June 08

News Impact

• Arunachalee lifters shine at CYC
• Boat capsizes; no casualties
• NESO demands separate Constitutional status for NE
• Arunachalee student dies under mysterious condition at Shillong
• Society demands cancellation
• Sonitpur & E/Kameng resolve to thwart fresh encroachment
• DoTC expands its horizons: Parliamentary secretary tours districts
• Bandh affects normal life in Pasighat

Forum calls for road construction

ITANAGAR, Jun 07: All Chambang Area Youth Forum today urged the department concerned to immediately start the construction of Kurung bridge and to complete the construction of Chambang to Bokam road.  The Forum in a release said public of the area are facing hardship due to non-completion of road construction during last one and half years.

 

Bifurcate H&TE directorate

ITANAGAR, Jun 07: Arunachal Pradesh Indigenous Tribes’ Union (APITU) today appealed to the state chief minister for bifurcating Directorate Higher & Technical Education into two sections namely Directorate of Technical Education Council (DOTEC) and Directorate of Higher Education for an effective functioning. Union also said that bifurcation of the department would make it easier to function and would be beneficial to public.

 

Resentment over education scenario

ITANAGAR, Jun 07: Diso-Katu Youth Club (DKYC) today claimed that various schools under Segi, Gusar circle in  Upper Subansiri district are on verge of defunct due to dereliction of duties by the teachers. Club further said that the present deteriorating education scenario in their area has compelled the parents to send their wards to town school for better education.

 

World Environment Day celebration by KVK

ITANAGAR, Jun 07: Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Upper Subansiri celebrated World Environment Day on 5 at Maro village with the message to protect the environment for maintaining ecological balance and reducing global warming.

The KVK officials along with the local farmers and youth planted tree saplings around the KVK Campus. The saplings were collected from the Divisional Forest Office, Daporijo.

 

Coordination meeting

ITANAGAR, Jun 7: The panchayat leaders of Neomi Anchal segment under Tali circle resolved to extend all possible help for effective functioning of the schools and anganwadi  centers in their area.   This decision was taken in a coordination meeting held recently at Neomi village. Besides panchayat leaders  the teaching staff  from various school under Neomi panchayat took part in the  meeting.

 

Protect NE students, says state NSUI

ITANAGAR, Jun 7: Arunachal Pradesh unit of National Students’ Union of India president Kirbe Dulom had attended the All India NSUI meeting held under chairmanship of AICC General Secretary Rahul Gandhi at Karnataka recently.

On the occasion, taking serious note on frequent attack of Arunachalee students Dulom urged the NSUI members to extend all possible help to students of the state who are pursuing their study in different parts of the country.

He also urged the students to contact NSUI unit of that particular locality in case of any problem and controversy adding that state unit NSUI is ready for such help to any students.

Discouraging bandh culture in Arunachal Pradesh, he appealed all the organizations to solve their  grievances through discussion with the government instead of resorting to bandh call.

 

‘Improve BSNL service’

ITANAGAR, Jun 07:  All Aka Miji Youth Association (AAMYA) today urged the BSNL general manager to improve the network service in West Kameng district within four months.  

In a release AAMYA claimed that BSNL GM had assured them of improved and better service in the district within four months following a recent joint meeting of the Association and BSNL authorities regarding poor BSNL network service in West Kameng district. The Association threatened to launch stir if the authorities fail to fulfill its assurance.

 

Stop construction activities: NYWA

ITANAGAR, Jun 07:  Expressing concern over the construction activities and encroachment inside the Indira Gandhi Park in Itanagar, Nyishi Youth Welfare Association today called upon the urban development department to intervene and halt the ongoing construction of convention hall in I G Park.  It said the ongoing project will disturb the serenity and reduces  the size of the park to almost nil. Association further urged the department concerned to shift the project to another suitable location.

 

ANSU mourns student’s death

ITANAGAR, Jun 07: All Nyishi Students’ Union (ANSU) deeply mourned the sudden and untimely demise of  Bengia Tana, son of Late Bengia Takam on June 3.

He was presently pursuing LLB in Banaras Hindu University, Uttar Pradesh. He did graduation from Dera Natung Govt. College, Itanagar.

Describing his untimely demise as great loss for the entire community and the state as a whole, ANSU conveyed its heartfelt condolence to the bereaved family and prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul.

