OCTOBER 06

• Tuki inspects development projects, gives nod to alternate routes to ease traffic congestion
• APUWJ & APC condemn attack on Press vehicle
• 2nd International Buddhist Conclave at Varanasi
• Bandh hits normal life, eight arrested
• Awareness campaign on malaria and dengue held
• Workshop suggests effective measures against drug abuse in Lohit
• Traditional folk dancers enthrall the audience
• Arunachal front-runner in rainwater harvesting

Tuki inspects development projects, gives nod to alternate routes to ease traffic congestion

ITANAGAR, Oct 5: While most chose to stay indoors in view of the bandh called by a certain organization, declared ‘illegal’ by the administration, Chief Minister Nabam Tuki took to the roads to take stock of the road conditions as well as finalize bypasses and alternate routes to ease traffic congestion in the state capital complex. He was accompanied by Lok Sabha MP Takam Sanjoy, local MLA Techi Kaso, Nyapin MLA Bamang Felix, head of the district administration and Heads of Urban Development and PWD.

The CM’s entourage first traveled on the road from Itanagar Bank Tinali to Ganga that goes via Doordarshan Kendra, which can be a viable alternate route for commuters of Itanagar to ease traffic on the NH 52A. The road has been worn down by incessant rains and needs urgent maintenance.

Tuki stopped at a point near the Minister’s bungalows where severe landslide has threatened the very existence of the road. He directed the PWD officials to immediately prepare an estimate for construction of a retaining wall to save the road. He assured the Government will provide sufficient funds for the purpose.

On way to Ganga, Tuki visited the State Legislative Assembly site and took stock of the construction works. He then visited the under-construction MLA Apartments at Chimpu. UD officials, who are implementing the project, explained the CM of the ongoing works. The MLA Apartments would be a state-of-the-art complex that would house all the MLAs as well as the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker. As per the master plan the complex would have a swimming pool as well as a recreation center-cum-restaurant.

The Chief Minister, on way to Naharlagun, visited the Civil Secretariat site. Besides moving around the construction site, he also went in to check the interiors of a nearly complete building. At Naharlagun, the Chief Minister first visited the offices of the Capital deputy commissioner, which is running from the old MLA Hostel at Barapani. Discussing on the issue of a permanent office of the capital administration, Tuki offered to have a mini-secretariat at the present site that would not only house the deputy commissioner’s office but also all other departments. Giving the final nod, he earmarked Rs 10 crore for the mini-secretariat and directed concerned officials to finalize project for start of the construction work. He also suggested the capital deputy commissioner to find a suitable place to run his offices from temporarily till completion of the new mini-secretariat.

Tuki then visited the helipad site on the banks of Pachin river to finalize extension of the existing helipad by 900 mtrs as required. He also took stock of the proposed by-pass road from Model Village via helipad to Naharlagun General Hospital as suggested by the local MLA to ease traffic movement. He agreed to the proposal and earmarked Rs 2 crore under SPA for construction of the by-pass road.

On way back from Naharlagun, Tuki and his entourage travelled on the Papunallah-Jullung road to see its condition. The Chief Minister suggested that this road may be linked with the NH52A at Chimpu and utilized as a by-pass for people travelling out of the state through Hollongi. At the same time this route can be an alternate for people travelling between Itanagar and Naharlagun through the existing approach road to Ganga.

According to the Chief Minister the Papunallah-Jullung-Chimpu road would cross over the Jullung river near the present Delhi Public School. For this, a bridge over the river is already under construction, which was sanctioned when Tuki was the PWD Minister.

Visiting the bridge site, Tuki appreciated the ongoing work. As per PWD officials the RCC bridge would be complete and ready for traffic by March next year.

At the end of the day, the Chief Minister agreed to place Rs 12 crore for widening and completion of the Jullung road and Rs 25 crore this year for cement-concrete (CC) sector roads. For construction of CC roads in the sectors the Government has already sanctioned Rs 25 crores last year.

