oct16 09

October 09

2011

2016

Forest dept seeks people’s participation in protection of wildlife and environment

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Oct 08: The 62nd Wildlife week celebration in Arunachal Pradesh came to an end with a clarion call from the Forest department to the people for active participation in preservation of rich bio-diversity and wildlife of the state for posterity.

Addressing the valedictory function of the Wildlife Week celebration organized by the Department of Environment & Forests, GoAP at the Conference Hall of PCCF office here on Saturday, PCCF (WL&BD) & CWLW, GoAP, G N Sinha called upon the people from every section of the society to play their active role in preservation of wildlife.

"We need direct participation of people and their commitment in conservation of forest resource," said Sinha while stressing the need of behavioral changes towards wildlife.

Stating that the protection of wildlife in vast forest area of Arunachal Pradesh has become a major challenge for the forest personnel, Sinha said "it is also a fundamental duty of the common people enshrined in the Constitution to preserve and protect the forest resources and environment.

Stating that the people of the state are gradually taking keen interest in protection of wildlife and environment, Sinha, however, stressed on continuous efforts towards sensitization of common people about the need of conservation of forest. He called upon the young generation, particularly school students to take part in protection of environment and forest as the future of the state depends on today's young generation.

He further said that GoI has chosen first week of October every year coinciding with Mahatma Gandhi's Birth anniversary on his concept of non-violence for the cause of wildlife conservation. He appealed all civil societies, NGOs, intellectuals, teachers, students, government officials and general public to join hands with the department and take pledge to protect wildlife.

In his address, Additional PCCF (WP&C) & Nodal Officer, State CAMPA, Dr. Surya Prakash said that without people's participation, it is not possible for forest department alone with only 2000 forest personnel to protect the forest resources and environment. He sought cooperation of all section of the society in protection of wildlife.

Speaking on the occasion, Ishwar Singh, CCF (Wildlife), Itanagar, meticulously elaborated the ways and means of conserving flora and fauna in the state. While Poma Wildlife Range RFO, R K Koba explained about the need of celebrating the wildlife week.

In his thought provoking speech, Conservator of Forest, head office, Hibu Dole, called upon the teachers to sensitize the school children about the need of environment protection. He stressed on more plantation programme in school and residential compounds for protection of environment.

As a guest speaker, P J Thomas, a teacher with Saint Thomas Residential School, Doimukh called for strict implementation of Forest protection Acts enacted from time to time for conservation of forest and wildlife. Two class X students of the Saint Thomas Residential School, namely J B Jeevan and Taha Deep also spoke on the occasion and stressed on more awareness on protection of wildlife.

G N Sinha, Surya Prakash, Ishwar Singh and SFRI Director, N Tam also gave away the prizes to the winners of essay writing, drawing & painting competitions organized in senior, junior and primary level by the forest department during the week-long celebration.

Solar lamps were also distributed to the school children present in the programme which was coordinated by Joram Dopum, Deputy Chief Wildlife Warden, Naharlagun cum Director, Biological Park, Itanagar.

A host of Govt officers including T. Sitang Eko CF(Hqtr), D. Gogoi, CF (CAMPA), T. Riba, DCF(WL&BD), Nani Shah, DFO, Silviculture, Dr. Sorang Tadap, V.O, Biological Park, Itanagar, T. Mara, ADO and School Principals/Head Masters, teachers and students and prize winners from different schools of Capital Complex attended the programme.

CM Bungalow caretaker found hanging

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Oct 08: Barely two months after former Chief Minister Kalikho Pul was allegedly found hanging in a room at Chief Minister Bungalow on August 9, 2016, another man identified as Sushil Barman (40), a caretaker of Bungalow was found hanging on the top floor room just opposite the room where Late Pul's body was found on Saturday morning, police source informed.

Ever since late CM's death, it is said that no official is currently staying at Bungalow, except deceased Barman who was looking after the forlorn bungalow. Police sources further informed that incident may occur between 8:30 to 10 AM, however they were informed about it around 10:30 AM. The police added that reason for death is yet to be ascertained, however, prima facie appeared that late Barman hanged himself. "At this stage we cannot comment anything, the police are looking into all possible angles and matter is under investigation," said a police. An unnatural death case has been registered with Itanagar Police Station in this regard.

