jul16 24

July 24

2011

2016

Pema wrestles with cabinet conundrum

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Jul 23: Just after being sworn in as ninth Chief Minister of the frontier state, Pema Khandu is reportedly under immense pressure to finalise his ministry with few chosen ones.

Sources close to Chief Minister disclosed that CMO is clogged by representations from various constituency based organisations and PRI members seeking ministerial berth for their respective representatives. Hectic lobbying is reportedly going on based on different grounds. While some are claiming the ministerial berth based on seniority, some are playing the loyalty card while few want payback for their crucial role in restoring Congress government after the Supreme Court verdict.

"There are few posts, but almost everyone wants to grab it" said an observer who preferred to remain anonymous.

It is reported that from among the Adi community, Yingkoing MLA Alo Libang and Dambuk MLA Gum Tayeng are front runners while former Ministers Tapang Taloh and Lambo Tayeng are also seeking their shares. A source further said that chances of Gum Tayeng making it on board are more, if Pema wants woman representative in his ministry. Similarly, out of five legislators of West Siang district, three legislators, namely, Aalo MLA Jarkar Gamlin, Likabali MLA Jomde Kena and Basar MLA Gojen Gadi have reportedly submitted applications. Mechuka MLA PD Sona, a close aide of Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Liromoba MLA Nyamar Karbak reportedly are not in the race. Jarkar Gamlin and Jomde Kena are front runners, source informed. And from Upper Subansiri, party stalwart and former Home Minister Tanga Byaling and Taliha MLA Punji Mara are said be in race.

Among the Nyishi legislators, Bameng MLA and former RWD Minister Kumar Waii, former PHED Minister Takam Pario, former Speaker Nabam Rebia are said to be in the race. It is also reported that five legislators from East Kameng including former Deputy CM Kameng Dolo have applied for cabinet berth. However, Nyapin MLA Bamang Felix and Seppa West MLA Mama Natung could emerge as dark horse.

When contacted, a close aide of CM said that final list is yet to be decided but likely by July 25 next. Former Chief Minister Nabam Tuki while Speaking to The Arunachal Times informed that they have got an appointment with AICC President Sonia Gandhi on Monday. It is presumed that Chief Minister Pema Khandu will have stamp of approval from his party high command regarding the choice of ministers. The swearing in ceremony of the council of minister is likely to be held after July 27, 2016 as the Governor is away.

With surprise change of guard and political transition in the state, the divided Congressmen have huddled together to form a government with Pema Khandu as its new CLP leader.

NHIDCL will be able to construct only 300 kms of roads in NE by 2019

[ Rupesh Dutta ]

NEW DELHI, Jul 23: As poor road connectivity within the Northeastern region of India continues to stall the Government's Act East Policy, National Highway Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), which was established recently to improve the road connectivity in the difficult terrains, will only be able to construct a little over 300 kms of road till 2019, out of the total 4, 000 kms of roads it promised to build in the coming years.

According to the updated work status of NHIDCL, which was formed to replace the Border Roads Organization (BRO) following its failure to complete its targets in the hilly terrains, the NHIDCL will be able to complete a total of 63.39 kms of roads by 2017, 129.21 kms of road by 2018 and 108.53 kms of roads by 2019.

Arunachal Pradesh will be most benefited state in the entire North East as majority of the roads to be completed by 2019 lies in the border and the interior areas of the state. Though NHIDCL has initiated a large chunk of the project it has been given by the Road Transport Highways Ministry (MoRTH), most of them are either at the preparation of DPR (Detailed Project Report) or location identification.

"Road construction is a time consuming task and it takes at least five years of time. We face severe hurdles during the planning as well as the execution of the road project. But what ever we commit we do it," said a senior authority of NHIDCL, who did not wished to be named.

Elaborating the difficulties faced by the NHIDCL authorities in the execution of the projects, he said: "Land acquisition is a major issue. We have not been able to start the work in Meghalaya as we have not been able to get the land despite speaking to the higher authorities. Still we are trying to find out ways after meeting them over the issue."

NHIDCL was tasked of constructing over 4,000 kms of roads in the hilly terrains of India,

majority being in the North East Region at an cost of 45,164 crore (nearly $7 billion). The construction of the roads in India's North East was also important to make Prime Minister Narendra Modi's close initiative Act East Policy a success.