 

Ph.D degree

ITANAGAR, Jun 07: Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU) has awarded the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) to Daniel Mize for his thesis, ‘Study on effects of estradiol-17â and progesterone on insulin-like growth factor (IGF) expression during pre and post implantation period of female albino rat’.

He conducted his research work under the guidance of Dr. HN Sarma.

 

AMSU seeks vet doctors

ITANAGAR, Jun 07: All Mengio Students Union (AMSU) today appealed to the higher authorities to post veterinary doctors with medicines in Mengio area  to check and control outbreak of foot and mouth disease  in Mithun. Claiming that M&D disease is spreading rapidly, the Union called for urgent livestock vaccination drive to prevent the animal disease. It also appealed to district administration to direct the staff of veterinary department in Mengio to be punctual and sincere in their duties.

 

Action demanded

ITANAGAR, Jun 07: Arunachal Pradesh Righteous Forum (APRF) today lodged an FIR at Special Investigation Cell (SIC) against Anong Perme, the then  CE (P) EEZ  alleging his involvement in financial mismanagement during 2009-10.

The Forum claimed that  then CE (P), EZ had incurred an excess expenditure of Rs 115.56 crore without taking permission from either finance or planning department and in clear violation of  guidelines of the planning department. It demanded SIC SP to take necessary action against Perme as per law.  

 

Taba is RGU new registrar

ITANAGAR, Jun 07: Assistant Professor Dr. Rachob Taba took charge as new Registrar of Rajiv Gandhi University on June 5 for a period of five years.

Dr. Rachob joined the University as Lecturer in the Department of Education, in 1988 and served the university in various capacities.

 

‘Maintain cleanliness’

ITANAGAR, Jun 07: Leporiang People Welfare Committee Capital Complex has appealed to the Capital Complex Deputy Commissioner for shifting of daily vegetable market, Naharlagun to some other appropriate place or initiate necessary step for maintaining cleanliness within the market area.

In a letter to the DC, the Committee said the people are facing lot of  health problems due to  foul smell emanates from the  perishable and rotten items within the market area.

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Arunachalee lifters shine at CYC

ITANAGAR, Jun 07: Arunachalee weightlifters’ amazing performance in Commonwealth Youth Championship (CYC) continues as Soram Hitlar Tagru and Taba Kojum won a Gold medal each in their respective weight category on day 2 of the event at Apia, Samoa.

Tagru lifted 103 kg in snatch and 132 kg in clean and jerk to win Gold in Youth Boys 62 kg category while Kojum struck the Gold with a total lift of  242 kg  (69 kg + 112 kg) in Youth Boys 62 kg category. Another Arunachalee lifter Sambo Lapung had to content with the Silver. He lifted 107 kg in snatch and  130 kg in Clean and Jerk.

Jimjang Deru won a gold yesterday  with a total of 170 kg (Snatch :73 kg  and Clean and Jerk: 97 kg).

India’s total medal tally on Day two stood at 27 Gold, 8 Silver, 5 Bronze, according to an Indian Weightlifting Federation release.

The Commonwealth Championship is being held for Youth (Boys and Girls), Junior (Men and Women) and Senior (Men and Women) categories simultaneously.

Arunachal Pradesh Governor J J Singh and Chief Minister Nabam Tuki lauded the stupendous performance of local youths in the ongoing Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships.

“This is a very proud moment for all Arunachalees that our boys have brought laurels to the country, the Governor said,” in a release.

“Our boys have proved in the international forum that ours is a promising state in the field of sports if given proper platform and facilities,” he said in a message from New Delhi.

Tuki specifically lauded the Gold winners Jimjang Deru, Soram Hitlar Tagru, and Kojum Taba as well as Silver medalist Sambo Lapung.

Reiterating his faith on the youth force of the state, Tuki prophesied that Arunachal along with other North Eastern states would emerge as frontrunners in the field of games and sports in the years to come for the country.

“At this joyous moment I stand as a proud Arunachalee and on behalf of my government I assure that the hard- work of our players won’t go wasted and unrecognized,” he promised and asserted his government’s prioritization of sports in all fronts – from giving incentives to sportspersons to creation of infrastructure across the state. Meanwhile, IWF Joint Secretary and Arunachal Weightlifting Association President Abraham K Techi credited the achievement of Arunachalee lifters to Army Sports Institute (ASI) Pune and Arunachal Governor JJ Singh.