To ease traffic congestion at Naharlagun, the Chief Minister also agreed to construct a bridge near Pachin village that would allow traffic flow from Naharlagun via Pachin-Papu villages and to the Jullung road. He instructed the concerned officials to immediately prepare an estimate for the bridge that would be taken up under RIDF. (PRO to CM)

 

 

APUWJ & APC condemn attack on Press vehicle

ITANAGAR, Oct 05: The Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalists (APUWJ) and the Arunachal Press Club (APC) have strongly condemned the attack on a Press vehicle near Hotel Todo here Thursday morning during the 48 hours bandh enforced by Banderdewa Circle Intellectual Forum (BCIF).

The activists rained stones at the vehicle belonging to English daily The Arunachal Pioneer (published from Itanagar), despite repeated pleas from its occupants. One of the stones damaged the vehicle but luckily the delivery boy escaped unhurt.  The vehicle was coming from Naharlagun after getting the daily’s prints for distribution.  

Both the organizations have threatened to boycott BCIF press release if such incident is repeated in the future.  ‘BCIF must understand that they exist because of the media only.  If the media stopped offering their help, the BCIF would not have any footing on the ground,’ the APUWJ and the APC said in a strongly worded release. Further they added, “It is a shame that though bandh callers always exempt media from the purview of bandh, such attacks always take place. The leaders of those organizations who issue bandh call should properly brief their activists, so that media is allowed to freely carry out their duty without being harassed.”

Meanwhile, a case, No. 209/12 U/S 341/427/336/34 IPC has been registered against the attack at Itanagar Police Station.

 

 

 

2nd International Buddhist Conclave at Varanasi

Rinpoche advocates for new Buddhist circuits in Eastern & Northeastern regions

ITANAGAR, Oct 05:  A five member Arunachal delegation led by T G Rinpoche, Chairman of Karmik & Adhyamik Affairs (DoKA) participated 2nd International Buddhist Conclave (IBC 2012) held in Varanasi and Bodh Gaya from September 29 to October 1 last.

The conclave was inaugurated by Union Tourism Minister Subodh Kant Sahai and attended by Tourism Ministers from different states of India. He announced extension of Visa on arrival (VoA) facilities for Buddhist countries having sizable Buddhist population such as Thailand and Malaysia.

Sahai said India being the land of origin of Buddhism, is the main attraction for the Buddhist tourists from across the globe and his ministry is drawing up plans to attract more tourists from Buddhist countries by providing them special facilities. Buddhism being a world religion now, its sites have a great attraction for tourists’ world over.

The Ministry of Tourism (MoT) is continuing with its efforts in identifying more and more Buddhist Circuits and developing them in holistic and integrated manner, Sahai said adding that even if half of the Buddhist population visits the Buddhist pilgrim centers in the country annually, the goal of his ministry would be achieved. This would also help in generating employment for three crore people.

Rinpoche strongly advocated for opening of new Buddhist circuit in Eastern  and Northeastern  region. His recommendation for a new circuit touching Buddhist sites at Siliguri-Gangtok-Darjeeling-Kalimpong-Bhutan-Tawang-Bomdila-Guwahati was very well taken. He expressed the hope that deliberations at the conclave would help the MoT in carrying on the process of identifying and developing more Buddhist circuits in North East states in general and Arunachal Pradesh in particular.

He extended an invitation to all the stake holders to participate in International Buddhist Conference scheduled during April 2013 in the famed touristic town of Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh.

Apart from 170 delegates from 33 countries, who are mainly tour operators, opinion leaders and travel writers, delegates from 16 states also took part in the conclave.

A dance troupe from Tawang performed the traditional folk dance ‘Aji Lhamu Cham’ which enthralled the VIPs and the delegates alike. The Arunachal Exhibition stall colorfully decorated with Buddhist theme attracted a large number of visitors. Tsering Wange  Adviser APTOA and Bela Tikhak  tourism entrepreneur  accorded a traditional reception to the visiting dignitaries and responded to the queries put forward by the media and the foreign tour operators.

