August 02
Fire mishap at Jairampur
ITANAGAR, Aug 1: Atleast four SPT shops were partially damaged in a major fire mishap that occurred at Jairampur market on July 30 last around 8:45 am. The local people including Govt staff under the supervision of district administration could able to douse the fire and prevented it from engulfing entire area. 42 Assam Rifles personnel also rushed to the spot with water tanker and helped the local people in preventing the fire. The cause of the fire is yet to be known.
Meanwhile, PS Jairampur has been directed by district administration to enquire into the fire mishap, while ADC Jairampur constituted a committee to assess the damages caused, according to an official release.
Legislators Forum on HIV/AIDS
ITANAGAR, Aug 1: Following the constitution of the Six Legislative Assembly of the
state, a 13-
Students’ Unions condemn vandalism
ITANAGAR, Aug 1: All Galo Students Union (AGSU) and All Nyiko Students’ Welfare Association (ANSWA) has vehemently condemned the reported vandalism at GHSS, Aalo, where some miscreants vandalized the Sipu Block of the school yesterday.
The incident reportedly rook place after a ‘minor scuffle’ between some students and the school captain, informed AGSU.
The incident happened after the school captain had found some students not coming to the school with proper school dress (uniform) during checking which was informed to the school principal of the school, an AGSU release informed.
They also appealed to the parents and ‘outsiders’ to not to interfere in the matter of school as there is a rules and regulation of the school management committee to handle such matters. “Resorting to violence is not the solution to any problem. Rather, it hampers the academic atmosphere of the school,” both AGSU and ANSWA said, and urged the students to focus more on study, maintain strict discipline and follow school rules and regulation.
AGSU urged the district administration and school authorities to initiate appropriate action against those involved and found guilty in unlawful activities.
AGSU also informed that miscreants damaged the main water source of Aalo township at Kombo village causing disruption in drinking water supply in the entire Aalo township. The students union appealed to the administration to look into the matter seriously and restore normal water supply as soon as possible.
Increase retirement age of Govt staff from this fiscal: PPA
ITANAGAR, Aug 1: People’s Party of Arunachal (PPA) urged the state government to increase retirement age of the state govt. employees to 60 years effective from this financial year.
“When majority of the states follow the Central Govt. norm of 60 years as the retirement age and when the 7th Pay Commission has the proposal to increase the retirement age to 62 years, it is unfortunate and surprising that Arunachal Pradesh is still at the stage of discussion on the matter,” stated PPA General Secretary T. Naksang.
Urging the Govt. not to violate the laid down rules and provisions, the PPA general secretary demanded the state government to deliver justice to the large chunk of Govt. employees, who are at the verge of retirement. He further stated that the two years’ increase in retirement age would enable the Govt. to reap the benefits of rich experience as well as the productivity of the employees.
The argument that increase in retirement age would lead to cut in employment opportunities for the youths as well as create burden on state exchequer is also not fully true on the ground that due to deferment of huge pension money payable to employees with interest for two years is a huge benefit to the state exchequer.
Moreover, the Govt. also has the option to increase the employable upper age limit from the existing 33 years to 42 years, as prevalent in many other states which would enhance job opportunities to the youths, he added.
Arunachal doctor in super-
Correspondent
RUKSIN, Aug 1: Dr Manju Darang from Mirem village in East Siang district has been
selected for super specialty course in ‘Plastic Surgery’ in Guwahati Medical College
and Hospital fulfilling her long cherished dream. If she completes the course, she
will become the first lady doctor of this hill state to have super-
Manju, 26, did her MBBS from Regional Institute of Medical Science, Imphal in 2002 and completed Post Graduation in Surgery from the institute in 2010. Later, she served in a Shillong Hospital for a period of one year on contractual basis.
Manju’s father Tamat Darang is a Public Interpreter (PI) serving in Ruksin SDO’s office.
Meanwhile, the villagers have honoured the parents and credited them for Manju’s success. The villagers said Manu’s success story would definitely inspire the budding students.
“Manju has made us proud. We are hoping that she will come out of the super-
ASCYA demands health sub-
ITANAGAR, Aug 1: The All Silsango Circle Youth Association (SCYA) has demanded for
immediate establishment of health sub-
In its memorandum submitted to the chief minister, it said that the area does not have any medical facility.
Its other demands include posting of a CO and other lower staff at the HQ and sanctioning of fund for immediate restoration of the damaged roads of the circle.
Constitute panel to check proper implementation of RTE: ASF
ITANAGAR, Aug 1: Arunachal Students Federation (ASF) today asked the education authority
to constitute a monitoring committee to properly check the implementation of RTE
Act 2009 in government schools claiming that many schools are violating the norms
by charging hefty fees from students. The Federation also claimed that there is an
open violation of mid-
Kumar Waii to attend opening ceremony of Eagle Trophy Football Tournament
ITANAGAR, Aug 1: RWD Minister Kumar Waii will attend the opening ceremony of the fifth Eagle Trophy Football Tournament at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium on Sunday as chief guest.