“All credits must go to ASI sports incharge Capt SS Rao and Governor JJ, under whose initiative the former had conducted a sport talent hunt in Itanagar (Naharlagun) two years back and picked Soram, Deru, Lapung and Taba for enrollment in ASI. Now Singh’s initiative has begun to bear fruits,” the elated IWF Joint Secretary told Arunachal Times over telephone.

He, however, rued lack of sports infrastructure in Arunachal Pradesh. The budding sportspersons could have been trained within the state had there been proper infrastructure and sports institutes in Arunachal Pradesh. There is no dearth of talent in Arunachalee youths. If groomed properly, they are capable enough to compete with players of other developed nations,” Abraham was firmed in saying.

Arunachal Olympic Association (AOA) also lauded the spectacular performanc of Arunachalee lifters in the championship.

“It is matter of great pride and honour to win medal in such prestigious event,” AOA Secretary General G Doke told over telephone and congratulated all the medal winning players.

 

 

Boat capsizes; no casualties

ROING, Jun 07: A country boat carrying seven passengers and three motorcycles capsized at Sissiri river along Dambuk-Paglam road some 24 km away from Dambuk SDO headquarter on June 5 last. Fortunately, there were no casualties as all the seven passengers, including a girl, were rescued safely, reports DIPRO.

Out of the seven passengers, four were Govt servant and three students. The incident occurred when they were crossing the Sissiri river via Omorpur, Assam to reach Roing as the Dibang Ippi Pani ghat is remained closed for the last couple of days due to increase in river water.

The incident accrued barely two days after MP Ninong Ering’s visit to Dambuk.

Reportedly, the government servant were coming to Roing on official duty while the students were returning to their schools at Roing. Later, all the three bikes were recovered some 100 meters away from the accident site after hours of search in a completely damaged condition.

Meanwhile, Dibang Adi Students Union (DASU)  demanded the authority to compensate all those who lost their properties in the boat mishap. It further demanded construction of  manually operated Ropeway (cable car) over Sissiri and Dibang rivers to ensure safe journey during summer.

It also demanded blacklisting of M/s Soma Enterprise for the slow progress in construction work of Sissiri bridge. It alleged that the bridge being executed by M/s Soma Enterprise was progressing at a very slow pace.

 

 

NESO demands separate Constitutional status for NE

GUWAHATI/ ITANAGAR,  Jun 07: The North East Students' Organzation has demanded a separate Constitutional status for the seven states of the region and threatened to intensify agitation if their demands were not met.

Leading the first phase of NESO's agitation today at Guwahati Press Club against indifference attitude of the Centre  towards North East people, including NE students, NESO Chairman Samujjal Bhattacharjya said, "We want a separate constitutional status for the north eastern region, with right of the local people over land and natural resources."

NESO also demanded repeal of AFSPA. Nothing short of complete repeal of the act would satisfy us," Bhattacharjya said. Other demands include scrapping of the Indo- Bangladesh land swap deal, end of harassment of students from the region studying in other states and a special education commission for the North East.

All the apex student bodies of  Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura  participated in the  first phase of NESO’s  agitation.

“This is a serious warning to the Govt of India and until and unless they come out with strong law to protect and ensure safety of the students of NE region in the mainland India, the students Unions of the region under the banner of NESO will keep fighting for the rights of its students,” said NESO general secretary Gumjum Haider.

  “It is very painful to see our students meet with humiliations, physical and mental torture, atrocities and even rape and murder in mainland India,” Haider lamented.

While drawing the attention of state govts of NE states, the NESO general secretary said that the state govt should initiate immediate steps to introduce modern and desired courses and subjects in our own respective universities and colleges. Since there is no such college in the region, the students go out to study and face such kind of situation, he observed.

“Besides the state govt should at least keep the updates of all students who go out from their respective states so that they can be helped immediately if anything happen to them,” he asserted.

Meanwhile, expressing grave concern over the issuance of stapled visa to the citizen of Arunachal Pradesh by the Chinese authority, Haider said “It is very humiliating and non-solving of Visa  issue by the GoI is like treating the people of Arunachal Pradesh as second class citizen of India,” he felt.

As part of the next phase of agitation, NESO members will gather in all state capitals of the North East on June 29 and hold demonstrations in front of Raj Bhavans. PTI/ Source

 

 

Arunachalee student dies under mysterious condition at Shillong

Amar Sangno

ITANAGAR, Jun 07:  In a shocking incident, an Arunachalee student identified as Ena Kakki (23) studying at CMJ University Shillong died under mysterious condition this afternoon.

