanded immediate restoration of water and electricity supply in the centennial town.
Due to irregular electricity supply, many students have been suffering in the darkness
especially the students those who are appearing for the ongoing CBSE examination
(class-
The association also alleged that the PHE and WS department had failed to fulfil the necessary needs of the people in the township.
“The concern department has been engaging only one tractor and S Model truck each for supplying water which doesn't meets the necessary of the town dwellers”, they rued.
Further, they sought immediate intervention from the representatives of East Siang district especially from state Education minister Bosiram Siram and union MoS for Minority Affairs Ninong Ering to solve the problems on behalf of the aggrieved people.
One arrested for offensive facebook post
Correspondent
DAPORIJO, Mar 5: Daporijo Police has arrested a person for allegedly using an obscene photo of a girl in his facebook, a social networking site in internet.
A case has been registered under Sec. 292(a)/34 IPC,R/W-
The victim is appearing CBSE examination at Daporijo Govt Hr. Sec. School.
Police swung into action after they received a complaint from the victim’s relatives and nabbed the suspicious person involved in the case with the help of clue provided by the victim. Both the persons, including the person whose name was associated with the facebook account, were taken under police custody for interrogation.
During interrogation it was revealed that, one Rina (name changed), victim of the case, had given her mobile memory card for virus scanning to one Ramu (name changed), the prime suspected, during October, 2012. On February 23, 2013, Rina was informed by someone that a photo of her was seen in the facebook account of one Akash (name changed).
Akash, who claims that he had never created the said account, alleged that some unknown person might be using his name in facebook to land him in trouble.
During the investigation it was further revealed that Ramu, who took the memory card from Rina for scanning virus, had copied her photo to his desktop. He confessed that he had some personal enmity with Akash so he created the fake facebook account against Akash’s name and uploaded the manipulated obscene photo of Rina to ruin the name of Akash, Investigation officer (IO) W Kamhua.
Cash reward stands
The cash reward of Rs 10 lakhs announced by the Arunachal Pradesh Police for giving information or clue leading to arrest of the assailant/s of Tongam Rina, Associate Editor of The Arunachal Times still stands. The identity of the informer/s will be kept secret. The informer/s may contact Capital SP at tele. numbers : 09436040006
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PDHH workshop for DNGC students
ITANAGAR, Mar 5: Vivekananda Kendra Arun Jyoti has organized a workshop entitled “Pariksha De Hastein Hastein” (PDHH) for the students of DN College from 1st to 5th March at college Auditorium. In order to prepare them mentally, physically and psychologically fit for writing their coming exams confidently. The workshop was for five days which dealt with various elements relating to exams.
Rupesh Mathur, State Organizer of Vivekananda Kendra Arunachal Pradesh explained the Concept of exam, confidence building, memory development, techniques for concentration, importance of sleep, technique for gaining energy and enjoying the study by intelligently using technique of focusing and defocusing.
In the practical session students got benefit with the practice of loosing and breathing exercises, Yogaasana, Pranaayama and Trataka. It keeps body and mind healthy.
It is worth mentioning here that the games for development of Concentration and Memory were also taken by the karyakarta of Vivekananda Kendra. The workshop was attended by the students of D. N. G. Collage.
Unidentified body found
PASIGHAT, Mar 5: An unidentified body of a person of age about 40-
Being informed, a police team led by Sub-
The body has been kept at General Hospital Pasighat Morgue after the postmortem and it will be disposed off after observing all legal formalities, informed the police sources. DIPRO
500 patients treated
ITANAGAR, Mar 5: A one-
The health camp was inaugurated by Brigadier Ajay Verma, Commander 5 Mountain Brigade in presence of high ranking Indian Army officials, students, public and PRI leaders.
Altogether 500 patients from various parts of Mechukha township were treated during
the camp by a team of doctors from Army Medical Corps. The day-
‘Keep away from live wire’
ITANAGAR, Mar 5: The 33KV Express lines from Dillopoliang to 33/11KV, lx3.15MVA Sub
Station at Tamen has been completed under the scheme funded by North Eastern Council.