According to the Government, the good quality roads in the North East can boost the trade between India and the entire South East Asia through the road links of the North Eastern states, which has been a failure till now due to the poor connectivity.

Earlier Vietnam's ambassador to India Ton Sinh Thanh had said that they did not wish to invest in the North Eastern region of India because of the poor road and air connectivity as they were a hindrance to developing tourism and other economic linkages with it.

Citing other reasons behind the difficulties faced by the NHIDCL, the senior authority also said that there were several cases where the work used to get stalled as the contractors, used to go to the court over several issues.

"As of now we are not even giving chance to the contractors or the DPR developers to commit any mistake. We are either serving them notice or directly blacklisting the companies if found guilty of any sort of malpractice during the road contract," said the senior authority.

Among the number of projects given to NHIDCL at the initial years of it's inception in 2014 included 11 projects in Manipur, nine in Meghalaya, three in Mizoram, four in Nagaland, 23 in Arunachal Pradesh and seven in Tripura. In several projects, Japanese infrastructure major JICA has also chipped in. The Imphal-Moreh project is being funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), considering it is the link between India and Myanmar.

Considering the good performance of NHIDCL, the Indian Government has also appointed the Public Sector Unit as a consultant for the construction of over 600 kms of postal roads in the Terai region bordering Nepal. (Rupesh Dutta can be contacted at dutta.rupesh711@gmail.com)

Arunachal flood situation worsens

ITANAGAR, Jul 23: The flood situation in Arunachal Pradesh remains grim with overflowing of major rivers and its tributaries submerging many villages in various flood affected districts.

In Lohit district, rising flood water following continuous rain of the last eight days has badly affected Changliang village and nearby areas of Tezu circle. Some village areas are submerged and villagers are taking shelter in safer places. The village link road between Changliang and Dura Nala has also been washed away by flood water.

The district administration has activated the Disaster Management Cell to tackle the flood situation in the district. The Administration has pressed the Water Resource Department into service to contain the situation. Machineries, ALC personnel and villagers of Changliang village are working to divert the overflowing flood water from the village to avoid further damages and erosion. Lohit DC Danish Ashraf is supervising the flood protection works since Saturday morning.

Police personnel have been detailed to inform villagers to stop fishing, bathing and going to the riverside to avoid any mishap.

The surface communication from Tezu to other parts of the district, Anjaw and Assam have also been badly impeded due to the rising waters of the rivers and streams, while massive landslides have been also reported between Lohit and Anjaw.

Boat services from Digaru to Alubarighat have been suspended as precaution and vehicular movement from Tezu to Hayuliang has also been stopped to avoid any road mishap during the movement of men and materials near slide zones of Tidding on Tezu-Hayuliang road.

Further, flood water of River Balijan has badly affected many villages in Sunpura circle on Saturday. Officials from WRD and DDMO are camped at Sunpura to tackle the situation in the circle.

Meanwhile, Tezu MLA Dr. Mohesh Chai also accompanied department officials at Sunpura circle to take stock of the situation. Affected villagers of Old Sunpura and Takurbari village of Sunpura circle have been shifted to safer places with their livestock and belongings. Relief materials are being distributed to the affected people.

ROING: The incessant rain has taken toll on the road connectivity at many places in Lower Dibang valley district. While crossing off Deopani river is not possible since last two days, surface communication to Dibang Valley and Hunli -Desali Circles of Lower Dibang Valley has been completely cut off. Diphu River under Koronu Circle is flowing at danger level and cannot be crossed.

NAMSAI: Around 70% of Mahadevpur area have been submerged in flood water. The worst affected areas are Mahadevpur-I, II, III & IV, Kakoni, Mohaloni, Podumoni, Ekorani, Kothalguri, Sitpani Moran, Silatoo.

Since last night, more than 200 people have been rescued and evacuated from their home by the 12 Bn NDRF team and shifted them to designated relief camps. Service from Army and CRPF has also been requisitioned for emergency purpose.

However, there was reports of any casulity.

