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June 14

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Poor implementation of SPA scheme in Changlang

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Jun 13:  Several projects like road widening and black topping, construction of concrete steps etc, being taken up by the Changlang Sub Division-I PWD under SPA Scheme 2013-14  within Changlang Township have been found to be incomplete and of substandard quality.

The department under SPA Scheme 2013-14 undertook two projects with a sanctioned  amount of Rs 99.5 lakhs each, as part of which a 3.105 Km of road widening, black topping, GSB, construction of retaining/ boundary  wall, WBM and CC steps, had to be carried out within the township.  

However, despite the PWD's submitted report that the said projects have been completed on 31 March, 2016 through judicious use of fund, various places in the township where side approach steps for residential and non-residential buildings from CC pavement were supposed to have been constructed have been found absent. Blacktopping of roads, including Higher Secondary School to New Changlang Village, Jail to Power House in PWD Complex, and DC office to Agriculture Colony have  not been completed, while CC step at PWD Complex to Changlang Khimiyang Road, DIO residence to Kakoty colony, CK road to DMO office etc, have not been constructed either.

Lately, there has been public outcry over non-completion of the said projects and an FIR has also been lodged with the Changlang Police Station by Phosam Zongsam and Maikhun Mamai against Executive Engineer and Assistant Engineer PWD Changlang Sub Division-I for alleged misappropriation of funds under SPA Scheme 2013-14.

Citing RTI documents, the complainants have alleged that gross irregularities were found upon physical verification of the said projects and demanded strict action against the erring officials. They have claimed that the PWD has in its report clearly mentioned that the CC steps and 3.105 Km of road widening and black topping project have been completed. However, they have, on physical verification found that some places have no CC steps, while some of the roads have not been properly blacktopped or even constructed.

On enquiry, the Changlang Sub Division-I PWD AE, P Ngemu has reiterated the department's stand that all the aforementioned projects have been completed by following all guidelines and there is no question of any irregularities.

Meanwhile, the OC PS Changlang has informed that preliminary enquiry is on regarding the case.  

 

 

 

West Kameng ravaged by rain, power, water supply disrupted

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Jun 13: Heavy and incessant rain has battered West Kameng district since the last three days with multiple landslides in Bomdila, Dirang, Singchung, Nafra and  Kalaktang subdivisions, resulting in traffic blockade, disruption in power and water supply and major damages to private and public property .

There has been abnormal rise in water level reaching danger zones in rivers and streams of Dirang, Tenga and Rupa areas.

Reportedly, the district water supply source at Mandala has been damaged and Hydel stations have been badly damaged.

The main incoming line from Khuppi to Bomdila has also been damaged. The line could not be restored due to road blockage at multiple locations near Jamiri point, Dedza, Sessa, Munna Camp and Nechiphu to Bana.

At  Zhangdongrong, the intake chamber, feeder channel and desilting  tank are badly damaged due to deposition of silt and debris, while at Dirang,  trench weir and trash rack have been damaged, for which required discharge cannot be tapped for the plant. Adding to the problem, approach road to the power house has been damaged by flood water, while land slide has damaged the power and feeder channels at Rahung.

Works of landslide clearance are in progress by BRTF as the rain continues. Emergency operation centres have been functional since last three weeks and all department resource inventories have been updated by the DDMO, according to an official report.

The Deputy Commissioner had put all admin outposts on 24x7 alert and night police patrolling enforced along river side as well as hourly reporting to the DC from all outposts.

Traffic movement is also being strictly regulated as both township roads, and BCT as well as OKSRT roads have reported landslides leading to traffic impediments and halt for as long as 4 to 5 hours.

 

 

 

Lohit DA taps CSR funds from PSUs, to install solar lights

TEZU, Jun 13: In its quest to revive the health and educational infrastructure in the district under "Mission Suraksha" initiative of Lohit Deputy Commissioner Danish Ashraf, the District Administration has been able to tap Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) fund from various Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs).

The Oil and Natural Gas Commission (ONGC) has already provided different types of crucial surgical equipment worth Rs 17 lakh for District Hospital, Tezu.