The body of late Barman was brought to Tomo Riba State Hospital Naha-rlagun this morning for post mortem and later handed over to the family for last rite, police added. Late Barman was from Cooch Behar in West Bengal. He has been working as caretaker since late CM Dorjee Khandu’s time.

He is survived by wife and five month-old baby boy.

ACS raises doubt: Meanwhile, Arunachal Civil Society (ACS) has raised doubt over second suspected 'suicide' case at CM's Bungalow.

It is very shocking that a caretaker of the bungalow has been found hanging in the bungalow barely two months after former chief minister Kalikho Pul's death, stated ACS in a release.

ACS reiterated its demand to make the "60 page note" written and left behind by late Kalikho Pul public and get the death case (of Pul) investigated by CBI to unearth the truth behind his death.

Centre assures sufficient fund for rural road connectivity

NEW DELHI, Oct 08: Union Rural Development Minister Narendra Singh Tomar has assured sufficient funds from the Center to Arunachal Pradesh for rural road connectivity.

He, however, pointed that a two-month programming would be done for Arunachal to monitor the progress of ongoing projects.

Tomar also assured to evolve a mechanism to discuss the possibilities of increasing the length of bridge span and relaxation of population criteria in respect of Arunachal as requested by Chief Minister Pema Khandu, who had called on him late Friday evening.

"The PMGSY norms doesn't permit to provide funds for maintenance of already created rural road infrastructure but we have a provision of awarding the states with additional funds whose performance are very satisfactory and projects completed well in time with assured quality," Tomar informed Pema.

He asked the state government to take up aggressive approach in getting the ongoing works completed.

Pema, accompanied by state RWD and Home Minister Kumar Waii, apprised the Union Minister that the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) has significantly improved the rural connectivity besides developing other rural infrastructure.

He, however, said that the guiding principle of PMGSY advocates connectivity to habitations having population of 250 plus independently/with cluster mode in the hilly areas as per 2001 census.

"The state has about 76% habitations under the category of less than 250 populations and due to such criteria a large number of people are being deprived of road connectivity. Therefore, this criterion needs to be relaxed to cover habitations of 100 populations as a special case," the Chief Minister advocated.

While informing that 137 road works were in various stages of completion covering a distance of nearly 1000 km, Pema urged the Union Minister to enhance the tentative allocation of the ministry for the current financial year.

He further pleaded to approve 162 new roads, including 53 long span bridges, covering 343 habitations, which have been in principle approved in the empowered committee meeting.

Pema while thanking the Union Minister for enhancing bridges span from 75 mtrs to 100 for Arunachal Pradesh, requested for further enhancing the bridges span to 150 mt on major rivers and tributaries particularly in the border areas. He also requested a one-time maintenance fund for rural road infrastructure already created in the state.

Besides the state RWD Minister, the Chief Secretary and department officials accompanied the Chief Minister.

Simai sets time for Manmao-Namchick road project

JAIRAMPUR, Oct 08: Nampong MLA Laisam Simai responding to the difficulties faced by the public of his hometown Manmao due to bad road conditions has summoned the project manager of M/s Valecha Engineering Limited and strongly expressed his displeasure over inordinate delay in completing the Manmao-Namchick Trans Arunachal Highway.

"A deadline has been set for completing the road up to Manmao on or before December next to which the agency has agreed to comply with," Simai said.

He also instructed ADC SS Choudhory and NH EE Kago Salu to monitor the work progress on daily basis.

It is pertinent to mention here that 60% of the road has been completed and remaining 40% are yet to be completed due to reason best known to the agency which hampering the developmental activities and progress of Manmao circle.

MLA Simai also pacified the problems existing between Trucks Owner Association and Timber Contractors Association in a meeting held at his official residence, Jairampur.

The problem between the two groups was hampering the progress of regional economy. But due to the timely intervention of the local legislator both the groups have assured to work together without creating any roadblock further.

2nd Peace Committee of Phanchung HEP meet held

SEPPA Oct 08: The 2nd Peace Committee meeting to chalk out a strategy and mechanism for conflict resolution was held under the chairmanship of East Kameng Deputy Commissioner Rajeev Takuk here on Friday.

The proponents and opponents of Phanchung HEP (45 MW), proposed to be built on Phanchung river in East Kameng District by CESC Pvt. Ltd., were called and allowed to put forth their views, suggestions and grievances.

