April 25
News Impact
Multilingual Abotani magazine
Correspondent
RUKSIN, Apr 24: Abotani Gomlab Ope (AGO) is taking steps to launch a multilingual quarterly news magazine covering the traditional cultures and mythological stories of Tani group of Arunchal and Assam.
The magazine with name “Abotani” is the maiden effort of AGO, which would reflect
various ethnic, socio-
The head office of the publication has been set up at Jonai in Assam.
CM assures security to media houses
ITANAGAR, Apr 24: Members of Arunachal Press Club (APC) and Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalists (APUWJ) met the Chief Minister this evening in the wake of attack on The Arunachal Times and also apprised him of various problems confronting the media fraternity.
Chief Minister Nabam Tuki said that firm action will be initiated by his government against all those who indulge in anti social activities.
Responding to the demands of provision of security to all media houses, he assured that adequate security will be provided to media houses. He also spoke to the DGP regarding the security issues of media houses.
The Chief Minister further said sorry for his recent comments which had dismayed the media fraternity.
In view of Chief Minister’s assurance of action, the Press Club and the Union has withdrawn their decision to ban all government and NGO news.
Copyright © 2008, The Arunachal Times Publications Pvt. Ltd., Siang House, Sector
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All rights reserved.
Heavy storm ravages Lohit, power supply snapped
TEZU, Apr 24: Heavy storm accompanied by hailstorm ravaged Lohit district yesterday afternoon.
As per preliminary reports dwelling houses, school building, BRC building of Mekaliang and many villages of Namsai, Lekang, Lathao, Sunpura and Tezu circles were badly damaged and standing crops destroyed.
About 100 trees were uprooted causing disruption in road communication including National Highway and electric supply. Many electric poles were bent and conductors snatched causing total disruption in power supply.
The entire district is reeling under darkness even as the power department is working round the clock to restore power supply. There is total blackout in Tezu, Namsai, Roing, Diyun and Anjaw due to the massive damages.
As per initial reports about 15 km of 33 KV line,10 km of 11KV line and 35 km of LT line along with four 25 KVA, two 63 KVA and two 100 KVA Transformers have been damaged causing a loss of Rs 4.70 crores (approx).
Lohit Deputy Commissioner R K Sharma quoting department officers said that it will take some days to restore power connectivity.
Water supply has also been hampered due to disruption in power supply.
The DC has directed all concern administrative officers to assess the damage and losses and submit reports immediately.
The district administration is monitoring the restoration works.
Wrong policies basis for economic problems: Gadkari
Arunachal media tour Nagpur
Ojing Tayeng
ITANAGAR, Apr 24: India is a rich nation but due to wrong economic policies, we are facing economic problems in the country, said BJP President Nitin Gadkari at his home located at Vidarbha, Nagpur while interacting with the media team from Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur recently.
While briefing his view on politics and taking serious note on the country’s economic problems, he said that the politics should be an instrument for socio economic reform. The power politics should be change to socio economic and development politics and the mission of politics should be eradication of poverty by increasing per capita income, gross domestic product and agricultural progress etc.
Referring to north east region, he said that the region requires capable and dedicated leaders who can share the woes of poor rural citizens and work for progress and development of the people and the region. He said that Congress party has started propaganda against BJP that it is against minority.
Rubbishing such propaganda, he said that BJP is a national party where every individual from different religion, caste and creed works united.
He further said, if BJP comes to power in Centre, special attention will be given to North Eastern States. Acknowledging the tourism potentials Gadkari suggested that besides education, tourism sector should be taken up in priority basis in NE states.
He assured to offer solar energy devices free of cost to people of Arunachal Pradesh particularly in rural areas where there is no electricity.
The three days media exposure trip was led by former MP Tapir Gao.
During the three days stay at Nagpur, the team visited rural areas and industrial
projects being carried out by Purti group which includes Purti Power & Sugar Ltd
in Bela District, Wainganga sugar and power ltd, Veer Savarkar Nagar, a workers colony,
Yash Agro Energy ltd at Kolari, Chandrapur district, Purti Super Bazar, Mahatma Sugar
& Power Ltd in Jamni District, Cotton Firms; Bio-
Roing battle water and power crisis
Raju Mimi
ROING, Apr 24: Come monsoon, and its the same story again. Roing, the district headquarters of Lower Dibang Valley is hit with serious water and power crisis which has generated a public dismay within the past few days.