This was informed by Ziro Electrical Division, Ziro in a release today. Meanwhile,
the EE of the Ziro electrical division has informed that the Sub Transmission Systems
shall be charged on any day with effect from March 11. The power division requested
the people of Dillopoliang, Khogyo, Hong, Duku, Bamin-
SLS mourns demise of Assa Tana
ITANAGAR, Mar 05: The Sun Land Society (SLS) condoled the untimely demise of Assa Tana, youngest sister of Danial Teli at GMC Guwahati on March 4. She was undergoing kidney treatment for several months.
Assa left behind her husband Tana Tura and two daughters Ruth and Angel.
She was born to late Teli Chach and late Teli Yeri.
The Society prayed to almighty for her eternal peace in heaven.
APYO seeks Assembly quota for Puroiks
ITANAGAR, Mar 5: Advocating for the rights of under-
Free medical camp at Parsi-
ITANAGAR, Mar 5: More than three hundreds people of Parsi-
Implement RTE Act effectively: APATCYO
ITANAGAR, Mar 5: The effective implementation of RTE Act in school has always drawn flaks from all quarters. Arunachal Pradesh Abo Tani Clan Youth Organization today urged the state government to implement RTE Act effectively in every government school. In its letter addressed to the chief minister the organization said that education scenario is deteriorating day by day due to non implementation of RTE Act. Further organization also castigated the irregular teachers who allegedly withdraws their salary without performing duties.
Exams roster
ITANAGAR, Mar 5: Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU) will conduct the BA, B.Sc and B.Com
I, II and III year (Pass and honors) annual examinations-
Commonwealth Day
ITANAGAR, Mar 5: The 1st Commonwealth Day will be celebrated at Nokmey Namati Hall
of Legislative Assembly secretariat, Naharlagun on March 11. The day-
SLSA Archery team brings laurels to state
NAHARLAGUN, Mar 5: The Archery team of Sangey Laden Sports Academy here has brought
laurels to the state by winning two bronze medals in the 35th Junior (Boys and Girls)
National Compound Archery championship -
Maselo Mihu won a bronze medal in individual 50 metre distance category, while the team of Maselo Mihu, Sorang Yami,Genung Tekseng and Lide Loyi won second bronze medal for the state in the Olympic team event of 50 meter distance.
Joint Director of Sports and Youth Affairs Tadar Appa, while expressing his happiness over the achievement assured to provide all necessary modern and scientific equipments for training and coaching of the girls.
Archery Coach of the department Kh.Ekashini Devi informed that Maselo Mihu and Sorang Yami have been selected for trial selection of Junior World Cup 2013. DIPR
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233 days have passed. The culprits involved in the July 15 attack on The Arunachal Times associate editor Tongam Rina are still at large.
Copyright © 2008, The Arunachal Times Publications Pvt. Ltd., Siang House, Sector
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All rights reserved.
Key health measures
Indians are living longer lives, but illness and disability of a very high order and relatively early death remain severe health care challenges. What should cause concern to health care planners and providers is that India appears to be lagging behind many of its South Asian neighbours as well as China on key parameters of health. These are some of the findings from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors 2010 Study (GBD 2010), a collaborative project led by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington.
These findings detail the causes of death and disability -
Indians are living longer for sure. Life expectancy at birth was 58.3 in 1990; it went up to 65.2 in 2010. However, most of India's neighbours were ahead on this measure in 1990, when life expectancy was 58.8 years for Nepal, 58.8 for Bhutan, 58.9 for Bangladesh, 62.3 for Pakistan, 69.3 for China, and 72.3 for Sri Lanka. All of these countries remained ahead of India in 2010. Life expectancy at birth in 2010 was 65.7 years for Pakistan, 69.0 for Bangladesh, 69.2 for Nepal, 69.4 for Bhutan, 75.5 for Sri Lanka, and 75.7 for China.
In terms of age-
Between 1990 and 2010, there was significant improvement in India in terms of death rates. The number of deaths per 100,000 had come down, in 20 years, from 1,447.43 to 1,096.92. Its neighbours had a mixed record, but they remained ahead. India was ranked 139 out 187 countries in terms of death rate in 2010. Pakistan was ranked 127, Bangladesh 113, Nepal 108, Bhutan 107, Sri Lanka 68, and China 63. All had lower death rates than India.