Briefing about the outcome of the first meeting, the DC requested all present in the meeting to suggest ways and means for the conflict resolution.

The DC said that in democratic set up like ours, every person has right to express his or her grievances and the mode and manner of expression should be peaceful and democratic.

Exhorting the people to be practical and pragmatic, he appealed them for cooperation and support in the process of progressive development.

He enquired about the assessment committee report on the SIA and EIA of the project. He suggested for constitution of a 5-member committee comprising representatives from both groups of the affected villages and assured to convene a meeting with the company for further discussion.

After a threadbare discussion, it was decided that a common forum comprising members from both proponents and opponents of the project from affected villages will be constituted.

The company should listen and pay heed to the genuine demands of the affected villagers as per applicability under relevant norms. It should understand the sentiments of the affected families and always try to build a good rapport with the locals.

For better coordination and interpretation, the company should appoint at least one qualified person as Public Relation Officer from the affected area. Any kind of protest involving violence will not be repeated again, the meeting resolved.

ZPC Meyuk Cheda, CO (LM) Takam Nicholas, Lota Singhi, Chairman, Immediate Downstream Affected People Forum (IDAPF) and its members, Roto Dada, Chairman, Phanchung Hydro Power Project Affected Villagers Committee (PHPPAVC) and its members, EKSWCO Convenor Robin Hissang and its members, representatives from affected villages and CESC Pvt. Ltd. were present and shared their views in the discussion. DIPRO

Mein calls for evolving 'Poi Pee Mau into a major tourism festival

NAMSAI, Oct 08: Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein has called for evolving the New Year festival of Tai community "Poi Pee Mau" into a major tourism festival of the state.

Mein who convened a meeting to chalk out programmes to celebrate the festival in the office of the Deputy Commissioner on Friday, said that the festival over the years has gained popularity and efforts should be made to evolve it into one of the major tourism festivals of the state.

The festival this year will be celebrated from November 29 to December 1.

The celebration should not be limited to merry-making. It should be a platform to showcase the rich culture and traditions of the Tai Khamti, he said.

It was informed during the meeting by president of the celebration committee Chow Phatra Longchot that besides delegations from other Tai groups in North East India a Thai delegation will join the celebration this year's festival.

The Poi Pee Mau is celebrated every year as a new year festival as per the Tai Khamti lunar calendar. This year the theme of the festival is 'No to Drugs' which is aiming to send strong message to shun drug abuse and renew the vibrancy of the Tai Khamti society.

The meeting was presided over by Deputy Commissioner R.K.Sharma and attended by the two legislators of the district Chow Tewa Mein and and Chow Zingnu Namchoom, Parliamentary Secretary Planning besides the Heads of Departments and the celebration committee members.

'Cooperative Apex bank disobeys APIC order'

[ Prafulla Kaman ]

PASIGHAT, Oct 08: Arunachal Pradesh State Cooperative Apex bank (APSCAB) Limited run by State government is quite reluctant to disclose about its defaulters/borrowers, who have liabilities with the financial bank.

One Tani Moyong of Pasighat Mirbuk village in East Siang district sought information under RTI Act, 2005 about financial liabilities of APSCAB Ltd at its different branches. But he was denied any financial information by the PIO cum Managing Director of APSCAB Limited. The matter was finally dealt with by Arunachal Pradesh Information Commission (APIC).

The APIC in its order of last hearing conducted on 17/6/2016 noted that the PIO was denying information without any reasonable ground thus violated Section-7 of the RTI Act, 2005. The Commission imposed a penalty of Rs 25000 on the PIO cum Managing Director of APSCAB Limited for deliberately defying the orders of the Commission in connection with the appeal case no. APIC-152/2015. It directed the respondent to pay penalty on or before July 19, 2016.

The Commission earlier passed several orders directing the respondent (PIO) to furnish information to petitioner/appellant. However, the PIO did not obey the order.

The APIC order clearly stated that the PIO cum Managing Director of APSCAB Ltd has malafidely denied the request for information sought by the petitioner/appellant.

"The commission observed that there cannot be more callous and apathetic attitude of managing director-cum-PIO of APSCAB Ltd, Naharlagun towards a member of the public, but also a statutory body like information commission", the Commission order read.