Gedo Eshi ADT gave an interesting and educative power point presentation on Buddhist tourism sites in Arunachal while TK Kopak DTO attended the panel discussion on Buddhist Pilgrimage in India.

The IBC 2012 is an important tourism marketing event designed to bring together international buyers from around the world particularly from the popular Buddhist destinations like Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, China etc. together, to interact, promote and sell, with the objective of increasing tourist arrivals to India and specifically to the Buddhist sites in different states.

 

 

Bandh hits normal life, eight arrested

ITANAGAR, Sept 5: Normal life came to a standstill in the Arunachal Pradesh capital following a 48-hours bandh called by a forum protesting against shifting of the site of proposed greenfield airport from Karsignsa to Hollongi.

In the bandh called by Banderdewa Circle Intellectual Forum since 5 am yesterday, stone pelting at government vehicles were reported from various parts of the capital city, Capital Complex Superintendent of Police Hibu Tamang said.

Altogether eight bandh supporters were arrested from Banderdewa and Itanagar area during the bandh and three cases – one at Banderdewa PS and two at  Itanagar PS have been registered against the   bandh enforcers for trying to block the NH 52A with trees and boulders at Banderdewa and pelting stones  damaging an ambulance and  a Press vehicle  besides attacking police officer on duty, the SP informed.  Steps are being taken to issue non-bailable warrant against leaders of the organization who called the bandh for attacking a police officer, the  SP said.

Meanwhile, a Chevrolet vehicle (Regn no AR-01B-8155) has been damaged during bandh hours by the bandh enforcers near secretariat here around 9.45 pm.

All business establishments, markets, banks and educational institutions were closed, while central government offices recorded thin attendance.

All private and public vehicles remained off the roads, but state transport buses were running with escorts.

The Forum has demanded immediate halt of construction of the airport besides cancellation of reports of the AAI technical committee on non-feasibility of construction of the airport at Karsingsa. PTI/Source  

 

 

Awareness campaign on malaria and dengue held

PASIGHAT, Oct 5: An awareness program on Malaria and Dengue was organized on 3rd October at Balek village by the District Health Department headed by the DMO Dr. M. Perme.

Highlighting on various preventive measures of vector and water borne diseases, Dr. Pertin advised the people use drinking water after boiling properly.

Dr. T Talom in-charge District Vector borne diseases also spoke and shared his suggestions to the gathering.

The Bogong ZPM Okom Yosung and T Doming (Balek ASM) were present on the occasion and distributed 624 Long Lasting Insecticidal Net (LLIN) mosquito bed nets to villagers of nine villages, namely Balek, Rasam, Roing, Tigra, Kelek, Boying, Yapgo, Sibo and Gune on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, ZPM Yosung appreciated the efforts of the department and stated that day and night hard work, continuous efforts and vigorous cooperation by the people the department has been able to successfully control the malaria and dengue.

In order to keep this success sustainable, all stake- holders should have to continue their efforts as the current success is the result of a comprehensive team work, he stated. DIPRO

 

 

Workshop suggests effective measures against drug abuse in Lohit

ITANAGAR, Oct 05: Chongkham based Arunachal Pali Vidyapith Society’s Treatment cum Rehabilitation Centre Project Director C.J. Gogoi emphasized on the need of cohesive efforts by all stake-holders to prevent drug abuse in Lohit district.

Addressing the inaugural session of the workshop cum sensitization programme on prevention of drugs abuse in Namsai recently, Gogoi presented an overall scenario of drug menace in Lohit district and service provided by APVS’ de-addiction centre and made the participants aware of problems and barriers that the centre has been facing in providing services for prevention of drug abuse.

Namsai ADC Kamlesh Kumar Joshi opined that only de-addiction can not bring solution to the problem. We need to find out casual factors that contributes to a person’s propensity to abuse drugs and encourage poppy cultivation.

He suggested for adoption of some ideas of foreign countries like America for controlling the problem of drug abuse Lohit.