The town is reeling under acute water shortage over the last three days, after the 2.9 km long power channel that draws water from Eze River was damaged.
Considered the ‘life line’, the channel wall near the intake site broke on Sunday after it got hit by a huge boulder caused due to heavy rainfall. The breakage led to diversion of water flow downwards the hill slope drying up the sedimentation tank, the main water storage source for the town.
Ever since the crisis, it is a common sight on the streets of Roing -
Officials of Public Health Engineering (PHE) department, however, are guarded about the present situation. “Many water sources are still working, and the crisis hasn’t worsened to the point that services of tankers are needed for distribution of water.”
To make the point, the department source informed that the town has another 5-
“Because of multiple water sources, entire town is not affected. If one house isn’t getting the water, the next house may be getting. So people can somehow manage to fetch water from nearby sources,” one department official puts it that way.
A visit by this correspondent to the site of damaged channel found that around 40 labourers from various departments including NHPC Ltd were engaged to restore the water supply line. Nine GI pipes of 4 inch & 100mm diameter were laid on the damaged site to reconnect the water supply line.
The department officials made assurance of completing the work by the night fall and to resume the water supply to the town by next day.
As per department sources, the Eze Power channel supplies drinking water to estimated 40,000 people of the Roing town that includes the floating population also. On average, the channel supplies around 3 Mega Litre per Day.
Main places in the town to be affected from water shortages are parts of New Colony, market area, parts of Cheta and Yibuk.
While hopes are high that water supply will be restored soon, the power crisis may continue for another month. The power channel that draws water from Eze river is also the source for Eze Micro Hydel Project (3X250KW) that supplies electricity to major parts of town.
Going by the extensive damage to channel wall, one official estimates that it will take a month for repair.
Uncertainty looms large over Lower Siang project
Correspondent
PASIGHAT, Apr 24: After the postponement of three public hearings this month for 2700 MW Lower Siang HEP, there is an air of uncertainty over the future of the controversial project.
According to sources, the employees of JAPL have started shifting from their camp to other areas as they have decided to leave the LSHP area within the next month.
The JAPL camp was torched on the day of the public hearing.
On the other hand, the district administrations of three Siang district have reportedly been directed by the government for resumption of process to conduct public hearing at any cost.
Following minor scuffle between some anti and pro dam activists and torching of the camp, there are reports that the police have registered criminal cases. However, neither the SP nor other police officials were available for comment.
“The administration has not received any message from the state government urging
action against the accused anti-
Sources informed that case has been registered in Yingkiong police stations against 35 persons. Two such cases were reportedly referred to Yingkiong Police Station by Pasighat police, which is accusing as many as 17 persons of violence.
Panchagavya can replace chemical fertilizers and pesticides in agriculture
Dr. Pijush Kanti Biswas and Minonti Pait
India is a treasure house of unique rituals and tra-
Panchagavya claims an important role among these. This miraculous combination of five ‘gavya’ (five products obtained from cow) tremendously enhance the biological efficiency and quality of various species of crop plants.
Panchagavya contains five products from cow viz., milk, curd, ghee, dung and urine. Descriptions of this holy combination could be traced out in Vedas, the divine scripts of Indian wisdom. Milk contains some valuable micronutrients, carotenoids, flavones, phenolic compounds, steroids, vitamins and several compounds. Each of these five gavya is believed to possess medicinal qualities.
Panchagavya is considered to be a highly effective liquid organic manure. It has multiple functions and can effectively replace chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Panchagavya can be prepared as follows: In a wide mouthed mud vessel, put five litres of cowdung slurry, three litres of cow urine, two litres of cow milk, two litres of curd prepared from cow milk and one litre of cow’s ghee. Mix these ingredients thoroughly and the mouth of the vessel must be covered with a clean cloth for ensuring aeration for the fermenting unit. The vessel with contents must be placed in a shady place. The ingredients must be mixed thoroughly with hand every day in the morning and evening for 10 – 15 days. It can be stored and used for the next 30 days. Before spraying on plants, three litres of panchagavya may be mixed with 100 litres of water. Since ghee does not dissolve easily, power sprayer is the best option for spraying.