The ONGC under its CSR programme, on Monday released Rs 87, 5000 to Lohit district in connection with the pending bills of surgical equipment installed in the hospital and installation of the solar street lights at crucial establishments.

Earlier, the PGCIL also provided a digital X-Ray machine worth Rs 14 lakh for District Hospital, Tezu.

Earlier on June 6, Monu Bhatnagar, a senior official of ONGC visited Tezu and inspected the installed medical equipment in the operation theatre. He also held a meeting with the doctors of the zonal general hospital and enquired about the performance results of those installed equipments.

On being apprised by the DMO that the hospital needs an ultra sound machine and power back up for eye and few emergency wards, Bhatnagar assured to help in the future. He advised them to come out with some good proposals, which the ONGC would always look forward to provide with the necessary grants.

 

 

 

BRO restores damaged bailey bridge at Daporijo

DAPORIJO, Jun 13: Responding to the call of Upper Subansiri Deputy Commissioner, A K Singh, a team of BRO experts from 77 RCC swung into action on  June 11 and restored the 25-year-old multiple span Bailey Bridge over River Subansiri at Daporijo within two days.  

The bridge was extensively damaged due to the movement of heavily loaded vehicles carrying construction material belonging to private contractors, the BRO in a release said.

This bridge is the only link to Upper Subansiri district from the neighboring West Siang district.

 The bridge was handed over to the state PWD as part of the Trans-Arunachal Highway (TAH) by BRO in 2014.  However, due to the delay in progress of TAH, this bridge has been in a state of neglect owing to no maintenance being carried out by PWD, the release said.

 

 

 

DPC clears promotion of APCS officers

ITANAGAR, Jun 13: The Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) meeting conducted by the Department of Personnel at the instruction of Chief Minister Pema Khandu has cleared promotions for 16 Entry Grade officers to Senior Grade, 18 Senior Grade officers to Selection Grade and 11 Selection Grade to Administrative Grade officers.

The DCP was headed by Chief Secretary Shakuntala D Gamlin as chairperson with Principal Secretary Personnel Satya Gopal and Commissioner (GA/DA) Hage Kojeen as members.

"Timely promotion is not only beneficial for the employees but also very crucial as it boosts the morale of the promoted employees to work with more sincerity and dedication", said Chief Minister Pema.

He reiterated his directives to all other departments to abide by the government order and conduct DPC twice in a year or once every six months.

 

 

 

2 arrested for murder

ZIRO, Jun 13: Bolen Kalita (45) and Horat (Sorat) Kalita (37) have been arrested on charges of murder of one Pei Takha (alias Sukro) by the Arunachal Pradesh Police, Yazali unit on June 11 last.

According to reports, the semi decomposed body of Pei Takha was found in the jungle area of Pei Village under Yazali PS on June 7 last.

During inquest, a prima facie murder case was established. Accordingly, the Yazali PS registered a case U/S 302 IPC and constituted a police team comprising of Inspector Pei Taga CI, SI AN Singh OC Yazali, ASI Licha Taj and party for investigation, under supervision of SP Mihin Gambo.

On June 8, Bolen Kalita, who is also a friend of the deceased, was detained at the police station as a suspect. On interrogation, he indicated involvement of his younger brother Horat Kalita, who had already left the place for an unknown location to evade arrest.

After three days of manhunt, the police team apprehended accused Horat Kalita by narrowing down his mobile location to Rangia in Assam. He was arrested at Rangia with the assistance of Assam Police on June 11.

On interrogation, Horat Kalita confessed that he, along with his elder brother Bolen Kalita had murdered the deceased by strangulating him over a petty argument.

With the arrest of the duo brothers, the police solved the murder case within four days, said an official communiqué.

SP Mihin Gambo appreciated the police team for their prowess and active role in the instant case. (DIPRO)

 

 

 

Itafort dispensary gets new facilities

ITANAGAR, Jun 13: The Itafort Health Unit,which is the lone government health unit in Itanagar, achieved a milestone by starting laboratory facilities and Minor OT cum family planning facilities from Tuesday onwards.