Kakki, who was found in unconscious condition at her rental room in Laban area of Shillong, was immediately rushed to a city-based hospital where she was declared dead at around 4 PM, Shillong police said.

The cause of the death is not yet known and it could be ascertained only after conduction of post mortem, Laban Police Station Investigation Officer (IO) told over telephone adding that it has already launched investigation.

Hailing from Pasighat in East Siang district, Kakki was doing her BA in Library Science at CMJ University, Shillong.

Meanwhile Arunachal Students Union Shillong (ASUS) expressed shock after hearing the news of death of Ena.

In its condolence message to bereaved family, ASUS president Likha Tado said the death has caused irreparable loss to the family and students fraternity as a whole.

Tado, on behalf of ASUS, prayed to almighty for eternal peace of the  departed soul and also conveyed its deep sense of condolence to the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss.

 

 

Society demands cancellation of Hutong-II project

ITANAGAR, Jun 07: Pangung Welfare Society, (PAWSO) Anjaw  appealed to the state government and the power developer to cancel the proposed Hutong-II HEP.

It said that the river basin of the proposed project is densely populated which account almost half of the population of the district and if the HEP is allowed to come up in the area, massive displacement will take place which can’t be compensated with any degree of relief and rehabilitation plan.

The Society hopes that the state government and the power developer (Mountain Fall India.Pvt Ltd) would understand the feelings and sentiments of the people of the proposed Hutong-II HEP  area and cancel the said project in the interest of public.  It is worth mentioning here that due to stiff opposition from the Society, the construction work (drilling and drifting) of the project remained suspended.

 

 

Sonitpur & E/Kameng resolve to thwart fresh encroachment

ITANAGAR, Jun 07: Both Arunachal Pradesh and Assam have resolved not to allow any fresh encroachment to take place in disputed Dipik-Bogiajuli areas and any incidence of fresh conflict or encroachment would be intimated immediately to each other for timely action.

The resolution was adopted in an inter-state district administration joint meeting of East Kameng, Arunachal Pradesh and Sonitpur Assam on June 5 at Bhalukpong which was attended by the deputy commissioners of  both East Kameng and Sonitpur  Tope Bam and Tapan Chandra Sarma, SPs of both East Kameng and Sonitpur, DFOs of Sonitpur East Division and Khellong Forest Division, Arunachal Pradesh and Seijosa ADC.

Both the District Administrations have agreed to deploy security personnel near the disputed areas to have joint patrolling to prevent any untoward incident in future. The meeting also emphasized on regular interactions by both the districts

It was also proposed by the Sonitpur district administration that the affected Adivasi agricultural labourers should be re-employed by the GB provided both the parties agree to do so after having proper understanding in the interest of peace and tranquility.

Earlier, both the DCs and SPs put forwarded their views  at length.

While discussing on maintaining the status-quo along the boundary, the East Kameng administration opined that Arunachalees inhabiting in inter-state border disputed areas should not be disturbed honouring the Supreme Court order to maintain status-quo till a final verdict is pronounced.

The East Kameng District Administration further stated that the One Man Boundary Commission headed by Lt. Gopinath Bordoloi had simply drawn an imaginary boundary line between Assam and the then NEFA (now Arunachal Pradesh) from the foot-hill areas of the NEFA to the advantage of Assam only.

The Boundary Commission was neither represented by the then people of NEFA nor their due consent were taken.  By doing so Lt. Bordoloi had violated the natural justice adopting partiality and overlooked the permanent interest of the then people of NEFA who were very simple, honest and educationally backward in comparison to the people of Assam, the DA said while replying to its Sonitpur counterpart’s opinion that the status-quo be honoured as per the boundary demarcated in 1953 by the One Man Boundary Commission.

Earlier, Sonitpur East Division DFO  Aniruddha Dey explained in details showing the satellite maps etc. to strengthen the stand of his state.