CM’s XI will be up against Bamang Taji FC in the opening match.
Consider promotion through DPC: APITU
ITANAGAR, Aug 1: Claiming that deputation of various officers from other departments to the post of AEs have curtailed the privilege of promotion of the deserving JEs of the hydropower department, the Arunachal Pradesh Indigenous Tribes Union (APITU) has called for stopping of the same.
In its letter submitted to the parliamentary secretary, hydro power, it asked for considering promotion through DPC.
Meanwhile, in it’s another letter to the secretary, RK Mission Hospital, it asked for improving the management of the hospital.
Mass plantation drive conducted to mark Van Mahotsava
ITANAGAR, Aug 1: A mass plantation drive was conducted by the district administration of Jairampur to mark Van Mahotsava which was participated by the public, government staffs from forest department and ADC office.
More than 100 saplings were planted during the programme. ADC Kento Riba highlighted the aims and objectives of the plantation drive. ADC exhorted that people should protect plants as it gives oxygen to human being and the animals. He further discouraged the indiscriminate cutting of trees and destruction forest.
Assault on Apex bank staff condemned
ITANAGAR, Aug 1: Claiming that one of the employees of its office was assaulted in the office during working hours yesterday, the Arunachal Pradesh State Cooperative Apex Bank Employees’ Association (APSCABEA) has vehemently condemned the attack and appealed the concern authorities for immediate arrest of the culprit/s.
In a release, it informed that three unknown miscreants entered its office at about 10.10am yesterday and assaulted one of the staffs. The association further sought exemplary punishment for the persons involved in it.
Lab technicians seek regularization
ITANAGAR, Aug 1: The Contractual Medical Laboratory Technician Welfare Association has called for regularization of the lab technicians working in RCH I & II programme under NRHM.
In its representation submitted to the health and family welfare minister, it said, “we are working as Medical Laboratory Technician on contract basis for programme I & II of RCH under National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) since 1999. We are not receiving Govt benefits in terms of TA/DA/LTC/EL/ML/GPF. We have not been regularized and the numbers of appointments are increasing every year. Even the salary paid to us is very meager.”
We appeal for creation of MLT posts for various CHCs, PHCs, District Hospital /State Hospital and provision of sufficient fund for the payment of such staffs of the department, the letter further read.
NNSPSU team conducts school visit, demands posting of subject teachers
ITANAGAR, Aug 1: The Nyapin Nyobia Sangram Phassang Student’s Union (NNSPSU) led by its president Tadar Lugu recently visited Govt. Higher Secondary School Nyapin, Sangram and Govt. Middle School Sango. During the visit, they found that Govt. Higher Secondary School Nyapin & Sangram are functioning without subject teachers since last 4 years.
Expressing deep concern over shortage of teachers NNSPSU demanded for immediate posting of subject teachers. They also appealed to all the teachers of four circles to regularly attend duties from new academic session.
Members of NNSPSU interacted with teachers and students of Govt. Higher Secondary School Nyapin, Sangram and Govt. Middle School Sango. They also donated water filter, football and volleyball for the said school.
NRHM doctors pleads CM for regularization
ITANAGAR, Aug 1: The National Rural Health Mission General Duty Medical Officer Association (NRHMGDMOA) has urged the state government to regularize contractual NRHM doctors by creating GDMO posts under directorate of health services.
In its memorandum submitted to the chief minister, it said that the move will motivate doctors to do their duties sincerely and would solve many problems related to providing health services in remote areas.
In its proposal for 100 GDMO posts, it sought 35-
Meanwhile, it claimed that the chief minister has assured of looking into the demand and advised the doctors to serve the needy and poor.
Traffic warden pleads for regularization
ITANAGAR, Aug 1: The woes of Itanagar Traffic Wardens (ITW) are far from over, as the wardens continuously pleading for regularization of their service.
In a release today the traffic wardens shared their hardship in the service saying that they have been discharging their duty with full zeal since last three years with meager amount. The remuneration is being paid through chief estate officer cum Additional district magistrate office, it added.
Drawing Govt. attention to their plights the wardens requested the government to absorb them into Arunachal Pradesh Police traffic cell. It further informed wardens had called on Minister Home Tanga Byaling on 16 June 2014 regarding the issue.
AAPUEA & AAPUCEA call for maintaining RR policy
ITANAGAR, Aug 1: The All Arunachal Pradesh Unemployed Engineers’ Association (AAPUEA) and All Arunachal Pradesh Unemployed Civil Engineers’ Association (AAPUCEA) have called for maintaining the RR ratio for Degree and Diploma holders.