Many farmers from their experience revealed the growth promoting effect of panchagavya, especially in the cultivation of rice, mango etc. Moreover, it helps to preserve the quality of crops, soil and environment. It contains several micro and macro nutrients, beneficial microorganisms like bacteria and fungi which promote plant growth.
Panchagavya also acts as an effective pest repellant. Spraying panchagavya is highly
effective in controlling the fruit fly menace in mango trees. Moreover, panchagavya
along with vermicompost has been observed to enhance the quantity and quality of
fruits in mango. Vermicompost @10 kg and one litre panchagavya diluted in 30 litres
of water must be sprayed over the crown (foliage ) and at the base of trees of bearing
age. Panchagavya alone may be sprayed at the crown and base before the flowering
for enhancing the blooming process. The spraying must be repeated at 15-
The uniqueness of panchagavya is that it provides growth promoting hormones and immunity boosters for plants. This can be used for seed/sapling treatments and also to control the spread of seed borne diseases. Panchagavya may be applied for any crop and the application period is very important and hence it must be carefully planned. Adding panchagavya during the composting process helps to improve the quality of compost. Using panchagavya also helps to increase the yield and quality of the products. Compared to chemical fertilisers, this is less expensive and more ecofriendly with no side effects.
Listen to the citizens, not hydro power proponents
Dear Editor,
Arunachal Pradesh is not under British rule. In fact, it is under India, a largest democratic country in the world, But sometimes it confuses us where exactly Arunachal Pradesh is in terms of development and people’s expectation.
When people of Roing and Siang don’t want hydropower projects, it means they don’t want it. For them hydropower project has no value than their land handed over by forefather.
Under such circumstances, it is surprising why government of Arunachal Pradesh is forcefully pressing for construction of power project.
Several times they have stopped public hearings and showed displeasure at attempts to construct power projects but still government is being adamant. Why? In a democratic country, government cannot dictate the people.
I personally suggest government of Arunachal Pradesh to withdraw MoU signed between power developers and GoAP for the greater interest of the local people. Government of Arunachal Pradesh must listen to the people since people’s cooperation is indispensable. Power developers are not going to help the state for good governance, rather they are creating gap between people and government.
We have already experienced two power projects undertaken by NEEPCO Ltd i.e. RHEP and PHEP and I am an affected youth of both the projects.
We have many experiences to share. During public hearing power developer will promise many things like 100% jobs reservation, 100% contract and supply work, free electrificity supply. But after formalities are over, their real game of cheating starts.
One of the cheating game goes like this; when affected youth apply for job, they will ask for technical qualifications and very interestingly when technical qualified youth apply for the post then cleverly they will suggest them to register with Employment Exchange. After registration, they suddenly don’t have vacancy!
Power developers like NEEPCO Ltd, NHPC Ltd, Jindal never want to appoint candidates of Arunachal Pradesh for A, B and C categories of jobs. There is just some space for group D job seekers. What is this?
If you don’t believe me, then visit all power developers’ office of the Arunachal Pradesh. You will never find our indigenous people in any good position except for countable few. Almost all jobs are taken up by outsiders. You will only find indigenous people in D category job in the office of various power developers.
Such huge numbers of hydropower projects are not required. 50 to 60 will serve the purpose of the state.
Yours,
Bengia Tada
RGU
Encroachment and a logical conclusion
Dear Editor,
The people of the state deserve a good and beautiful capital, free from fear, tension, doubt, arson and lawlessness. Every Arunachalee dreams to see modern and developed Itanagar where peace and tranquility will be the order of the day.
Following the recent notice issued from the office of the Chief Estate Officer, Naharlagun, regarding the encroachment of the roads and Govt quarters including unauthorised constructions by individuals and legal occupants of the Govt. quarters it was seen that some youths with Commando dress were not only preventing construction but also taking away spades, shovels, ropes and other construction materials by force from many places. In fact no competent authority empower them to carry such unwanted activities.
The action taken by some youths has created a fear psychosis among the ordinary citizens and it might lead to serious law and order problem in the state capital as more than three thousand persons were served the show cause notice for alleged illegal construction.
I would like to impress upon the Govt. and the concerned authority to look into the matter and adopt an holistic modus operandi to deal with the problems of encroachment and unauthorised construction.