The facilities were formally inaugurated by Capital Complex Deputy Commissioner Prince Dhawan. The works were carried out using DC untied fund on personal initiative of the DC and MO in-charge of Itafort Dispensary.

With this, the health unit will render facilities of all the routine examination that a patient requires and the tests will be provided free of cost to pregnant, elderly, TB and malaria suspected patients.

On the occasion, Joint Director cum DHS in-charge Dr Emi Rumi suggested to improve the laboratory service by adhering to the proper quality assurance norms.

Assuring more support, DC Dhawan expressed his commitment towards the holistic development of the health sector. The DC also stated that there is need to have ambulance service in the dispensary to cater to the needs of poor people and accident victim.

Mentioning the status of service delivery, Medical Officer in-charge of Itafort Health Unit, Dr Kabak Tamar presented in detail the various challenges in terms of human resource, mobility support, poor convergence, the vast population that Itafort is catering to while implementing the national health programme.

The MO in-charge also thanked the DC for providing funds from the DC Untied fund.

Papum Pare District Medical Officer, Dr Tasso Khampu categorically mentioned the need for upgrading Itafort Dispensary to the status of CHC for smooth implementation of National Health Programme, and to improve the service delivery.

On the first day, the Itafort lab unit launched Free Hepatitis screening week and performed 150 tests free of cost.

 

 

 

Arunachalee designer in Iceland to shoot for his Vodka brand

ITANAGAR, Jun 13: Arunachalee designer and entrepreneur Nixon Bui, who runs his fashion brand NIXONBUI out of Denmark is in Iceland to shoot a campaign for a recent product extension to his Vodka brand.

NIXONBUI Vodka is a premium organic vodka made from the finest organic grains and glacial water. Though it is made in Germany, Nixon successfully brings in his share of story by adding Himalayan aspect to the product.

To a question, Nixon said, he was approached by some investors wanting to collaborate on a Vodka project. "I think this is an opportunity for me to grow my brand. But at the same time, I was very clear from the beginning that I wouldn't compromise on the values of the brand. A lot of hard work has been put upon this project. Finally, we are ready and launching in July 2017."

When asked is there any plan to bring the NIXONBUI Vodka to India? He said "I am launching my women'swear for spring summer 18 this August during Copenhagen Fashion week. But before that, I am also launching NIXONBUI Vodka next month, July 2017.  I am also in the process of finding the right distributors or collaborators for the Northeast Indiamarket.

"I am fighting every day to bring my products to Northeast India, especially to Arunachal.  If people love the product and if there is demand for it, I am very sure we can start the production facilities in Arunachal," he further said.

 

 

 

 

PMJJBY benefit provided to registered worker

ITANAGAR, Jun 13: For the first time in Arunachal Pradesh, an insured amount of Rs 2 lakhs under the Pradhan Mantri Jeveen Joyti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) was provided to Sorang Tashik, nominee (Brother) of Late Sorang Tai, a casual labour of PHE Department, GoAP.

Late Sorang Tai, a registered worker of the APB&OCWWB, died on May 31, 2017 after prolonged illness. The premium amount of the beneficiaries at the rate of Rs 330 was born by the APBOCWWB.

Under the initiative of Arunachal Pradesh Building & Other Construction Workers Welfare Board, Labour & Employment Minister-cum-Chairman of APB&OCWWB, Kumar Waii handed over the PMJJBY insured certificate of Rs 2 lakh to SorangTashik in presence of Labour Commissioner-cum-Secretary APBOCWWBOjing Darung and other officials.

While exhorting all registered workers to avail the benefits under PMSBY & PMJJBY, Waii said that the two schemes which were launched on 11 November, 2015 in the state, would provide insurance cover in the unfortunate event of death or disability due to an accident to the registered workers of the APBOCWWB.

He further informed that the APBOCWWB has taken the initiative to cover PMJJBY premium of Rs 330 for one time and PMSBY of Rs 12 from one percent cess.