In its memorandum submitted to the chief minister, it claimed that unemployed engineers are being deprived because of violation of RR policy.
Demanding ban on deputation policy in all the departments, the organizations asked for his (CM) intervention into issuing necessary directive in the entire engineering departments/engineering wings of department to advertise all its vacant posts. Other demands of the organizations include adoption of the roster system and the 50:50 ratio for promotion by the departments and recruitment as per RR framed by every department.
News Impact
CS reviews functioning of vigilance dept, calls to expedite enquiry process
ITANAGAR, Aug 1: State Chief Secretary Ramesh Negi reviewed the functioning of Vigilance Department recently in which the pendency of disciplinary proceedings against the gazette officers was reviewed.
It is observed that major penalty proceedings are pending against 10 APCS officers and 3 engineers are under investigation for possessing disproportionate asset.
Further one APCS officer is under suspension.
The Chief Secretary directed the concerned departments and enquiry officers to speedily complete the departmental enquiries so that innocent officers don’t face harassment, at the same time the delinquents are made accountable.
He also directed SP, SIC to complete investigation of disproportionate asset cases on priority. It was also emphasized that concerned Heads of Department and Secretaries shall ensure that property details of gazette officers are obtained and keep in record as per Conduct Rules.
In order to ensure timely delivery of services to the citizens, Commissioner (Perl & Admin Reforms) was requested to study the Delhi’s Delivery of Services Act so as to ensure time bound delivery of services to the citizens and to ensure highest level of accountability. All of the officers assured compliance and maximum cooperation, according to an official release.
IFCSAP submits memo to Union Tribal Affairs Minister
ITANAGAR, Jul 1: A delegation of Indigenous Faith and Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh (IFCSAP) met Union Minister of Tribal Affairs Jual Oram in New Delhi yesterday and submitted a memorandum reiterating their demand that no person or community in the state should be given double benefit.
According to IFCSAP, extending double benefit would encourage people to convert to faiths classified as minority community which will adversely affect on preservation and promotion of the indigenous faith, culture and traditions of the state.
Informing the union minister that the list of minority blocks and families prepared by a Guwahati based private agency was illegal and improper, IFCSAP said “as per 1978 Freedom of Religions Act of Arunachal Pradesh; only the Deputy Commissioner is authorized to identify the minority population. “The Arunachal Pradesh Government should implement the ‘Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act’ 1978, which has been passed by the state assembly and approved by President of India, at the earliest so that an authentic list of minorities can be prepared.”
Steps should be initiated by the State Government to issue minority certificates to the converts of Arunachal Pradesh and let the converted persons surrender their ST certificate at the earliest, demanded IFCSAP.
Claiming that the religion column of various government certificates, application and other application forms has been deleted in various districts, IFCSAP demanded reinsertion of the same column and proper verification so that genuine STs get the benefits.
The delegation also discussed various issues regarding the status of Scheduled Tribal in state as well as protection and preservation of indigenous faith and culture of Arunachal Pradesh with the union minister.
The IFCSAP delegation included general secretary Gichik Taaza, Vice President (East) N. Changmi, Advisor Taba Hare, and Secretary IFCSAP District Unit, Pasighat Oyin Moyong.
Steps taken to contain JE outbreak
ITANAGAR, Aug 1: The state health department has taken all necessary steps to prevent further spread of Japanese Encephalitis and is closely monitoring the current situation in the state. The department has requested the people to be calm and participate in vector control which is the mosquito, similar to the preventive measures taken for prevention of Malaria.
Informing that treatment of JE is symptomatic and medicines are available in hospitals for its treatment, the state epidemiologist, Dr. L Jampa appealed the people to ensure use of mosquito net/ bednets during sleeping hours.
The people should allow fogging operation of the department to go on and keep open all doors and windows during fogging operation. It should be ensured that no water logging takes place in and around houses where there is a chance of breeding of mosquitoes.
In an important announcement, the epidemiologist revealed that no vaccine will be effective during transmission season as it takes minimum one to two months to develop immunity to the virus and in outbreak season when the virus is virulent, these vaccines may not help. Vaccination gives a false sense of security and is not recommended by Govt of India during the transmission/ outbreak situation.
It is observed that due to panic amongst the people, JE vaccines are given privately
in many dispensaries and people are rushing in for vaccinations. It must be ensured
that these dispensaries maintain proper Cold Chain of 2-
Vaccination gives a false sense of security and is not recommended by Govt of India during the transmission/ outbreak situation.