The APIC order also stated that it was a fit case to invoke section 20(2) of RTI Act, 2005 by recommending to the state government to take appropriate disciplinary action against the erring PIO cum Managing Director of APSCAB Ltd under the service rules as applicable to him.

So, the Commission directed the State's Chief Secretary to initiate action against the Managing Director with intimation to APIC. But, it is alleged that no action has been taken against the erring PIO.

The petitioner, who refers APIC report, said that neither the PIO has furnished him information nor he paid the penalty imposed by the APIC.

Kugi Ao FC settles for a draw, GTK Darka wins

BEMFT- 2016

AALO, Oct 8: Kugi Ao FC had to settle for a 3-3 draw against Puakgumin YC today in the third match of the first Binga Ete Memorial Football Tournament, 2016 at Aalo general ground.

In a game of fluctuating fortunes, Puakgumin YC took the lead when one of its player was fouled in the D-box. Marto Sora scored from the resultant penalty.

However, the joy was short-lived as Kugi Ao FC got a penalty within no time and Bikash Sharma cleanly netted the ball in the opposition's net for the equalizer.

Playing in front of a vociferous crowd, Kugi Ao FC attacked relentlessly but were outsmarted by Puakgumin who took the lead through Sora, who netted his second goal of the match.

As all hopes were dying, once again fortune swung in favor of Kugi Ao, when Prakash Sharma netted two goals within a space of few minutes to take the lead.

Not to go down without a fight, Puakgumin showed their character by scoring through Nonik Shinglong in the dying moments of the match to earn a draw.

Earlier, GTK Darka beat FC DPGC Kamki by a solitary goal to start their campaign on a winning note.

Lisu Nirin and Nyali Ete scored a goal each for the Darka team while the lone score for the losing team was scored by Luknu Lombi.

On Sunday, NEFTU FC will play Kombo FC in the first match of the day while MAE FC will take on Darka FC.

Lhakpa Tsering to defend Raid De Himalaya title

MANALI, Oct 8: Arunachal's Lhakpa Tsering is all set to defend his title as the winner of the toughest Motorsport event in the country the Raid de Himalaya.

The rally which will cover a distance of more than 2000 km across the Greater Himalayan region of Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir was flagged off from Manali on Saturday at 3 pm.

Tsering, who hails from Dirang in Arunachal Pradesh, will be partnered by ace veteran navigator Venu Rameshkumar from Coimbatore.

The fact that they hold the title has put them in a slight disadvantageous position as they will be the first car out into the competitive stages early in the morning.

Dropping temperature below the minus degree and the frost on the windshield and ground are likely to put them in a tricky situation. The vast expanse of the high altitude deserts of the Spiti and Ladakh region that requires crossing of the three highest motor-able passes in the World is the playground for these sportsmen.

Tsering is the man behind putting Arunachal Pradesh on the motorpsorts scene of the country. A veteran of many rallies and organiser of the now famous Arunachal Festival of Speed, Tsering is striving to get international motorpsorts to Arunachal Pradesh.

"We have the perfect terrain for adventure sports and we should utilise our talents to showcase our Beautiful State to the world," he said.

Tsering will be driving the latest All Terrain Vehicle from Polaris the 1000RZR XP one of the most advanced and best ATV of the world.

Governor, CM extend Puja greetings

ITANAGAR, Oct 08: Arunachal Pradesh Governor, V Shanmuganathan has extended greetings to the people of the state on the festive occasion of Dussehra and prayed for peace, prosperity and amity in the state.

In his message, the Governor said that the festival of Dussehra signifies the essence of truth and accentuates that good always triumphs over evil.

'On this festive occasion, let us resolve to stand against injustice and strive towards realizing our dream of a progressive state built on foundations of compassion, justice, equality and truth', said the Governor in his message.

Chief Minister, Pema Khandu also conveyed his greetings and best wishes to the people on the occasion of Durga Puja.

In his message on the eve of 'Maha Ashtami', the main celebration of the six-day festival, Khandu expressed confidence that the festival would send the message that 'good always prevails over evil' and spread peace and love. (PRO to Governor, CMO)

Lok Adalats settle 28 cases

ITANAGAR, Oct 08: The Lok Adalats settled 28 cases in various courts in the state on Saturday.