Around 2,500 Hcts of agriculture field are totally submerged and damaged by the flood water.

Around 16 relief camps have bee set up so far in the district wherein around 4000 flood affected people are taking shelter.

District administration is providing all essential relief materials to the affected people.

Plying of heavy vehicle has been suspended due to erosion in the NH-52 and submersion of the road in some places upto waist level.

The road communication of Mahadevpur to Bordumsa (Oil India Road) has been cutoff due to submerging of RCC culvert near Sitpani Moran.

MLA Namsai Chau Zingnu Namchoom visited flood affected areas and relief camps at the wee hours with the administrative officers and took stock of the situation.

Meanwhile, while taking stock of the flood situation, the Tai Khampti Singpho Council has appealed all to extend help to the affected people at this hours of need. Further, it also appealed the people to remain alert and vigil till the rain recedes.

The Council has urged the District Administration, Department of Disaster Management and all the government agencies to assess the damages properly so that compensation and benefits reach to the genuine people.

DAMBUK: Dotung, Sisar, Sarku and Sine Rivers and other streams has risen submerging various location in the sub-division and snapping surface communications. Bizari and Paglam circles are cut off from the Dambuk ADC Hq. The only log bridge that connects Dambuk to Bizari and Paglam is about to collapse as some of the log post gave away to the surging river current, said ADC Atul Tayeng.

Many agricultural lands in Patsing area of Dambuk, Bomzir and Bizari are affected by the flood water of Dotung and Sisar River. It is reported that agriculture land at Bizari are still under erosion by Dotung River.

Dotung River is also flowing at danger level near Anpum and Loklung and the village are almost being eroded by the river. The flood water of Dotung and Sarku had also entered into the new Anpum village and large agriculture lands are inundated by flood water. Rest of the village at Paglam circle are also affected and agriculture lands are inundated by rain and flood water. PWD roads had been damaged at various locations in between Bomzir and Paglam.

The district administration is constantly monitoring the situation, the ADC said while adding that the local MLA Gum Tayeng is also in constant touch with the local administration and monitoring the situation.

PASIGHAT: Mighty Siang is flowing above the danger mark inundating low-lying areas. Rainwater also damaged standing crops but there were no reports of disruption of road communication till filing of this report.

East Siang Deputy Commissioner Isha Khosla held an emergency meeting on Saturday with SP Pranav Tayal, Chief Councilor (PMC) Kaling Doruk and engineers of PWD, WRD, HW, DMO and DDMO in view of the flood like situation in the township.

She instructed the officers not to leave station and asked them to remain prepared to tackle any untoward incident.

Khosla advised people residing in low-lying areas adjacent to the river to be careful and cautioned against boating or fishing in the river. The DC has restricted collection of sand-gravels and movement of heavy and commercial vehicles in riverbanks.

SP Pranav Tayal apprised the DC that he has formed a "Quick Response Team" to tackle disastrous situation and citizens could seek help and share information.

In Diyun circle, flood water washed away the lone embankment in Dumpani village under Diyun circle on Friday night forcing the villagers to evacuate.

Eight families, who got stranded in an island created by the Noa-Dihing river at Dumpani village were evacuated to safer places by Indian Army, Police along with team from Adonoi Mission on Friday mid-night while 34 families were evacuated today. They are now taking shelter in Dumpani Community Hall and in a relief camp set up in Avoipur village.

In Udaipur Village, flood forced 14 families to break their dwelling houses and take shelter in Udaipur Club. Several houses located near the Noa Dihing River are on the verge of disappearance.

The local administration is distributing relief materials to the affected families, who are taking shelter in different community halls and mobizing police and army for rescue operation.

Local Legislator, Nikh Kamin is arriving in Diyun on Sunday to take stock of the situation. He has apprised the Chief Minister about the flood situation.

DCM Mein takes stock of flood situation

ITANAGAR, Jul 23: Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein at the directive of Chief Minister Pema Khandu has returned back to the State from New Delhi to take stock of the flood situation in Eastern Arunachal Pradesh, particularly Lohit, Namsai and Changlang districts.

Khandu, who is closely monitoring the situation had earlier deputed MLAs Dr Mohesh Chai, Chow Zingnu Namchoom and Laisam Simai to take stock of the flood situation in their respective areas.