ANSU demands adequate fund for renovation of school buildings
ITANAGAR, Aug 1: Lamenting the pathetic condition of various schools in Capital Complex, All Nyishi Students’ Union (ANSU) has demanded the state government to provide adequate fund for renovation of school buildings and construction of new classrooms and teachers’ quarters.
Expressing concern over the fact that infrastructure of most of the government schools in the state are in pathetic condition despite allocation of sufficient fund to the education department, ANSU, in a release, demanded immediate renovation and maintenance of all government school buildings in Capital Complex keeping in mind the ever growing number of students.
ANSU claimed that government schools in rural Nyishi inhabited areas are in worst condition without required infrastructure, teachers and other facilities.
Describing the pathetic condition of the I.V. School, Nargang under Mengio circle
of Sagalee sub-
“We demand the state government to allocate sufficient fund for early improvement
of school buildings, classrooms and teachers’ quarters and other necessary infrastructure
in government schools of Nyishi inhabited districts and we also demand for equal
distribution of teaching staff in urban and rural schools,” ANSU demanded in the
release. “We have also received numerous complaints against non-
DTPC’s bid to develop tourism in Lower Subansiri
ITANAGAR, Aug 1: Lower Subansiri District Tourism Promotion Committee (DTPC) has
adopted several tourism-
All tourism infrastructures to be created in future in Lower Subansiri district will
be eco-
The meeting attended by all the members of the DTPC also resolved to create Tourist Interpretation Centre at the existing District Museum, Ziro for which the District Tourism Officer (DTO) will depute TIO at the museum.
A feedback form will be made available in the hotels, homestay, resorts etc. so that the first hand experience of the tourist visiting the district can be obtained, the meeting resolved. Further, all homestay operators will have to register with the DTO, Ziro and submit all the details in the form which will be available in the office of the DTO.
Artistic signages for the city and the adjoining forest areas and a tourism logo for Ziro Tourism will also be designed, the meeting resolved and decided to invite Tourism Research students from outside of the state to Ziro for research activity.
The Committee members also agreed to seek sponsorship as part of CSR, initiatives from various PSUs and private corporations for organizing capacity building programs for organizing awareness of tourism.
They also decided to organize tourism festivals through department itself rather
than through Grant-
Earlier, District Tourism Officer Tater Mize highlighted all the tourism infrastructure
created so far by the Department of Tourism. He urged upon all the members for selection
of best proposal keeping all criteria of the guidelines in terms of eco-
Deputy Commissioner dwelt upon the eco-
AAPSU applauds retention of NHPC office, lauds ministers
ITANAGAR, Aug 1: The All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) today lauded Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju and Chief Minister Nabam Tuki for taking up the issue of proposed shifting of NHPC executive director’s (ED) office from Itanagar to Guwahati, with Union Minister of State for Power (Independent) Piyush Goyal. With the intervention of Goyal, the decision to shift the ED office from Itanagar to Guwahati has been revoked.
The issue, which was initially highlighted by the apex students’ body of the state, was taken up in the state assembly on Thursday during a short duration discussion.
AAPSU president Kamta Lapung in a statement today said timely intervention of union
ministers after Tuki registered protest against office shifting following the hue
and cry from the AAPSU resulted in revocation of decision by the NHPC, otherwise,
the union said, it would have sent a wrong message at a time when the people of the
state are showing a pro-
While appreciating Rijiju and Tuki for their efforts to put a halt in the proposed move, AAPSU finance secretary Suraj Tayam urged the NHPC authority to improve the public relations especially with local people for smooth and early completion of all the six projects under various phases of execution in the state.
College student attacked at Chapakhowa
Correspondent
ROING, Aug 1: A first year student of Indira Gandhi Government College (IGGC), Tezu was attacked by a mob at Chapakhowa, Assam while returning to Roing in an APSTS bus today.
The victim, Asip Mihu, 19, who hails from Anini was picked up from inside the bus, taken out and a group of people waiting outside started beating him, according to the victim's brother.
"The attackers were looking for Arunachali from a particular community," the victim's brother said. "My brother identified himself, and was taken out of the bus, where three more men were waiting outside. They started assaulting him without any warning or divulging reasons for the attack."
According to the victim's brother, a group of IRBN personnel were standing nearby, but no help was forthcoming. The victim, about to fade away by the beating, managed to escape from the assailants taking refuge in a nearby shop.
"The shopkeeper rescued my brother; gave him ride in his motorbike, and dropped him
at Arunachal Police check post at Shantipur in Assam-
It was through that local rescuer that the motive behind the attack was divulged. According to the shopkeeper, it was a retaliatory action allegedly over an attack to an Assamese inside Arunachal. "The mob had been looking for Arunachali youths, and all buses bound for Arunachal were being stopped," the brother informed.
However, the victim's family are yet to register police complaint citing inconvenience as the incident took place in Assam.