One MACT and Succession cases involving Rs. 11,50,000 were settled in the court of District & Sessions Judge, Yupia.

The Adalat held in the court of Judicial Magistrate (First Class), Khonsa could settle 13 criminal cases and an amount of Rs. 2000 was realized from the person(s) involved in the petty cases.

Ten traffic and petty cases and three criminal cases were also settled in the courts of Additional District & Sessions Judge,Bomdila and Judicial Magistrate (first class), Daporijo.

National seminar concludes

ITANAGAR, Oct 08: A two-day long national seminar organized by the Rajiv Gandhi University Research Scholars' Forum (RGURSF) in collaboration with the Department of Economics, RGU concluded at the RGU Mini-Auditorium, here on Saturday.

Speaking during the valedictory function of the seminar, Chief Information Officer, Dr. Joram Begi highlighted the burning issues, dynamics and emerging realities in the North East India and the technicalities to solve the same.

Head of Department of Economics, RGU, Prof. NC Roy, Prof A Mitra, Prof. PK Panigrahi, Dr. V Upadhya and Dr. M Lama and Joint Secretary, Akash Kachari were also present on the occasion.

The Rajiv Gandhi University Research Scholars' Forum (RGURSF) was founded in 2012 with an objective to bring together scholars from different disciplines under a common umbrella to share ideas and to look into the pertinent issues of scholars. RGURSF is also an active participant in issues related to Research Scholars at the national level.

GB no more

ITANAGAR, Oct 08: Chow Angon Phalung, Gaon Burah of Juna-I village, Namsai district died after prolonged illness at his residence on Oct 7 last. He was 71. He is survived by his wife, 5 sons and a daughter.

Namsai MLA and Parliamentary Secretary for Planning, Chow Zingnu Namchoom expressed deep shock over the demise of Phalung and has extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. He further prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul.

Farmer-scientist interaction prog. concludes

ANJAW, Oct 08: In all, 52 farmers including, farm women and rural youth attended a two-day long farmer-scientist interaction-cum-awareness programme on International Year of Pulses 2016, conducted by the KVK Anjaw under Agriculture Technology Management Agency (ATMA) at Walong Village, which concluded here on Sunday.

During the programme issues like, sustainability and livelihood improvement through integrated farming system, importance of fishery and problems relating to lodging in rice, new varieties being introduced etc, were discussed.

SMS, Agronomy, Kh. Naveen spoke on cultivation of different pulses, its scope and importance and nutritional benefits of pulses as part of sustainable food production aimed towards food security and nutrition.

Programme Coordinator, Dr. Manish Kanwat, SMS, Agronomy, Khoisnam Naveen, KVK Anjaw Farm Manager, Prasanta Mahanta and HDO,TT Hai attended the programme.

NSUI launches on-line membership drive campaign

ITANAGAR, Oct 08: The National Students 'Union of India (NSUI) has launched its online membership drive "Join NSUI" campaign at Rajiv Gandhi Bhawan here on Saturday in presence of National Secretary NSUI and in-charge Arunachal Pradesh Mausom Baruah.

Addressing a gathering of students present on the occasion, Baruah informed that two types of members- primary and active - would be enrolled to NSUI. The NSUI membership can be obtained through smart channel like facebook and mobile Apps. or by simply giving a missed call on the number 9029114444, he said.

The NSUI's membership drive for all the regular UG and PG students below the age of 27 years, which began on October 8, will conclude on November 7, 2016.

State NSUI president Tanu Nima said that Indian National Congress (INC) is the only national political party in the state since its statehood which provides students the opportunity to grow as a politician and prove their mettles.

He also said that NSUI state unit would try to bring maximum numbers of students to its fold through this membership drive.

E-extension sector road repaired

ITANAGAR, Oct 08: The residents of E-extension sector, Itanagar under the initiative of a 'Working Committee' have repaired the dilapidated link road from NH-415 to the E-extension sector with cement concrete formation.

Led by the Gyamar Tach, Marjum Laye, Dakme Talam, Mai Teni and Pernyak Tarak, the sector dwellers contributed cash and kind on self-help basis, carried out a nearly month-long social service from Sept 14 and finally repaired the road along with drainage system.