 

 

 

MVAC to stage dharna outside official residence of PD Sona

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Jun 13:  The Mere Vichaar Andolan Committee (MVAC), following non-fulfillment of its three point pending demands, has announced to stage a peaceful dharna outside the official residence of Parliamentary Secretary Tourism P D Sona on June 16 next as a sign of protest.   

Informing this during a press conference at the Arunachal Press Club here this afternoon, MVAC Convener, Kaling Tasing said that attempts have been made against the committee which has been seeking fulfillment of its three-point demands, to discredit its movement.

The MVAC has been demanding immediate investigation by the CBI on the alleged 60-page suicide note written by late Kalikho Pul, based upon the FIR lodged by his wives on 9 August, 2016 at Itanagar Police Station, besides resignation of Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein and Parliamentary Secretary Tourism-cum-Government Spokesperson, Pasang Dorjee Sona on moral grounds to ensure free and fair investigation and early return of Rs 4 crores to late Kalikho Pul's family by Parliamentary Secretary Sona.

Tasing also alleged Arunachal Pradesh state unit BJP President, Tapir Gao of terming the MVAC as politically motivated and illegal committee during a 'Sabka Saath SabkaVikas Sammelan' held here on Monday last and sought a public apology from the state BJP President.

'We vehemently condemn the statement of state unit BJP President, Tapir Gao. He should issue a public apology for terming the MVAC movement illegal and politically motivated,' said Tasing, adding that the state BJP president is trying to give 'political colour' to the committee initiated agitations.

 Tasing further claimed that state unit BJP President, Tapir Gao allegedly stated that MVAC's movement is illegal as Pul's wife has already withdrawn her plea for a probe into her husband's death at the Supreme Court. Tasing, while reiterating the MVAC's stand of being a people's movement and not a politically motivated one, said that attempts were also made to allegedly disrupt its rally, which was organized at Namsai on Mar 9 last.

Informing that the All Tai Khampti Singpho Students' Union, All Namsai District Students' Union and  All Namsai Area Youth Association  had in a representation to the Namsai Deputy Commissioner on June 8 last, opposed the rally by terming it as politically motivated, Tasing stated that it clearly shows political intervention behind disrupting and discrediting the MVAC-led movement.

 

 

 

Legal awareness camps at Yingkiong, Tawang

YINGKIONG, Jun 13: Yingkiong JMFC, Mary Kamsi advised adolescent girls and women to become aware of laws related to safety and security of women and children and seek instant help whenever any incident happens against them.

She was addressing a day-long mobilization training programme on role and responsibilities of voluntary organization/ NGOs and service providers under the Domestic Violence Act, 2005 and sexual harassment at work place;POCSO Act, 2012 and Juvenile Justice Act, 2015 held in the DC office on Saturday last.

Jointly organized by the District Legal Services Authority Yingkiong, Women Welfare Society Yingkiong and Women Welfare Society Jengging, the training programme was attended by over 60 women and 10 adolescent girls.

At Tawang, the District Legal Services Authority of Tawang organised an awareness camp at Mahabodi Centre Tawang on Sunday. The participants were apprised of various legal provisions, namely the Legal Services Authorities Act and the services rendered by it, Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act; Arunachal Pradesh Victim Compensation Scheme, 2011; Old Age Pension and the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 and the maintenance under section 125 of the CrPC,1973.

In all, 13 elderly inmates and 70 students of Mahabodi Centre participated in the event.

 

 

 

NHM contractual employees launch 2nd phase pen down strike

ITANAGAR, Jun 13: The contractual Programme Management employees workingunder various National Health Mission (NHM)programmes in Arunachal Pradesh launched their 10 days pen down strike on Monday as the second phase of their agitation to press the authority for creation of posts and regularization of their services.

The NHM Programme Management staffs,under the aegis of Arunachal Pradesh National Health Mission Employee Association (APNHMEA) had earlier observed four days pen and tool down strike in the first phase of the agitation from June 5 to 8.

The Association stated that the deprived employees had no other choice but to adopt to the democratic means of protest for fulfilment of the demand.