Bee and Honey Mission launched at Miao
Pisi Zauing
MIAO, Aug 1: The ambitious and much awaited Arunachal Pradesh Bee and Honey Mission
(APBHM) of Arunachal Pradesh Apiculture Development Society under Department of Agriculture
was launched at Miao on July 29 during the first ever training of field functionaries
on Apiculture development in presence of Mission Director T D Neckhom, District In-
The objective of the mission is to carry out the mandate of the Apiculture Development
aspects of the Department of Agriculture notified by the State Government and approved
by state annual plan 2013-
Development of nucleus stock production, capacity building programme and training of bee breeders, bee keepers, processing, research work and conduct of seminars etc, establishment of common facility centre (CFC) at bee village which will serve as a centre for all value addition activities at bee village are other aims and objectives of the mission.
Mission Director T D Neckhom and T Taura highlighted the importance, scope and opportunities of bees, beekeeping and honey producing on the launching ceremony. Honey bees are the most valuable insects for mankind which produces honey, enhances crop production and sustains plant biodiversity through their pollinating services, they said.
Arunachal has four natural species of honey bees, namely Asian Bee (Apis cerana), Giant bees (Apis dorsata/ laboriosa), Stingless bees (Trigona/ Melipona) and Little Bee (Apis florae) out of which only Apis cerana and Stingless bees can be domesticated. Bees have been reared in Arunachal since time immemorial in crude wooden or log hives which the mission aims at developing through scientifically designed hives with scientific management practices as a commercial venture. Honey is a food with high nutritional and commercial properties. Bees wax is a valuable product derived from the honey comb and has more than 300 industrial uses mainly in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and varnishes etc. Royal jelly can be collected and can be sold as a dietary supplement, which has many health benefits. Bee venom is used in Apitherapy, rheumatism and disease of nervous disorders.
Arunachal is ideal for beekeeping due to favorable climatic conditions and vast foraging area. Beekeeping does not require extra space and can be reared alongside field crops, plantations, orchards and any vegetation. Beekeeping improves the quality of fruit, vegetable, seeds and increases the yield manifold ensuring food security and enhancement of farm income. It can be a lucrative business by producing natural and organic honey to meet the ever increasing domestic and international market demand. Beekeeping generates employment and bring additional income to family and can create employment opportunity as a full time beekeeper, middlemen/ broker; honey processor including bottling and packaging, wholesaler/ retailer, exporter etc.
Through bee keeping the mission aims to protect and conserve forests for survival of bees, the mission will take steps to plant bee foraging plants in surroundings to ensure continuous supply of nectar and pollen all year round and discourage destruction of bees by burning the colony while harvesting wild honey. It will be detrimental to harvest the larvae because bees need to survive and multiply for posterity.
The mission will encourage beneficiaries to nurture their interest to become a professional beekeeper to enjoy the manifold benefits by taking up beekeeping as a hobby by rearing them in their backyard and experience the joy of living with the most fascinating insect. The mission encourages to take up beekeeping as a secondary activity to supplement income by becoming a bee/honey entrepreneur and be a prospective employer and develop the habit of consuming honey as a daily diet to stay healthy.
In the first phase, Papum Pare, East Siang and Changlang districts have been selected. The selection of other districts will depend on the amount of success the mission registers from the three districts, T.D Neckhom, said while expressing hope that the people of Changlang district, especially Miao will take up bee keeping and honey production with much enthusiasm. He assured that beneficiaries and field functionaries will be given the needed trainings to ensure success of the mission.
“I am convinced that Miao will not only emerge as hub of bee keeping but will also bring Arunachal Pradesh in the world map as honey producing and exporting state”, T.D Neckhom said with confidence.
CCF urges forest officials to work with renewed vigour & commitment
AALO, Aug 1: The Chief Conservator of Forests, Central Arunachal Circle, Pasighat
A K Biswal today called upon the forest officials to work with renewed sense of commitment
and maintain clarity in all ventures to show tangible achievements of the department.
Biswal, who was on a two-
“We should be able to work as a cohesive unit and inculcate work culture to maintain
the greeneries through avenue plantations where necessary. Awareness and knowledge
on plantation and its protection is of utmost importance as any long-
Responding to problems like GPS and computer training and other issues raised by the field officers, the CCF assured to provide computers to all rangers of the district.
The Divisional Forest Officer Aalo, Nyali Ete dwelt elaborately on the activities taken up by the department in the district. DIPRO.