Soon after his arrival in Mahadevpur in the evening, Mein visited flood ravaged areas and assured all possible help from the Govt.

Mein is in constant touch with the local legislators of the flood affected areas and has asked them to expedite the relief and rescue operations.

As informed by Jairampur MLA Laisam Simai, flood situation in his area was under control and the water level started to recede.

Tezu MLA Dr. Mohesh Chai briefed that there was no displacement of the local populace in and around Tezu at the moment. All precautionary measures have been put in place by the local administration.

According to Namsai MLA Chow Zingnu Namchoom the situation in Namsai district has turned from bad to worse with Noa-Dihing swelling, inundating many villages, residential quarters, official establishments and farm fields, particularly in Namsai and Lekang Circles.

Many low laying areas were inundated but there was no report of any damage so far in Chongkham and situation is under control, informed Chongkham MLA C.T.Mein when the DCM called up him to know the flood situation.

Pasighat MLA Kaling Moyong and DC Pasighat have also detailed about flood situation in Pasighat.

While taking stock of the flood situation of Dambuk area in Lower Dibang Valley District, Mein was informed over phone by MLA Dambuk Gum Tayeng that water levels of rivers Sine, Dotung, Tara Tamak, Dibang, Sisar etc in Dambuk area are increasing.

The sole bridge connecting Dambuk with rest of the state over Sisar river at 14km has been damaged beyond repair. Further Anpung and Paglam areas have been badly effected.

The MLA also informed that she has instructed the District Administration to carry out all necessary measures to contain the situation.

The Deputy Chief Minister has appealed to the people to remain calm, careful and stay vigilant. He has assured that the government will provide all assistance to the flood hit districts for carrying out relief and restoration work.

He also assured that all possible assistance will be provided to the affected people.

It has been earlier reported that large number of villages in Lohit, Namsai, Changlang and East Siang Districts have been affected following heavy rains in the State.

Later in the evening, Mein visited Kathalguri, Podumini, Krishnapur and relief camps set up at High Secondary School in Mahadevpur.

He heard people's grievances and told them that the government was determined to improve their situation as quickly as possible.

Health camp has been also set up in relief camps to provide essential aid to people.

Industry Commissioner visits problem-ridden Niglok Industrial centre

Correspondent

RUKSIN, Jul 23: Commissioner of Industries, Marnya Ete along with Industry department officials on Saturday visited Industrial Growth Centre (IGC) at Niglok in East Siang and taken stock of the its development.

The Commissioner during visit interacted with the entrepreneurs and heard their problems in running their industrial units. The entrepreneurs apprised him that they were unable to bring the heavy machineries meant for production units due to road communication problem. Lack of power supply also added woes as the entrepreneurs can not operate the machines without electricity.

The IGC set up at Niglok at 7 km off Assam-Arunachal boundary under Ruksin circle in East Siang is only Industrial centre in the region. More than Rs 20 crores has been spent for development of the Centre during the last three decades, but it is yet to see light of the day.

Presently, there are two small scale industries - one bottling plant of mineral water and another tile making factory - are running in the IGC. But these are not properly doing their business due to lack power supply and surface communication problem.

The cold storage set up in the IGC, which was opened many years back, is also lying defunct due to erratic power supply. Moreover, some entrepreneurs had already shifted their business from the industry area due to lack of required facilities.

Two weak bridges along Mirem-Mikong-Jonai (MMJ) road, which is passing nearby the industrial centre, is main hurdle for ferrying heavy-weight machinery to the industrial site.

The Commissioner assured the local people to move the concerned department for construction of strong RCC bridges along MMJ road, which is not yet done for the last four decades, despite repeated demand.

Peace Rally at Itanagar deferred after Govt. assurance

ITANAGAR, Jul 23: The Peace Rally in Itanagar, which was proposed to be organized on July 22 by 302 Action Committee in protest against non-fulfillment of its charter of demands even after expiry of ultimatum, has been deferred for time being following assurance from the state government to help fulfill its various demands.