I am not justifying the so called authorised construction and encroachment, but
it is a fact that the existing Govt. quarters in the various sectors of Naharlagun
and Itanagar were constructed way back in 1970s. Almost, all Govt quarters are in
dilapidated condition and not fit for human settlement now. Under the circumstances,
all the legal occupants of the quarters have renovated/ repaired the quarters with
their hard-
Moreover, it is also seen that many of the land occupants near Govt. quarters have already obtained land allotment certificates.
Since all laws are framed by Govt. for the welfare of its people, the Govt. needs to take lenient view before uprooting the structure built by individuals incurring huge financial losses. Govt might evolve consensus opinion on this major issue while keeping in mind the plight of its people and the developmental needs.
Yours,
Dominic Tadar
Growing need for freedom
Dear Editor,
Till recently, Arunachal was known as the only state in the country where love, brotherhood and harmony prevailed. People used to praise our state and we too felt proud being dwellers of such a state. But in recent years we have witnessed the pain and agony of our state. Growing unemployment, corruption including illegal appointments, death threat to social activists, involvement of politicians in PDS scam, and recent vandalism of media house are some of the examples which depict the helpless nature of the Govt and its actual position.
In every corner of the state, people are deprived of their basic rights, be it education, employment, health and judiciary system.
Once I also thought our politicians are for us, they are concern about the causes of poor and common people but alas, reality was different. There is a constant struggle for the power between our politicians and during such power struggle they forget everything for which they have been elected.
There was a time when leaders were for the people, fought for the common causes. Many unwelcome and unacceptable laws and customs were abolished as a result of their best attempt to bring equality among the neglected classes of the society. Their efforts were for the uplift of society as a whole. Great leaders have died but their legacy of great deeds and commitment lives on, thus making them immortal.
It is worthwhile to mention here that we celebrated our 64th years of Independence with joy and enthusiasm, but if one gaze into the present scenario of our society there is a growing demand for freedom in every aspects of the social life. We need freedom of speech & expression, freedom from corruption, freedom from bondage of fear, freedom from deprivation above all freedom from such leaders and politicians for who our Constitution is nothing more than mere words written in a plain paper. Is our government really concerned about the constitution and fundamental rights of its people? Why the grievances of common people are increasing?
Why the voices are rising more rapidly against govt? Why there is hue and cry for justice, equality and transparency? Why people are losing their hope in govt? Why I am compel to express my deep feeling over media?
Yours,
Prey Tayem
Give us stipend
Dear Editor,
I.G.G. College, Tezu has nearly two thousand students. Most of them are financially weak and haling from very poor financial background.
Now, the Academic session 2011-
Therefore, I would like to request the concern authority for the early release of
pending stipend for the session 2011-
Yours
Roshman Tawsik
I.G.G. College
Tezu
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Agri innovations
This year, the Worldwatch Institute's Nourishing the Planet highlights 15 agricultural
innovations that are already working on the ground to address some of the problems.
These innovations aim at guaranteeing the right to food, harnessing the nutritional
and economic potential of vegetables, reducing food waste, feeding cities, getting
more crop per drop, using farmers' knowledge in research and development, improving
soil fertility, safeguarding local food biodiversity, coping with climate change
and building resilience, harnessing the knowledge and skills of women farmers, charting
a new path to eliminating hunger, improving food production from livestock, and
moving eco-
It is believed that some 1 billion people worldwide experience chronic hunger, and 98 percent of these people live in developing countries. Guaranteeing the right to food and to combat hunger in rural or remote communities, the Brazilian government now operates the Food Acquisition Program, which funds local organizations, including community kitchens, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and schools, to buy and distribute fruits, vegetables, and animal products from smallholder farmers in their region.
Moreover, in an attempt to harnessing the nutritional and economic potential of vegetables ‘Slow Food International’ works to broaden diets, and preserve biodiversity, by helping farmers grow local and indigenous varieties of fruits and vegetables. On the other hand in order to reduce food waste, in New York City, City Harvest collects nearly 28 million pounds of excess food each year from restaurants, grocers, corporate cafeterias, manufacturers, and farms and delivers it to some 600 local food programs.
In order to harness the knowledge and skills of women farmers, ‘The Self Employed
Women's Association (SEWA), a female trade union in India that began in 1992, helps
poor, self-
Hopes, these efforts to make agriculture a healthy and stable source of income and nourishment will continue to be scaled up in the coming years and be passed on to the next generation to ensure that the march toward sustainability continues.