Dr Sufajing Namchoom, MO Incharge, Arunachal Pali Vidyapith Society, Chongkham, spoke on opium, the commonest of the drugs abused by people in Lohit, Tirap, Changlang, Anjaw and Dibang Valley districts.  He unveiled the secret how the poppy plant -- a beautiful flowering plant—bring tears to many a families. He also dealt at length on harmful effects of opium and medical complication due to opium addiction.

Co-ordinator RRTC, NE-II, Bendang Imsong spoke on Programme initiated by Ministry of Jocial Justice & Empowerment, Govt. of India, which are being implemented by NISD at National, RRTCs at regional level and NGOs funded by the Ministry. He said that individuals from local communities and organizations at the grassroots level should come forward to make the activities and programme for drug abuse prevention more effective.

Dr. C.M. Thamoung, SMO, PHC, New Mohong village spoke on the local problems and issues, and existing vulnerability factors in the locality that lead to drug addiction and the measures that should be adopted for relapse prevention. He also pointed out the deadly consequences of drug addiction.

Later, a group discussion on ‘steps to be taken for heading towards initiating an action plan on  Drug Abuse Prevention in collaboration with RRTC and Setting tentative dates for sensitization’ was conducted  by Bendang Imsong, Coordinator, RRTC, NE-II and Chow Tewa Manpoong, Counselor, TCRC, Chongkham.

The discussion was participated, among others, by Chow Chandra Mansai, public leader, Chow Arina Manpoong,  Finance Secretary, TKSC, Dr CM Thamoung, SMO, Nang S. Moungyak, President, Women Welfare Society, Namsai,  S. Maio, ZPM, Chow Thanin Mansai, Secretary, APVS, Chongkham, Chow Wating Namchoom, public leader, Dr Sufajing Namchoom, MO Incharge, APVS, Chongkham and representatives from All Namsai Area Youth Association, All Tai Khamti Singpho Student Union and representatives from the community of addicts actively took part in the discussion.

The workshop cum sensitization programme was organized by RRTC NE-II & Arunachal Pali Vidyapith Society, Chongkham and sponsored by NISD, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Govt. of India.

 

 

Traditional folk dancers enthrall the audience

PASIGHAT, Oct 05: Art gives happiness by removing anxiety and worries, stated the East Siang Deputy Commissioner R K Mishra on Thursday evening last. He was gracing as Chief Guest on the occasion of ‘The National Folk Dance Festival Yatra’ a cultural extravaganza, which was organized jointly by the North East Zone Cultural Centre (NEZCC) Dimapur and the East Siang Arts & Culture department at the IGJ Hr. Sec auditorium. It was a unique folk dance presentations drawn from various parts of the country.

Overwhelmed Mishra while appreciating the participating troupes said it was a perfect example of unity in diversity of the great nation where people of different cultures, languages and faiths live harmoniously. The main objective of the event was to showcase the rich cultural heritage of our country through folk dances, added the DC. He lauded the DACO East Siang Agosthi Jamoh and the NEZCC Coordinator I Majumder Boruah for preserving, promoting and disseminating Indian folk dances as a part of Indian art and culture.

Kaling Borang, an eminent cultural expert, also spoke on the occasion as guest of honour. Such efforts  are extremely necessary to showcase the traditional culture, stated Borang in his address.

Traditional ‘Tapu’ (War) dance of host Adi tribe, cultural presentation of the students of Pasighat BP Democrat Eng School, Cheraw dance of Mizos, Gujarati Garba and Sailarina of Madhya Pradesh enthralled the audience. DIPRO

 

 

Arunachal front-runner in rainwater harvesting

ITANAGAR, Oct 05: Water resources department of Arunachal Pradesh is ahead in the North Eastern region in implementation of ‘demonstrative projects on roof top rainwater harvesting & artificial recharge to groundwater’ under 100% central sector scheme ‘Ground water management & regulation’ during 11th Five Year Plan. The  total projects (DPR) cleared by SLTCC and accepted by New Delhi amounted to Rs.12.50 crore covering 235 projects in 11 districts of the state right from Tawang, West & East Kameng, Papum Pare, Kurung Kumey, Lower & Upper Subansiri, East & West Siang, Lower Dibang Valley, Anjaw, Miao (Changlang), Tirap & Longding.