Non timber forest products (NTFP) as a tool for sustainable socio-
Dr. KS Kanwal
The non timber forest products (NTFP), generally termed non-
In India, NTFP has been defined legally under ‘Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional
Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act 2006’ popularly known as Forest
Rights Act (FRA) under the heading minor forest produce (MFP) [Section 2 (1) of the
act]. NTFP sector is one of India’s largest unorganized sectors having a dependent
population of about 275 million and business turnover of more than Rs.6000 crores
per annum. However, this sector has unfortunately been neglected since the pre-
Arunachal Pradesh, often referred to as the ‘land of the dawn-
The recorded forest cover of the state is 67,410 km2, which constitutes 80.50% geographical
area of the state. The bamboo bearing area in the forests of the state is 16, 083
sq. km (31% area of total recorded forest area of state). The 26 major tribes and
110 sub-
As per the report of India State of Forest 2011 Assessment, there is total decrease
of 7400 ha of forests as compared to 2009, which includes 500 ha of highly dense
forests and 5500 ha of moderately dense forest. Jhum cultivation continues to be
the mainstay of sustenance for a vast majority of the tribal communities due to non-
NTFPs would also reduce the pressure on forests there by conserving the native biodiversity and also reducing the ill impact of climate change. As per Arunachal Pradesh State Action Plan on Climate Change (APSPCC), the biodiversity rich districts of Arunachal Pradesh are projected to be adversely impacted by climate change by 2030s. Climate change (change in temperature and rainfall pattern) will not only threaten the NTFP production both qualitatively and quantitatively, but will also affect the dependent economy of the indigenous people of the state. NTFPs can directly contribute to carbon sequestration.
Government of Arunachal Pradesh has identified the NTFP as one of the important sectors
to boost the socio-
Capacity building and knowledge enhancement of stake holders through education and awareness program, imparting training on production and sustainable harvesting and marketing on NTFP will also empower the tribal community and strengthen the NTFP sector in the state. [The contributor of the article is Scientist of GB Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment & Development, North East Unit, Itanagar]
Sandalwood cultivation to boost state’s economy
Prafulla Kaman
RUKSIN, Aug 1: Far from the sylvan plain land of South India including Karnataka,
Kerala and Andhra Pradesh, sandalwood widely considered a ‘gold wood’ has found its
mooring in the hilly terrains of East Siang district and plain highlands of Assam-
The horticulturists of the area are putting their attention on cultivation after they become aware of the fact that red sandy soil of undulating topography found in the region is suitable for growth of Indian Sandalwood (Santalum album). The scientists engaged in supervision of sandalwood cultivation, have found the climatic condition of the region suitable for sandalwood plantation.
Though the state government is not taking any initiative for growing sandalwood in the landlocked state, yet two dozens commercial horticulturists have started cultivation on their own lands. A section of progressive farmers of Siang valley, who have achieved a milestone in rubber and tea cultivation are now eying on cultivation of Indian sandalwood (white) and thereby joining the efforts of economic revolution.
An unemployed youth group of Dhemaji in Assam has developed a sandalwood nursery
at Adi Leku village aside NH-
Naba Gogoi, who is leading the nursery owner group, told this correspondent that the experts engaged by the group will supervise all plantation and growing activities, while the growers are bound to supply their product (matured sandalwood) to the group for trading. The youth entrepreneurs are also eying on sandalwood based industry in the region in the future.
“We are optimistic that sandalwood will take the economy of the region to a new high and it will give an address to the people of East Siang in Arunachal Pradesh. We have initially supplied one lakh seedling targeting plantation coverage of around 500 bighas in Arunachal and neighbouring Assam this year”, Gogoi informed.
White sandalwood is one of the most valuable plants from the economic point of view.
It becomes matured within 12 to 15 years. The plant generally gives heartwood intact
weighing not less than 25 kg at the age of harvesting, which is worth Rs 2 lakh.
At present, the government of Karnataka fixes the value of sandalwood @ Rs 7,200
per kg. The number of seedlings per bigha of land is 150 (Space-
Sandalwood, commonly known as ‘Chandan’ naturally grows in the forest of Karnataka,
Tamil Nadu, Andra Pardesh, Kerala, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. The plant has special
economic importance as its products are one of the finest perfumery materials since
ages. Chandan-
There are as many as 16 species of white sandalwood trees in the world and amongst all Indian sandalwood is the most valuable one.
IDCF launched in Lohit, Lower Subansiri
ITANAGAR, Aug 1: The Intensified Diarrhoea Control Fortnight (IDCF) in Lohit district was kicked of at Namsai Community Health Centre by District Health Society today.
The programme was kicked off by Dr. Moji Jini, Director of Medical Education T&R, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh in presence of Medical officers and other medical staff of CHC Namsai, ASHA and PRI members.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Jini said that childhood diarrhoeal disease continuous to be one of the major killer disease in our country contributing to 11 percent of death. Diarrhoeal death usually occurred in summer and monsoon month, worse effected are malnourished, he said.