They alleged the state Health Department of showing an indifference attitude to them and their demand for regularization of services.

"Neither the Health Commissioner nor the Health Minister had ever tried to contact the agitating employees during their first phase of strike", lamented the association as it threatened to launch indefinite pen down strike in its third phase of the movement, if the government continues to show apathetic attitude towards the demand.

"The services of around 1199 technical contractual staffs, including medical officers, GNMs, ANMs, health assistants, laboratory technicians, physiotherapists and drivers working under the same flagship programme have been systematically regularized over the years, but services of none of the programme management staff have been regularized despite contributing efficiently and equally to the affairs of the state health service over the years," rued the Association.

NHM Mission Director, P N Thungon on June 8 had held discussions with the association and had appealed to it to call off the second phase strike. However, the association was adamant on its demand which compelled the Mission Director to write to the Commissioner (Health and Family Welfare) to take up the matter,stating that the strike had badly hampered the functioning of official works.

According to APNHMEA, the Health Commissioner did not respond till date, which compelled it to go ahead with its second phase of the strike.

 

 

 

Dree Football Tournament

HSC defeat ASSA 5-0 in Ziro,Service XI, Khonghung FC win in Ita

ITANAGAR, Jun 13: The Hari Sports Club (HSC) trounced the All Salang Sports Association (ASSA) 5-0 in a lopsided match of the Golden Jubilee Central Dree Football Tournament at Ziro.

Landi Millo, Gyati Mobing, Hage Mobing, Hage Genda and Hage Kemo of HSC scored one goal each for the winning team.

Earlier in the first match, All Hija Sports Association-B (AHSA-B) defeated Vintage Football Club (VFC) by 3-2.

In Itanagar, Service XI FC scored one goal in each half to defeat Kime Pakah FC in the open category of Capital Complex Dree Football Tournament played at DN Government College Ground here on Tuesday.

The first goal was scored in the very first minute of the game by Tage Hangu and the second goal was scored by Padi Taka in 48th minute.

Buru Umbing of Service XI was declared "Hero of the Match".

In veteran category, Khonghung FC Naharlagun came from 1 goal behind to defeat Ball Tula FC by 2-1.

Ball Tula FC took an early lead in just 4thminute through Hage Challa. Khonghung FC equalized the score in 38th minute through goal from Budhi Gyati.

At halftime, the score was 1-1.

The winning goal was scored by Hage Kobingin 53rd minute.

"Hero of the Match" award went to NgilyangBakhang of Khonghung FC.

 

 

 

Week-long plantation drive at Ruksin concludes

Correspondent

RUKSIN, Jun 13: A week-long plantation drive launched by the Ruksin Forest Range office under Pasighat Territorial Forest Division as part of World Environment Day celebrations concluded at Government Secondary School, Ngorlung on Monday last.

About 500 saplings of different kinds were planted at office premise of Ruksin Forest Range, roadsides, school campuses and public places.

Deputy Forest Ranger of Ruksin, Opang Jamoh informed that his team received a massive response from the local villagers, NGOs, students, public leaders and gaon burahs during the week-long plantation drive.

During the programme, forest officials created awareness among people about the importance of plants and wild animals, and urged them to protect the greenery and water bodies of the area to stop environmental degradation.

 

 

 

Governor appeals for voluntary blood donation

ITANAGAR, Jun 13: Arunachal Pradesh Governor, P B Acharya has appealed to every citizen of the state to come forward and donate blood.

In his message on the eve of World Blood Donor Day, the Governor also called on the NGOs, civil organisations, Scout and Guides, ex-servicemen and others to organize blood donation camps on different occasions.

"Our blood banks are running short of required blood. By organizing such blood donation camps we may help them to enrich their capacity," the Governor said in his message on Tuesday.  

"We don't just need to give blood in the event of tragedies or emergencies. Instead, it should be a normal and routine part of our lives. Regular blood donations mean that there will be sufficient amount of safe blood in stock", the Governor said, and thanked all blood donors on the occasion.