Out of above, the concern union ministry has sanctioned and released an amount of Rs. 5 crore against 100 projects which have been implemented in Govt. schools, hospitals, PHCs, office buildings & Circuit houses/IBs etc. These projects have been successfully executed and handed over to the user agencies for operation, maintenance and its utilization for various water needs.

As per the information gathered from ministry, the total allocation for this demonstration projects during 11th Five Year Plan (2007-2012) was Rs 100 crore for the entire country. Thus, sanction/release of 5% of total allocated fund at national level is a great achievement for the WRD, said CE L. Angu.

He further stressed the need for the GoAP to take up such projects under state plan/SPA/DoTC fund as modality for taking up rain water harvesting/ recharge schemes during 12th FYP is in formulation stage and advocated that the GoAP continues this programme from its own resources and make rainwater harvesting mandatory in each buildings in the state. He also informed that WRD has an established full-fledged ground water circle headed by SE VN Pandey, who is also nodal officer for tube well & groundwater to carry out & monitor all activities under this sector at HQ level.

The inhabitants of border/hill top villages would be the main beneficiaries of these projects as the  Arunachal Pradesh Govt is committed to conserve rainwater in storage tanks to supplement water requirement during lean period, said WRD Minister Newlai Tingkhatra.

WRD secretary G. Ete informed that the department has been emphasizing on taking up rainwater harvesting & groundwater recharge schemes in mass scale as rainwater is free from any kinds of impurity, storage cost is very less & no maintenance cost is involved except for periodical cleaning etc. He quoted the success story of the projects in Ruksin in East Siang district which was implemented by this WRD during 2002-03, first of its kind in Arunachal. Over the years, it has been observed that need for exploitation of groundwater resources for various water needs, like agriculture/drinking water/industrial and other uses and also adopting rainwater harvesting & recharging groundwater is taken up immediately, feels WRD Parliamentary Secretary T.Taiju, according to an official release.

News Impact

Cash reward stands

ITANAGAR, Oct 05: The cash reward of Rs 2 lakh 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 Hibu Tamang at tele. numbers : 09436040006/09856060490.

 

Greenfield airport site

AAPBSU calls for dialogue for amicable solution

ITANAGAR, Oct 05: All Arunachal Pradesh Border Students Union (AAPBSU) has appealed to the Banderdewa Circle Intellectual Forum (BCIF) and the State Government to resolve the Greenfield Airport issue amicably through discussion.

Describing that bandh can not bring solution to the issue rather it hampers development process and cripples daily life of common men, AAPBSU urged both the parties to sit together across the table and resolve the issue amicably.

Welcoming the shifting of the site for Greenfield Airport from Karsingsa to Hollongi by the Airport Authority of India, AAPBSU in its release said that the shifting of the  airport will definitely prevent further land encroachment, extortion and disturbance from Assam bases outfits/ organization and reduce influx of refugees.

Meanwhile, AAPBSU suggested the state government for establishing some institutions of higher and professional education like medical college, nursing college etc. at Karsingsa in lieu of the greenfield airport.

 

DDSE visits newly constructed Siru Rijo primary school building

AALO, Oct 05:  The long felt need of education for kids of around 600 workers at Siru Rijo Tea Garden, a potential tourist destination has been fulfilled with construction of a 7-room Primary School building (SPT) at the site.

Deputy Director of School Education (DDSE) Tomi Doke along with civil works coordinator (SSA) and Junior Engineer, who made joint visit of the school recently, expressed their satisfaction over the way the school building has been constructed adhering to govt. guidelines. The team appreciated the contractor, Tulo Gangkak who put up an arduous effort to construct such a quality building in far off place like Siru Rijo.