The Action Committee formed after May 2 Tawang firing incident has been demanding a CBI probe into the May 2 Tawang firing incident, to provide government jobs to next of kin of the deceased and also to those injured in the firing incident, enquiry reports by ADC Jang as well as One-man Committee report, declaration of May 2 as Shahid Diwas and allotment of a plot of land for construction of memorial house in form of Rest House and "mani" near Buddha statue, Tawang.

According to the Action Committee, the Chief Secretary following instruction from the Chief Minister convened a meeting with the Action Committee on July 21 and discussed all its demands. The organization stated that the Chief Secretary after a threadbare discussion assured the Action Committee of all possible help from the government side to fulfill its demands.

Prior to it, Action Committee Chairman LT Khom, Secretary Mindu Tsering and other members accompanied by AAPSU General Secretary Biru Nasi on July 20 called on Chief Minister Pema Khandu and apprised him about its charter of demands. After a patience hearing, Pema assured all possible help from the government and directed the Chief Secretary to convene the meeting.

BJP demands disaster management teams to flood affected districts

ITANAGAR, Jul 23: Expressing grave concern over the worsening flood situation in the state, the state Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has demanded the State Government to immediately send adequate disaster management teams in all flood affected districts for carrying out relief and rescues operations.

Alleging that the floods in those districts are not getting much attention from the ruling state government, the party demanded to provide adequate relief materials to the flood affected people and also to ensure their quick rehabilitation.

The people of Namsai, Lohit and Changlang, who are reeling under the floods, are in dire needs of relief and rehabilitation. But, the leaders of the ruling Congress party are rushing to the national capital in this hour of crisis forgetting the duties of a welfare government, the party said.

DC reviews health scenario in Papum Pare

YUPIA, Jul 23: Papum Pare Deputy Commissioner Sandeep Kumar Singh in a meeting here on Saturday thoroughly reviewed the health scenario and various health schemes implemented in the district.

Presiding over the District Level Monitoring Committee Meeting (DLVMC) cum DTFI Committee Meeting on Measles Catch up Campaign in his conference hall here, he called upon the Medical Officers to perform duty with utmost care and human touch in every aspects, especially while serving the poor and needy patients in remote areas.

There should be at least all basic medicines and kits in all the PHCs, CHCs and Sub-Health Centres to give immediate treatment to the patients, Singh said. He also stressed the need for posting a Gynaecologist at CHC Sagalee.

Terming the role of ASHAs as very important and crucial at grassroots levels, he directed the DMO to identify the ASHAs who are working sincerely in their respective fields and to award the well performing ASHAs with incentives to motivate them to work with dedication. He, however, also categorically mentioned that ASHAs functionality report must be obtained from the MO Incharges and low performers must be immediately replaced with new ones.

He also asked the DMO and MO Incharge to inform the ASHAs to open bank accounts so that their incentives can be directly transferred to their respective accounts and submit the report by August 31.

Reviewing data on institutional delivery system, the DC directed the DMO to give orders to private hospitals to provide the reports of delivery on monthly basis. Otherwise, action will be initiated for non compliance, he said.

Speaking on streamlining the non-functional labour rooms in various PHCs, the DC directed the DMO to identify the non functional labour rooms to make it functional as soon as possible to facilitate institutional delivery. He also asked them to take up mechanisms to improve ANC and devised the tracking system to ANMs and ASHAs.

He also asked the MO In-Charge to immediately submit utilisation certificate of fund and to use the fund judiciously.

He asked the DMO to prepare a holistic report for comparative analysis of institutional delivery system and to make micro management plan to tackle home delivery in remote places.

Responding to the various problems faced by the MO Incharges and staffs at outpost in places like Leporiang, Tarasso, Mengio and Sangdupota, the DC assured to solve their problems pertaining to shortage of staff, lack of infrastructures and medicines and posting of ANMs will be rationalised as per need basis.

Singh also asked the DMO to give full support and motivate the staffs engaged in JSSK or JSY.

Secretary RKM Hospital Itanagar Sawmi Vishweshananda, who was also present in the meeting, expressed his views on streamlining of reporting and manpower distribution problem.

Meanwhile Dr. J. ADO DRCHO presented an over view on NHM Programme Review 2015-16 ( Targets and Achievements), Measles and Micro Plan and informed that Govt had already approved Measles Catch Up Micro Plan 2016 of the district and activities will be take up as per the micro plan.