Every year on 14th June, countries around the world celebrate World Blood Donor Day. The event, which started in 2004 aims to raise awareness on the need for safe blood and blood products, and also to thank blood donors for their voluntary, life-saving gift of blood.  (PRO to Governor)

 

 

 

DA prohibits use of chemical fertilizers in L/Subansiri

ZIRO, Jun 13: Taking a step forward in the process of developing Arunachal Pradesh as an organic state, the Lower Subansiri District Administration has prohibited use of chemical fertilizers, weedicides and other inorganic pesticides and insecticides in agricultural and other related purposes within Lower Subansiri district.

In its prohibitory order, Deputy Commissioner Kemo Lollen cautioned public, farmers and retailers to refrain from using or selling inorganic agriculture related chemicals in the district.

Violators will be penalized as per laws. (DIPRO)

 

 

 

Maj Gen Chauhan is new ADG, NCC Directorate NER

KOHIMA, Jun 13: Major General Raju Chauhan has taken over as ADG, NCC Directorate, North East Region (NER) on June 5 last.

An alumnus of National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, Pune and Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, Major General Chauhan was commissioned in the 18th Battalion, the Brigade of Guards on June 9, 1984 and, later commanded an armoured brigade in Strike Corps.  He also has distinction of serving overseas in Laos PDR.

 

 

 

Awareness prog on CM's flagship schemes conducted

KAKOI, Jun 13:  An awareness programme regarding implementation of Chief Minister's flagship programmes, like Swalamban Yojna, Krishi Rinn and Bunkar Yojna was conducted under the chairmanship of Kakoi Circle Officer, Tana Bapu at his office chamber on Tuesday.

During the programme, Bapu explained to all the PRI leaders, HGB, GB, members of NGOs and SHGs, besides the general public, about the flagship programmes and advised them to avail its benefits.

 

 

 

Hundreds benefit from health camp

SIYUM, Jun 13:  Over 250 people benefitted from a three-day long health camp being jointly conducted by Itanagar Diocesan Empowerment Association (IDEA), District Vector-Borne Disease Control Society, Daporijo and Caritas India, which was held at Loke, Byaching and Eba villages under Siyum and Nacho blocks of Upper Subansiri district from June 7 to 9 last.

During the camps, free medical checkups were conducted and free medicines were distributed to patients suffering from common illness, such as gastritis, allergies, skin infection, body and stomach ache, acidity, fever and cough etc.

A team of doctors comprising of Dr Kamkar Riku from PHC, Siyum, Dr Riya SD from Divine Health Centre, Siyum and staff nurses attended to the patients during the camp.   

 

 

 

Regularize ITWs, says ACS

ITANAGAR, Jun 13: Expressing concern over the miserable life and pathetic condition of the Itanagar Traffic Wardens (ITWs) due to meager payment, the Arunachal Civil Society (ACS) has appealed to the state government for phase-wise appointment of ITWs as regular staff.   

Claiming that a total of 200 persons have been recruited on muster roll basis in the name of Itanagar Traffic Wardens (ITW) since 1st January, 2011 to 10th January, 2017, the ACS in a  representation to the Chief Minister lamented that  no concrete steps were taken  so far  to regularize  the service of  ITWs  who were well trained.

Demanding relaxation in recruitment policy for traffic constables, the ACS said that the serving ITWs should be recruited in the 56 sanctioned posts (out of 438 posts) for traffic constable in its first phase. The remaining 144 ITWs should also be regularized in a phase-wise manner, it said.

The ITWs are performing their duties tirelessly.  Their yeomen service should be rewarded by recruiting them as regular staff by the government, the ACS added.

 

 

 

DC expresses dissatisfaction over performance of some PHCs

ROING, Jun 13:  Lower Dibang Valley Deputy Commissioner Deepak Shinde expressed dissatisfaction over the performance of some PHCs for low percentage of immunization records in Mission Indradhanush phase IV, and directed the DMO to give more emphasis to places like Hunli-Desali and Parbuk circles where low percentage of immunization was recorded.