Seijosa ADC Tayek Pado also briefed the meeting in details after verifying the place of occurrence physically with the Police force about the incident. DIPRO

 

 

DoTC expands its horizons: Parliamentary secretary tours districts

Denhang Bosai

KHONSA, Jun 07: The Department of Tirap and Changlang Affairs the nomenclature likely to change after the creation of Longding district is today all set for a major overhaul with the expansion of its horizon of activities. The department created to bring Tirap, Changlang and Longding districts at par with other more developed districts of the state more than ten years ago has been in the news for all the wrong reasons. However, after the present Parliamentary Secretary of DoTC Yumsen Matey took over the charge, the department’s functioning has been effectively streamlined and is engaged in various developmental activities that would, without an iota of doubt, immensely benefit the people of the three backward districts.

Earlier, DoTC used to take up only minor schemes to supplement the schemes undertaken by the major work departments. But now, it also takes up major schemes deemed beneficial for the people. In order to enlighten the people on activities of DoTC and to throw light on the new and innovative schemes envisaged to be taken up under the department, the Parliamentary Secretary Yumsen Matey made an extensive tour of the three districts from May 27 to June 6 during which he visited all the major circle headquarters. He addressed a series of meetings at Miao, Kharsang, Jairampur, Changlang, Khonsa, Lazu and Longding. In all the meetings Matey asked the departments to maintain close working co-ordination between themselves and the Panchayat leaders for effective execution of the government schemes  and appreciated the dedicated services of the administration and HoDs in spite of the disturbed law and order scenario in the three districts.

He emphasized on education as lack of proper education among the youths of the three districts had been identified as the main stumbling block in the way of development and progress of the people.

Some of the major highlights during the 10-day tour of the Parliamentary Secretary were inauguration of DoTC branch at Changlang, a new science laboratory at RKSM School, Khonsa and BDO office at remote circle headquarters Lazu bordering Myanmar. Matey also announced that NERCOM, a new central scheme that would cover agriculture, horticulture and other allied sectors would be implemented in the three districts shortly and appealed to the people to take maximum benefit out of the scheme. He further said that a new DoTC branch would be opened at Longding soon.

So, in a nutshell, the extensive tour of the Parliamentary Secretary Matey was fruitful in terms of creating awareness on functioning of DoTC and in clearing the doubts from the minds of the people regarding the general image of DoTC. The DoTC which is a full-fledged regular department  is  all set to usher in unprecedented development in the three underdeveloped districts.  [The writer is DIPRO, Khonsa and can be reached at denhangbosai@yahoo. co.in]

 

 

Bandh affects normal life in Pasighat

Pasighat, Jun 07: Pasighat Public Welfare Committee (PPWC) sponsored 24- hour bandh which began at 5 am today affected the normal life in Pasighat.

All the business establishments remained closed and private vehicles off the road. No bandh related untoward incidents have been reported so far.

The Bandh was called demanding replacement of turbines at Yembung Hydel, complete renovation of Sille Hydel Pasighat, early completion of 132KV tower line from Aalo to Pasighat and extension of power supply from Rina Hydel Project to Pasighat, and improvement of power scenario of Pasighat.

PPWC went ahead with its bandh call inspite of district administration plea to call off it yesterday.

East Siang Deputy Commissioner (in-charge) in a meeting said that the power problems at Pasighat is indeed a matter of concern and the departments of power and the hydro power are well aware of the situations and trying their best effort to improve the power scenario of Pasighat.

The SP Pasighat as well as the Officers of the Power & Hydro power department also requested the representatives of the PPWC to withdraw their proposed bandh.

But the representatives of the PPWC were adamant with its decision and said that PPWC would go ahead with  its bandh call until and unless a written assurance is given for improvement of power scenario at Pasighat by the govt.DIPRO

 

 

 

Implement RTE in letter and spirit

Dear Editor,

I would like to draw your kind attention towards the problems being faced by students regarding school fees in government schools up to class VIII. As per RTE norms free and compulsory education up to class VIII is universal right. But in some Govt. schools the Headmasters/Headmaster-In-Charge and SMC members decided to take admission fee from every student. When I asked to the concern Headmaster about the admission fee, he replied that admission/devolvement fee is compulsory.  He further informs that he cannot conduct half-yearly and annual exam etc.  without fee due to the reason that the state Govt did not provide fund  for school examination previous year. According to RTE norms, the higher authorities must have to provide fund to the every school as per requirement.

Therefore, I earnestly request to the Education Minister to implement the RTE Act in letter and spirit.  The minister should order the subordinate authorities to provide fund to the schools as per RTE norms and direct all the school authorities not to collect fee from students.