Dr. R R Ronya also presented Measles Scenario in Papum Pare District and requested all the MO In-charges to give timely report.

As decided earlier by the State Health Society regarding measles Catch up campaign following the reoccurrences of measles outbreak in the district it has been decided that the campaign will be launched from August 22.

The DC also suggested for conducting block level training involving the Aganwadi workers and the block education officers.

Earlier, DMO Dr S. Ronya brifed about aims and objectives of the meeting.

The meeting was attended among others by all MO Incharges of all the Health units in the district, HoDs of line department, representatives from SP office Papum Pare. DIPRO

Rukmini Nati, an archaeological site hidden in the forest

[ By Jonomo Rondo ]

Rukmini Nati; an Archaeological site is situated at a village called Chimiri 13 Km from Roing, district headquarters of Lower Dibang Valley district. Another site named after Chimiri as Chimiri Hill site is located 3 Km from Rukmini Nati. The latter is located in a thick jungle approximately 1680 ft. above mean sea level; both these sites are having traces of large number of bricks. Rukmini Nati has two brick structures resembling two rooms while the Chimiri Hill has one such mound. The bricks available at these sites are similar in pattern to that of the bricks in Bhismaknagar and there is also a strong possibility that the Chimiri Hill site, Rukmini Nati and Bhismaknagar are contemporary constructions.

Further, it could be stated that Rukmini Nati and Chimiri Hill site are the century points at the time of Chutiya's King whose centre of administration was at Sadiya in the 11th and 12th century. Thus, it could be assumed that these above mentioned sites are of the Chutiya's and their antiquity goes back to 11th and 12th century.

Rukmini Nati is an Idu Mishmi word meaning a resting place of legendary wife of Lord Krishna as has been mentioned in the epic of Kalika Purana; it denotes the place where Rukmini rested. The Rukmini Nati, is a structure of two rooms made of bricks, traditionally it is believed that the ruins in the hilly terrain north of Lower Dibang Valley between the Chidu and Chimiri villages via Nizamghat route were the extents of the palace of Rukmini. The area is also known as Rukmininagar with the pristine waterfalls and grandiose Mishmi hills at the tip of the eastern Himalayan state of Arunachal Pradesh.

According to the legend associated with Rukmini Nati, after defeating king Sisupal, Lord Krishna rescued Rukmini and made her his spouse, subsequently while travelling with her husband, Rukmini had a break at Chimiri village. The place is known as Rukmini Nati in the pages of North East Indian History by the scholars and academicians as well as researchers, religious pilgrims. But some of the facts and events are yet to be ascertained over the speculations about the truth behind the myths and folklores of Idu Mishmi people regarding stories of conjugal ties between Lord Krishna and Rukmini.

Others also believe that Rukmini Nati or Rukmini Nagar was the abode of princess Rukmini, the daughter of great king Bhismak.

In the meantime, an exploration was conducted in the year of 1972-73 in this area by the Department of Research (Cultural Affairs) under the guidance of Archaeologist, Dr. YA Raiker. The exploration revealed a few sites in this area, they are (i) Rukmini Nati- (ii) the two rooms at Chimiri (iii) the brick mound in the north hill of Chimiri (iv) Choko Nati- a site said to have existed near Choko Nallah (stream) (v) Duko Yimbo near old Eyopa village, of these five sites of excavation was undertaken at Chimiri only. The other sites viz. Choko Nati, the site near Chidu Inspection Bunglow and Duko Yimbo had submerged in the 1950s earth quake and due to frequent changes in the course of the Dibang river. In recent years exploration in this area could not trace out any of these sites. However, as regards the site situated in the north hill of Chimiri, a brick mound has been traced out while exploring in the hill during the year 1991-92. The mound is rectangular in shape with a measurement of 35mX25m. The height of the mound is approximately 1metre from the surface. Unfortunately due to ravages of time the site got damaged to a great deal. The exploration work at the site is currently on to understand the nature of the structure and its historical bearings.