Given the good strength and quality of teachers, the school can turn into a Model School to cater the educational needs of kids of labourers and children of villagers in its vicinity.  The school located in a picturesque valley is quite conducive for teaching and learning with all facilities within the garden. DIPRO

 

Retreat Camp

ITANAGAR, Oct 05: The Women Wing of the Upper Siang Christian Forum conducted a one day ‘Retreat Camp’ for women in the Christian Revival Church, Yingkiong recently. It was attended by more than 200 women from different parts of the district.  The main purpose of the camp was to make the participating women aware of their role and duties as a wife and mother as well. Various social, religious and health issues were discussed in the camp. The main resource persons were Nung Taku, CRC, Pastor, Neken Perme, Missionary, ABU and Sis.(Dr.) Mity Apang.

 

DLIO visits Nyapin library

KOLORIANG, Oct 05: The District Library and Information officer of Kurung Kumey Joram Taga visited the sub-division library Nyapin yesterday. He met ADC  in-charge Dr. Rubu Tabiyo and Anchal Samiti Members and enquired about the functioning of library in far-flung areas. They exhorted the general public, student and staff of Nyapin area to avail the library facility provided by the Government and develop reading habit. He also inspected the newly constructed library building which is yet to be hand over to the Department concerned by the executing agency.

Later, the  District Library & Information Officer handed over books, books shelves and plastic chairs to ADC Nyapin for the smooth functioning of library in ADC headquarters Nyapin and assured to provide necessary facilities in due course. DIPRO

 

 

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82 days have passed. The culprits involved in the July 15 attack on The Arunachal Times associate editor Tongam Rina are still at large. 

Fresh water crisis

The rapid industrial development in India is escalating demand for fresh water in the increasingly water-stressed country. Owing to India’s large coastline, desalination is considered one of the most viable water supply alternatives.

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, Analysis of Growth Opportunities in the Indian Desalination Market, finds that the market earned revenues of INR 1.12 billion in 2011 and estimates this to reach INR 7.48 billion in 2015.

The desalination market is in its growth stage and has substantial opportunities for the next ten years, as industries such as power, refineries, and chemicals are adopting efficient and sustainable technologies for the supply of fresh water.

Apart from industrialization, economic diversification and urbanization make a robust case for desalination. Urban centers account for more than 30 percent of the total population of India and the rate of urbanization is estimated to be 2.5 percent during 2010-2015. This directly translates to declining per capita water availability.

With appropriate government initiatives and legislations on water treatment and private partnerships, the desalination market is expected to pick up steam after 2012. The market will get a leg up from larger government funds, municipal desalination projects, and coastal industry power projects.

Take corrective step

Dear Editor,

Through the columns of your esteemed paper, I would like to address to all the MONPA Community of Arunachal Pradesh that Government of India doesn't recognize our tribe. There seems to be the nomenclature problem with our tribe due to the negligence of the bureaucrats, administrators and legislators. According to the Latest Census of India and also Ministry Of Tribal Affairs website, our tribe’s nomenclature is MOMBA. This indicates sheer negligence on the part of the State Government. The ST certificate mentioning “MONPA alias MOMBA” is very readily accepted by the Government of India whereas the certificate mentioning “MONPA” is not.

There are more educated youths than the jobs that State govt. creates. So Central Government job remains the last option for everyone. Presently there are more than 500 Monpa students outside Arunachal Pradesh trying for Central jobs and this particular nomenclature problem strips us of all the opportunities even if being a Bonafide Scheduled Tribe of India.

This is my humble request to all the concerned authorities to take corrective steps towards it at the earliest so that the nomenclature MONPA stays instead of MOMBA.

Yours,

Yeshi Wangchu Kharma

Indra Vihar, New Delhi

 

 

 

‘Eagle nest is in West Kameng’

Dear Editor,

There was a little error in the AT daily dated 3rd of Oct. Instead of West Kameng,location of eagle nest wildlife sanctuary was mentioned in the East Kameng. Even the Book of GGL Group's GK on Arunachal Pradesh at Page 46, the same mistake was made. Therefore, correction may be made in this regard.

Yours,

Pema Khandu Khrime

Rupa, West Kameng

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