Dr. Nani Rika, DRCHO, highlighted the importance of IDSF through in PowerPoint presentation. He said that children death due to diarrhoea can be prevented by use of ORS, administration of Zinc tablets along with adequate nutritional intake by the child. Diarrhoea can also be prevented thorough use of safe drinking water, good sanitation practice, breast feeding and hand washing.
Medical Superintendent Dr. C L Manchai, Dy DME, T&R Dr. S. E Khamti, Principal (in-
Intensified Diarrhoea Control Fortnight was also launched at Lower Subansiri on July 28 at District Hospital, Ziro.
ORS sachets and Zinc tablets were distributed to the patients to mark the beginning of the fortnight.
DMO Dr. Moli Riba briefed the gathering about IDCF.
The inaugural function was attended by Tilling Sambyo ZPM, Hong Niitii, Nani Takha
ZPM, Reru-
APCSD workers asked to highlights Govt’s welfare activities
ITANAGAR, Aug 1: Newly appointed Arunachal Pradesh Congress Seva Dal (APCSD) Chief organizer Kipa Kaha exhorted the Seva Dal cadres and workers to highlight the welfare activities of the state governments and avail benefit from welfare schemes such as PMEGP, skill development, Mukhya Mantri Prayatan Vikas Yojana, MNREGA and Sports quota in govt. jobs for meritorious sportspersons.
Addressing a programme organized to felicitate the newly appointed office bearers of the state Seva Dal at Naharlagun today, Kaha also emphasized on imparting martial arts training for Seva Dal cadres during Congress Seva Dal training camp especially to women cadre for self defense.
The APCSD decided to celebrate Dal Divas Day on December every year and will award the best district incharge, district and block presidents. He also highlighted Congress Seva Dal’s “Serve the people” concept to its workers. They also discussed about several core issues for further strengthening Dal organization at grassroots level.
He programme was attended by all the district and block units of APCSD.
2nd Itanagar Solung Festival Football Tournament begins
Tumi Lotmo beat Solung United
Ojing Tayeng
ITANAGAR, Aug 1: Naharlagun Tumi Lotmo Football Club-
Saam Taggu scored hat-
Meanwhile, in the senior citizen football, Naharlagun Adi senior citizen team beat
Itanagar Adi senior citizen team by 2-
Altogether 15 teams, Dadi Boté Solung Football Club, Banggo United, Kiyi Bogyi Football Club, Nulu Nubu Yameng Football Club, Solung United Football Club, Naharlagun Solung Football Club, Ramgeng Football Club, Mébobian Football Club, Golgí Boté Football Club, ABK football team, Nuyi Yameng Football Club, Junior Boys football club, Naharlagun Tumi Lotmo FC, Rumkíng Peri Soman Yameng and Siang Thrashers are participating the tournament this year.
Earlier, while declaring the Solung tournament open at RGP college ground, Er Annong Perme advised the players to maintain discipline and spread the message of unity and brotherhood through games and sports.
Itanagar Solung Festival (SFCCI) President Belatee Pertin also advised all the team members of the tournament to maintain spirit of sportsmanship during the tournament.
SFCCI General Secretary Kingman Komut, SFCCI Sports Secretary Tarok Lomtung and AC Perme also spoke on the occasion.
August 2 match: 1st match Dadi Boté Solung FC vrs Banggo United, 2nd match, Golgí Boté FC vrs ABK team.
Copyright © 2008, The Arunachal Times Publications Pvt. Ltd., Siang House, Sector
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Timely intervention
The sudden decision of hydropower giant NHPC to shift its regional office from Itanagar to Guwahati created ripples across the state. Citizens made hue and cry protesting this decision. It compelled Chief Minister Nabam Tuki to intervene and review the situation. However much to the respite of the hundreds of NHPC worker, union power ministry yesterday informed Arunachal Govt that, regional office at Itanagar will be retained.
Yesterday afternoon power minister Piyush Goyal convened a meeting at his New Delhi office with MoS Home Kiren Rijiju to discuss the situation. During the meeting Goyal asked MoS Home to liaise with state government and ensure that proper security arrangement is put in place, so that employees of NHPC can work in peaceful atmosphere. For now controversy has been put an end due to wise decision of power ministry. But NHPC should be sensitive towards tribal sentiment. NHPC is coming up with big hydropower projects inside Arunachal territory and it would be wrong on their part to shift out regional from Itanagar. They should develop better relation with locals and win the hearts.
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Restrict mining activities
Dear Editor,
The ECI-
The ECI-
It is to mention that there is no notified quarry under Doimukh Circle by the Department of Geology & Mining, Government of Arunachal Pradesh for any quarrying mining activities.