Yours’

Parents

 

 

Obey traffic rules

Dear Editor,

I would like to request all the vehicle and two-wheeler owners of Capital Complex to be sincere in driving during evening hours.  Most bike accidents are also occurring during evening hours in between 6 to 7 am. Therefore, I request the drivers/bike riders to obey traffic rules and avoid  rough driving.

Yours’

Simal Ranje

Itanagar

 

 

Take precautionary measures

Dear Editor,

I would like to draw the kind attention of the trans-Arunachal highway department towards the  problems  faced by the road users due to Doimukh to Hoj-Potin highway road formation cutting being carried out lately. Now the passengers have to take another long-distance route to reach various places in Assam and other districts of the state due  to on-going formation cutting work on Doimukh-Hoj-Poting road.   Recently, a student was also reportedly lost his life in a landslide caused by road formation cutting.

Therefore, I earnestly request to the authority concern, particularly highway department to take precautionary measures during road formation cutting and to find ways and means to save money and time of the passengers who are using this short-cut road.

Yours’

Kabak Tacho

Chairman,

Arunachal Vikash Parishad

Kamporijo

 

 

Itanagar road and offices

Dear Editor,

Some predicts that within or after two years Itanagar road will unable to accommodate growing number of vehicles. That is of the upcoming but look at the current chaos in Itanagar road. Many outsiders will think that people of Arunachal prospered a lot and everybody purchased vehicles but in reality this road is not that of a capital standard. Many places in Arunachal are yet to be connected with road and the government is giving a deaf ear to the people’s voice. Many places are reflected in election manifesto and this NH 52A also might be one - who knows? The concerned department reacts in opposition to the remarks made by public and again nothing has come out so far. If a piece of road (Highway) is in such a pitiable condition what about those dilapidated lifelines. Everybody is making money but no one is concerned about the general asset. The truth is visible to our CM; then he must have the superior understanding to solve the mess.

Reverse to the traffic jam the Itanagar offices are always desolate.

The furniture mock at the people who come there for a purpose. In India many offices hang a board written “No Vacancy” and in Itanagar offices, it should be  written  “No Staff”. People  are kept waiting but there seems to have a bye-law to harass the  office visitors by absconding from. Officers appear in the office fifteen minutes before the recess and in the evening ten minutes before the closing hour. Sometimes a work has to be toiled for week and many times more than that. The staffs remain absent and their excuse is “heavy traffic jam.”

Once Lt. Bakin Pertin said, “Arunachal is the land of kushi-kushi” and the saying is visible here and now. When enquired the family members say that Sir/madam is in the office but the empty office depicts the true story. If a officer is not found in office or home, where do they go then? Nobody bothers “Jeisa chalta hei chalne do”. The organization is off beam but authorities must take the deterrent and the efficient procedures to check all this mess. If it is not, then Arunachal will remain as a backward  and underdeveloped state for centuries.  Offices located in Capital are not meant only for the Capital dwellers or the people of Papum Pare, they are for whole of Arunachal Pradesh. Those Arunachalee people who come from far-flung  and remote areas in state Capital for official purpose are the worst sufferers in term of money, time and energy due to  such work culture. I request the Govt to check and do to the needful in the greater interest of the people of Arunachal Pradesh.

Yours’

Karunath Pazing

Boleng, East Siang

 

 

 

 

All email and surface mails must be accompanied with contact numbers and full postal address. Do keep writing but please make sure that letters are short and to the point.        

----Editor

Address the environmental issues

The fifth edition of the Global Environment Outlook launched recently provides an insight into the trends of the global environment with regard to 500 internationally agreed goals and objectives identified over the years in the area of sustainable management of the environment. According to the report, out of the 90 assessed environmental goals, significant progress was made only in four areas which include eliminating production and use of substances that deplete the ozone layer, removal of lead from fuel, increase access to improved water supplies, and boosting research to reduce pollution of the marine environment. Climate change, desertification and drought were some of the areas where hardly any progress was seen.

The report comes as a caution to humanity that several critical thresholds may be exceeded and irreversible damage may occur to the life support functions of the planet if the issues are not urgently addressed.

The report also says that if the current policies and strategies are strengthened through successful policy initiatives, public investment, sustainable trade, technology innovation etc., it is possible to meet the sustainability targets.The report calls for more specific targets with quantifiable results across a broad range of environmental challenges.