He was chairing the 6th round meeting of District Task Force on immunization on Tuesday to review the progress of Mission Indradhanush Phase-IV.

The DC also said that proper mechanism should be adopted for other outpost administrative circles to ensure full immunization in the district and urged them to expedite the duties and responsibilities of ASHAs and Aganwadi workers at their respective place of duty. He also suggested introduction of compulsory full immunization certification system of children during admission procedure in nursery andprimary schools to trace any left out children.

District RCH Officer, Dr R Mena highlighted the progress of the immunization drive and informed that 90 percent and 72.5 percent have been achieved against the target under MI and Routine Immunization respectively in 4th phase immunization drive. (DIPRO)

---- Editorial ----

 

 

 

All eye on Governor of Arunachal

Just when everyone thought that Green Field Airport project in Itanagar has become dead cause, the Governor of Arunachal P B Acharya has given ray of hope by making fresh appeal to the central government to expedite the process for construction of Greenfield Airport. Ever since assuming the office of Governor, Mr Acharya has shown tremendous interest in trying to improve the air connectivity of state and on several occasions has raised the need for early start of Green Field Airport. This positive gesture of Governor is truly appreciative and will help state in the long run.

The proposed Green Field Airport is in offing for the last several decades but is yet to be materialized. Controversy has badly affected the progress of this airport. Unfortunately the present state government has not shown any enthusiasm to pursue this project. Citing compensation issue, the state government is simply refusing to intervene and has almost given up. There is no denying that several factors is creating obstacle in the construction of green field airport. But if state government wishes it can resolve these issues and clear the path for construction of airport. Unfortunately the Green Field Airport has become the victim of political rivalry between two prominent politicians of state. Even as politicians of Arunachal are busy stalling airport project for their selfish gain, it is heartening to see Governor Acharya taking lead role in trying to revive this project. The people of capital complex in particular and state as whole will remain indebted to Governor Acharya if he manages to kick-start the Hollongi Green Field Airport Project at the earliest.

 

 

 

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---- Readers Forum ----

 

 

 

Swachh Bharat Abhiyanin Arunachal

Dear Editor,

The Swachh Bharat Abhiyanor Clean India Mission was launched by the Government of India on 2ndOctober, 2014, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi targeting the country's 4,041 statutory cities and towns. The main objective of this Mission is to make India clean and open defecation free (ODF) by providing sanitation facilities to every family, including toilets, solid and liquid waste disposal systems, village cleanliness, and safe and adequate drinking water supply. The government exhorted the citizens to fulfilGandhiji`s vision of a ‘Clean India’ by his 150th birth anniversary in 2019. Since its launch, the Missionhas become a countrywide movement with active participation by different government and non-governmental institutions, schools, colleges, civil societies, NGOs, etc., in urban and rural areas. Several programmes such as cleanliness drives, awareness rallies, tree plantations, construction of household and community toilets, and other related activities have been organised across the country. Arunachal Pradesh too, along with the rest of the country, have taken part in the Mission where similar events have been organised at almost all districts and circles/headquarters during the last two years.

Almost three years had passed since the launch of the Mission, recent reports showed that the state of Arunachal Pradesh, along with Nagaland, is yet to display significant changes. Reasons provided were crunch of funds and rough terrains which have made it difficult to provide accessibility to toilets and drinking water. In spite of that, the government has put several efforts to fulfil the objectives of the Mission by allotting additional funds apart from that obtained from the central government. Notwithstanding financial problems, the most noticeable obstacle towards achieving cleanliness (take Itanagar for example) are lack of proper waste management system and people’s indifferent attitude. Garbage dump sites located along the roadsides or near drains and people throwing garbage haphazardly is not only an unpleasant sight, but also a cause of many health hazards. The recent initiative by the Itanagar Municipal Council for door-to-door collection of garbage is a commendable step which can be further strengthened and expanded to cover larger areas. Waste segregation should start at the household level and facilities may be created with government assistance for safe disposal/treatment of each type of waste. Moreover, unless the people are sensitised and their mindset changed about the importance of cleanliness of their houses and surroundings, the government’s efforts would prove to be futile. Therefore, the movement for a ‘Clean India’ calls for voluntary participation of each and every citizen of the country because keeping our surroundings clean is not the responsibility of the government but everybody’s business.