The excavation of 1973-74 at Chimiri under the guidance of Dr.Y.A Raikar, Department of Research exposed two mounds of bricks and bricks bats. The mounds were hidden deep in the jungle. The excavation revealed the structures of two rooms made of bricks measuring 10mX10m and 10mX 12m. Large number of pot shreds were unearthed in the excavation. These pot shreds and potteries have class affinity with the Bhimaknagar potteries. The bricks are also quite similar in shape and size with that of the bricks found at Bhismaknagar.

As regards to the nature of these structures it is probable that these sites referred above are actually the parts of a single hill fort from where a watch on the plains below was possible. The existing structures are merely a few surviving parts of a large fort complex. The fort complex was built for strategic purposes.

The antiquity of Rukmini Nati is difficult to ascertain due to paucity of artifacts. However, the material culture revealed in the excavation indicated that it was contemporary to Bhismaknagar and a time sequence could be drawn on it. Therefore, it could be said that the fort at Chidu-Chimiri could have been constructed by the first Aryans who may be placed in the time bracket not earlier than 8th and 9th century. The probable builder of the fort could be the Chutiyas who had their establishment in Sadiya approximately in the same period

The Department of Research (Cultural Affairs) is a nodal agency of the state government which looks after the ruins of Rukmini Nati, Archaeological site. Maintenance of the site in the form of jungle clearance, gardening and erection of bamboo fencing are regularly done. It has also been proposed to undertake conservation work and erection of barbed wire fencing at the site. Steps are also taken for the beautification of the site in order to develop the archaeological monuments as well as to promote cultural tourism. (The writer is District Research Officer, Tezu)

Causes and prevention of Foot and Mouth disease

[ By Dr. Moloy Sarmah Baruah ]

Foot and mouth disease (FMD) is one of the most contagious and devastating disease of cloven-footed animals (primarily in Artiodactyla) caused by a group of seven anti-genically different serotypes of extremely contagious, serologically independent apthoviruses of picornaviridae family. The disease is characterized by formation of blisters, followed by ulcers on the mucosa.

The disease causes reduction to complete loss of milk yield, reduction of draught power and body growth, permanent disability, mortality of young animals and abortion of pregnant animals etc. The direct economic loss annually due to the disease in India exceeds Rs. 20,000 crores and indirect losses (work, capacity, growth etc.) accounts much more.

The disease is caused by virus. The virus causing the disease has seven major serotypes namely O, A, C, SAT-1, SAT-2, SAT-3 and Asia-1, having several subtypes. Three serotypes O, A, C and Asia-1 are commonly reported serotype in India. Serotype C has not been found since 1995 and serotype O is involved in majority (about 89 percent of the cases).

All cloven-footed animals including cattle, buffaloes, sheep, goat, pigs, elephants and other ruminants and wild ungulates are susceptible to the virus. Sheep and goat always show the clinical lesions at the later days even they are disseminating the virus in the population.

What are sources of the virus?

The diseased animals are the main source of the virus. The virus is excreted in the saliva, milk and urine of diseased animals. Cattle feed particularly the straw, grass and water contaminated with the saliva and excreta of diseased animals are the common sources of the virus. Infected pigs excrete large amount of virus in the nasal discharge and are important source of infection.

How the virus enters?

The virus enters inside the body of susceptible animal commonly by the respiratory route and less commonly by the ingestion, through conjunctive and genital routes.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of the disease are rise in temperature, excessive salivation and lameness. Formation of vesicles and ulceration due to rupture of the vesicles can also be seen in the mouth, in between hoofs and in teats of affected animals. The young animals may not show any symptom and die suddenly. Specific signs in pig are sudden and severe lameness, lying down frequently and unwillingness to rise, loud squeal and hobbling when set into motion, reluctance to move, blisters found on the hoof, dental pad, snout and sometimes tongue.

What to do when the disease occur?

Immediately after the occurrence of the disease a report should be sent to the local veterinary doctor or to the Department of Microbiology, College of Veterinary Science, Khanapara, Guwahati, Assam.

How to treat diseased animal?

The diseased animal should get adequate first aid such as thorough washing of the mouth and feet with potassium permanganate solution (1 gram in 3 litres of water) followed by application of boroglycerol in mouth and antiseptic spray for feet (e.g. Topicure) can be used. Affected animals should be kept in the shed and proper care on feeding should be taken.