Biasness in Power distribution
Dear Editor,
March month is known for CBSE exam but the students of Hapoli town are facing difficulty in exam preparation because of biased treatment by power department. In these days colony like ADC colony , Engineering colony, Doni –Polo colony are getting electricity for only 7 hours i.e. 2 hours in day time and from evening 6.00 pm to 12.00 pm night. But some colonies like market area get electricity 4 hours in day and from evening 5.30 pm to 3.00 am in the morning.
So my question to power department is why this partiality and discrimination between customers of two different colonies. Don‘t we pay our bill? Electricity should be equally provided to all the customers. Therefore we appeal to concerned department to rectify this issue soon.
Yours’
Hage Taro
ADC, colony
P.Rika, Engineering colony
Issuing PRC to non-
Dear Editor,
Through the column of your esteem daily, I being a local indigenous citizen of Lohit
district would like to express my view regarding issue of Permanent Resident Certificate
(PRC) to non-
It is well known to everyone including state government as well as all the Arunachalee
brethren that the pivotal zone/area of conflict with regard to settlement of refugees
and outsiders are the eastern districts of Lohit and Changlang. Most of the non-
The mistake done by the state government 40 years back by bringing in Chakmas is
still eating away into the livelihood of the locals. Ironically, instead of solving
the wrong done forty years back and undoing the mistake, the state government is
venturing for another mistake by issuing PRC to non-
I’m not against any organization or union. It’s disheartening to know that JHPC is
hold meetings only with those organizations who seldom have seen and experienced
problems created by outsiders and who do not belong to affected areas or conflict
zones. How can they know the problems faced by the local people? How can someone
decide our fate and our future without our opinion? I don’t understand where our
leaders and organizations have gone? Why are they still dump and deaf when the water
is flowing over the brim? Lastly, I appeal to all our Arunachalee brothers to wake
up and come forward in this regard. My opinion may not be deemed personal. There
is nothing personal; rather it is a question of our future and our grand and great
grand children. Let’s go with the proverbial “stitch in time saves nine” and try
to mend the fence before our crop is stolen. If one non-
Yours’
Chou Khan,
Namsai.
Drinking Water crisis at Pasighat
Dear Editor,
Through your daily would like to share problems of drinking water at Pasighat town. The drinking water situation at Pasighat and its nearby area has turned from bad to worse with no drinking water for days together. The situations in some pockets of Pasighat are so worse that they have no access to drinking water for days together. Right from the wee hours, people are found to fetch water from long distances and this has made life tough especially to the students’ community who are writing their final examination. The department of PHE & WS is trying their best but due to the drying up of the water sources, the department is also not in a position to meet the demands of the Pasighat populace though at certain point of time, TANKER are found distributing water. However, it is regretted to say that the department has failed to maintain the source/ catchment areas which has further aggravated the situation. A sincere effort in this line is the urgent need of the hour and hope that the department will have a positive thinking on it.
This is a regular feature for Pasighat especially during this time of season and every year the situation is aggravating and this year the situation is volatile which need immediate attention of the Government. A permanent source to meet up the demands of the Pasighat population is to be thought of and this is the immediate and important requirement for the people of Pasighat. The elected representative should also ponder upon the situation and instead of misleading the people; a concrete step is to be undertaken, so that the drinking Water crisis of Pasighat is solved at the earliest. Through this medium I want to make an ardent appeal to all the people of Pasighat not to misuse the drinking water and not to disturb the source by indiscriminate deforestation activities which hampers each and every one of us. Everyone should think for the development of the area in every sphere and just for petty individual benefit, the whole system should not be disturbed.
Yours’
Okom Yosung
ZPM Bogong cum President
PPWC, Pasighat.
Please no power cut during night time
Dear Editor,
Through your esteemed daily I would like to draw the attention of the concerned authority of power department about the problem being faced by the students of NERIST.
From nearly about two weeks the boy’s hostel especially PG hostel is suffering from the power cuts during night time. We are going to have examination from 11th of March to till 19th March and this power cuts is hampering our studies very badly. Power cuts can be done in morning or day time instead of night which last more than hour from 9.30pm to 10.45pm. I on behalf of all PG students of NERIST would like to request the concerned authority to please look into the matter and provide us a good solution as soon as possible.
Yours’
Sange Tsering
PG Hostel,
NERIST Nirjuli