As a step towards achieving ‘Swachh Bharat’, the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Govt. of India is celebrating SwachhtaPakhwada from the 1st to 15th June 2017. In this connection, the G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment & Sustainable Development the fortnight at its Headquarter at Almora, Uttarakhand, along with the regional units in the entire Indian Himalayan Region, viz.,  Northeast Unit (Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh), Sikkim Unit (Gangtok, Himachal Unit (Kullu) and Garhwal Unit (Srinagar, Uttarakhand).

Yours,

Dr. Wishfully Mylliemngap

G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment

& Sustainable

Development,

Itanagar

 

 

 

Cows and nation building

Dear Editor,

Cow vigilantism as a sacred expression to protect “Mother cow “has sadly become a convenient cloak for brutality and mayhem in the name of the Cow protection and gory detail of violence and the depredations perpetuated on the minorities by the imprudent mind have wrecked havoc in the mental state  of prudent minds.

The Constitution mandates, through Article 51, the propagation of a scientific temper but of lately it has been unrelenting violent temper of the vigilantism that is wrecking havoc in Northern India. Know that digitally resurgent India cannot be born without spreading a scientific temper forfeited of reason, common sense and a capacity to think objectively and critically. It will be either the rule of reason, or the tyranny of vigilantism.

The narrow interpretations of Hinduism as an excuse to attack others is vexing not only because of the criminality and inhumanity of their acts, but also because they act with apparent impunity without any fear of law and there is  there is nothing holy about it. The actions by cow vigilante groups – which are receiving state patronage – has created an ambience of terror and intimidation among pecuniary  farmers, tribals and dalits  and is a threat to the very  secular fabric of India and is a harmful impediment to the nation building process of the Indian state.

The  ideological ancestors of the current killers of men in the name of the Cow silenced BapuGandhiji with bullets; but his message survives and even reverberates today – but not in the hearts and minds of the killers of humanity  numbed by their own inhumanity. In the matters Sacred or Profane, India can no longer afford to be a mute spectator to the brutal assassination of its multi-religious, multi-ethnic and multi-racial soul. It must speak out, speak up and, for all to see, stand up for its soul.

One is reminded of the historic slogan raised during anti-fascist struggles in 30s which declared that ‘Fascism Will Not Pass’. Perhaps lessons should be drawn from such experiences and government should wake up to the fact that ‘Communal Fascism Will Not Pass” especially in a democratic plural country as India whose essence and existence is inherently reflected in the phrase - Unity in Diversity. India without respect for diversity and minority rights and will be the bigot Hindustan or Bharat as conceived by the radical rightist groups.

Cows are sacred to many; and one respects that. But violence by humans upon humans – regardless of the reason being sacred or profane – is inhumane, barbaric, brutish and diabolical.

Personally PM Modi is awe inspiring and being his greatest fan and to be critique of the communal policies ushered during the recent period is excruciating.  But though the prudent mind will asks to the end - Can the Saffron Establishment ever wash its hands of the growing menace and tyranny of guarakshaks?

Yours,

David Koyu, Itanagar

 

 

 

Unreliable train

Dear Editor,

As I travel by the 22412 New Delhi-Naharlagun AC Express,which is crawling and stopping at every lamp post and is already running 6 hours 30 minutes late ,afew thoughts pass my mind.

This train has always been running at an average record of 6 hours late. Tomorrow as your esteemed reader read this newspaper, we may be delayed more. The train compartments are not swept,the washrooms are unwashed and very smelly, and the food sold is highly substandard.

The question I would like to ask the ministry of railways/railway minister as to why such a step motherly treatment is given to the people of Arunachal when our leaders have whole heartedly shifted their loyalty to the BJP.

When will people of Arunachal Pradesh be awarded with a Rajdhaniexpress?

Yours,

Bamang Anu

 

 

 

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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

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