Further, without obtaining quarry mining no individual or party is allowed to carry out any quarry mining activities. Moreover, Quarrying is not allowed beyond the depth of 3 meters from the surface but excavators of the company were used to dig huge areas beyond 3 meters below the river banks of Doimukh & Railway Bridge and made large holes which are now made fish pond by private quarry owner.
The Department of Geology & Mining is helpless to take any action against the violators as the Deputy Commissioner, Yupai Papum, Pare District Government of Arunachal Pradesh is the ultimate authority to take any action in this regards.
The ECI-
Yours,
Nabam Tado
Doimukh
Human sentiments do not stand a chance against the brute force
Dear Editor,
They being a serious environmental hazard, there is a growing consensus the world
over on the unnecessity of building big dams. Even USA today is forced to rethink
on their supposed wisdom of having had gone on so-
True, our economy is sagging and the government is struggling to pay up even the salaries of its staffs, but are big dams the only panacea left in our hand to redeem us from this financial quagmire. Agreed, we are a revenue deficit state and have been surviving on marvellous generosity of the Center, but has situation come to such a pass, that natives of this land have to sacrifice the rights they have zealously held for centuries over their land, rivers, forest and hills.
These resources belong to the whole inhabiting community and a person or two, however
exalted their place might be, cannot decide their fate by merely signing on dotted
lines. What kind of democracy is this, that you first go and sell a person’s belongings
without his consent and approach him afterward for approval and when the person protest,
tell him that, in your self-
Talking of generosity, they sure know how to exact its price too. We are being tutored,
if we allow the hydro companies to operate, they will in return provide free power
– 12% of the plants’ generated capacity -
That’s more than making a killing, given that the cumulative investment of these
hydro power developers -
Compare this amount with the sum spent on us by the Centre since 1972 -
A question regarding dams that we have not been asking so far is what will happen to the dams after these companies leave our state. ‘American Society of Civil Engineering’ describes 50 years as typical useful lifespan of a Dam. If that is true, within next 5 to 15 years of the companies’ exit the dams will become a liability for the state. Remember, America has already dismantled more than 1000 dams, 46 of them in the last decade, which had become economically unviable and detrimental to ecology; and it did not come without a huge financial cost. For instance, to dismantle two dams with a combined installed capacity of 28 MW built over Elwha river and in order to rehabilitate the river, US govt, in 2011, had to spent about 300 million US dollar (1,800 crore Indian rupees). If that is the case of two dams with an installed capacity of just 28 MW, how much it will need to take apart hundreds of dams with total generating capacity of around 46,000 MW after they have served their useful life. Where will go begging for all the money then?
Dibang has risen in protest, Siang has opposed, Subansiri may soon join, Kameng may chip in and Lohit may join the chorus, but human sentiments do not stand a chance against the brute force of state machineries, at the end of the day, their voices will be crushed mercilessly. I do not see any other option than to resign to the doomed fate of our state. Or am I being too defeatist?
Yours,
Dipten Ratan
Itanagar
Captions lack edge, force, and dynamism
Dear Editor,
Please help us understand why your Captions/Headings in the Reader’s Forum sound so general, inconsequential or powerless ?
This is what I mean:
“We can no longer wait”
“Help us move forward”
“Stop unfair trade practice”.
By all appearances, these captions lack edge, force, and dynamism.
While there are a few ‘direct’ write ups, by and large the Readers Forum typically
carry write-
Please see if what I say is so.
Yours,
Apho A Ngwazah
Miao
Start vaccination
(I)
Dear Editor,
Lately due to outbreak of Japanese Encephalitis in Dhemaji District of Assam, the Department of Health of Assam is seriously engaged in dealing with the situation by vaccinating the people of the area, free of cost, on war footing. The adjoining foothill areas of Arunachal Pradesh are equally exposed to the disease but it is regretted that the Department of Health of Arunachal Pradesh seems to be in deep slumber as no initiative for vaccination has been taken as yet.
It is sad to inform that our rural poor people are running door to door in nearby Health Centers of Assam but are overwhelmed by the demand for the vaccine by the people of Assam. The Arunachlee people of the foothills are living under fear that the dreadful disease may spread from Dhemaji District to the adjoining foothills.
It is therefore hoped and prayed that Government would understand the problems faced by the people living in the foothills adjoining the Dhemaji District and initiate early vaccination against Japanese Encephalitis.
Yours,
Sengo Taipodia
Likabali
(II)
Dear Editor,
The rapid spread of Japanese encephalitis has made everyone very worried. People residing in Assam border seem more vulnerable as many people have lost their lives in Assam already because of rapid spread of Japanese encephalitis. It is hoped that government of Arunachal will start vaccination soon so that our people are at least safeguarded from the dreaded disease.
So it is an earnest request to the government of Arunachal to please initiate immediate step for mass vaccination.
Yours,
Baluk Sora, Nari
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