How to prevent the disease?

The only way to prevent the occurrence of the disease is by regular vaccination.

Fibre reinforced plastic hatcheries distributed to fish farmers

YUPIA, Jul 23: Fibre Reinforced Plastic (FRP) hatcheries were distributed to three progressive fish farmers of Midpu (Doimukh), Balijan and Sonajuli to produce quality seeds to meet the demands.

Doimukh ZPM Tana Yayo handed over the hatcheries to Tana Akin Tara of Midpu, Doimukh, Nabam Yabang Boria of Balijan and Tana Nikam Tara of Sonajuli, Balijan in a small function at Doimukh on Saturday.

The hatchery was provided by CIFA, Bhubaneswar, Orissa under NEH Sub-tribe plan.

After giving away hatcheries, ZPM Yayo also attended the River Ranching programme at Midpu organised by Fisheries department where she briefly spoke on the need to save nature. She appealed to the people to extend help to Fisheries Department in its endeavour to save fish species and prevent mass killing of baby fishes in the rivers and rivulets of the area.

River Ranching programme was conducted at Poma and Beysernallo under Sangdupota circle on July 22 to enhance fish population in the natural water bodies and conservation of endangered fish species.

In total, 20,000 fingerlings of labeo calbasul gonius spp were released.

ZPM Gollo Takam of Upper Balijan empathetically appealed to the people to come forward in preserving the local fishes species available in the rivers of the area and also advised the PRI, GB and the students to participate in the conservation of the ecology.

The programme was attended by DFDO Tania Nabam, PRIs leaders local Public ,fisheries departmental staffs and students of the area. DIPRO

AAPSU distributes relief materials to flood victims

ITANAGAR, Jul 23: A 20-member team of All Arunachal Pradesh Students' Union (AAPSU) led by its president Kamta Lapung on Saturday launched relief and rescue operation at Likang village which has been ravaged by flood.

The AAPSU team since morning joined the locals and NGOs in distributing relief materials and medicines to the flood affected people.

The team on Friday also visited Jairampur in Changlang district and took part in the relief and rescue operation of the stranded people.

AAPSU along with the local NGOs distributed medicines and relief materials to the victims there as well.

"We demand the state as well as the Central governments to take the situation seriously and sanction necessary funds at the earliest," said Lapung in a statement.

Students facing accommodation problem

ITANAGAR, Jul 23: Galo Students' Union (GWS) demanded the concern authority to immediately reopen both the boys and girls hostels of Govt. Higher Secondary School, Aalo.

The hostels are yet to reopen after its renovation causing great problem to the students willing to reside in hostels, particularly from feeder schools, informed GWS in a release.

GWS stated that most of the students are currently staying either with their relatives or in rented houses in compulsion as the new academic session has already began.

'Control rising prices of essential commodities'

ITANAGAR, Jul 23: The Nirjuli Market Welfare Committee (NMWC) has requested for controlling the rates of essential commodities.

In its representation to the Capital DC urging him to make surprise checking in the market premises, it claimed that essential commodities are being charged exorbitantly by the traders defying the order issued by the district administration.

Guilty will not be spared: Tayal

PASIGHAT, Jul 23: "No one is above the law" stated East Siang SP Pranav Tayal while holding a coordination meeting with the students unions here on Friday in his office chamber.

He further said that student unions must cooperate with police to prevent extortion, forceful donation in the name of societal development, festivals, student union election.

Stating that peace and communal harmony was the foundation for all-round development and prosperous societies Tayal assured that appropriate action are being taken by police administration and for the rule of law to be effective.

Meanwhile, AESDSU President Tabit Gao, AdiSU (ES) President Onong Siram, Vice President Kalom Tayeng and executive member J Apum appealed the SP to conduct regular checking of ILP and forest wealth in the check gates. They also claimed that many suspected Bangladeshis are trespassing through interstate border at Namsing/Sogun area under Mebo subdivision with the help of local people to work as labourers in agricultural fields. The leaders assured to extend unconditional support and cooperation to the police in order to make East Siang District a safer place to live. DIPRO