“The road has been lying in worst condition for last 10-15 years due to lack of initiative from concern departments. The colony dwellers are facing lot of problems, particularly during emergency service like medical treatment, fire service etc due to dilapidated road condition. We have requested the local MLA, councillor and concern departments but yielded no results. Finally we the colony people repaired the link road on self-help basis," said leaders of the Working Committee. They also appealed to the concerned authorities to take up the maintenance work of the link road as it is not possible for the sector dwellers to maintain the road every year on self-help basis as it involved huge fund.

Meanwhile, the Committee appreciated the residents of the E-extension sector for their generous help and contribution in road renovation.

Dy. Speaker visits Pugging village

YINGKIONG, Oct 08: Deputy Speaker Alo Libang during his recent visit to Pugging village under his home constituency inaugurated a newly built community hall constructed with MPLADs fund.

The village is located some 23 Km from YingKiong town and is one the leading village s in terms of agriculture and horticultural productions.

Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Libang urged all to work united for peace and development.

He lauded MP Ninong Ering for funding construction of the Dere (community hall).

Responding to a memorandum submitted by Pugging ASM Oyiti Siboh on various developmental activity of the village, the Deputy Speaker cum local MLA promised to look into the various demands at appropriate level through concern departments. DIPRO

Association demands speedy investigation

[ Karda Natam ]

DAPORIJO, Oct 08: Upper Subansiri District Trans-Arunachal Highway Welfare Association in a memorandum has demanded the Upper Subansiri Deputy Commissioner for immediate constitution of SIC for speedy investigation of the case against the five culprits, who were arrested on August 8 in connection with TAH fake bill under Prevention of Corruption Act.

Though the case was transferred to SIC on August 12, there has been no progress on the case, the association said.

The association further demanded video as well as photography of the whole process of disbursement of payment to the affected beneficiaries should be made mandatory.

Further, necessary arrangement should be made for demarcation of right of the way (RoW) of road to ascertain the actual area of the land possessed by the claimant, it added.

Heavy shower lashes Siang Valley

Correspondent

RUKSIN, Oct 08: Heavy rain lashed Siang Valley, including East Siang and parts of bordering Dhemaji of Assam. The shower which started Friday evening became torrential in the area paralyzing normal life.

The rain also dampened the festivity of Durga Puja in the region.

The rain also submerged rural roads and many low lying areas and is causing inconvenience to the commuters.

The weather situation is still uncertain which left the puja committees to keep their finger crossed.

Siang region has witnessed massive rainfall activities this summer. The Water Resource department in East Siang has recorded 999.50 mm rainfall during September this year. There were 22 rain days recorded during the month.

EKSWCO's week-long campaign on cleanliness concludes

SEPPA, Oct 08: East Kameng Social Welfare & Cultural Organisation (EKSWCO) in collaboration with the PHE & WS division Seppa conducted a series of awareness campaign on Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) at various gram panchayats of the East Kameng district from October 1 to 8.

The awareness campaigns were conducted in Pakoti, Kakukao, Mebua, Lumdang, Pabua and Pampoli Gram Panchayats, a press release informed.

Resource persons for the programme included Robin Hissang, Tara Kamchi, Blagang Dada, Chopa Tallang and Papu Lamgu, the release added.

Brahmaputra dam not to affect flow to India: China

BEIJING, Oct 08: Justifying its move to blockade a tributary of the Brahmaputra to construct a dam, China on Saturday sought to allay apprehensions that it would affect the river flow into India saying that there will be no adverse impact on downstream areas.

Terming the Lalho dam project on the Xiabuqu river, a tributary of the Brahmaputra which is locally called as Yarlung Zangbo, as an important livelihood project to address food security and flood safety in Tibet, the Chinese foreign ministry said the tributary river is located completely within the Chinese side.

"The reservoir capacity of the project is less than 0.02 per cent of the average annual runoff of the Yarlung Zangbo- Brahmaputra. It cannot have an adverse impact on the downstream," the Chinese foreign ministry said in a written reply to PTI to a question on India's concerns over the dam.

Brahmaputra flows from Tibet into Arunachal Pradesh,Assam and later into Bangladesh.

On October 1, China announced the blockade of Xiabuqu river in Tibet as part of the construction of its "most expensive" dam project.

The Lalho project on Xiabuqu River a tributary in Xigaze in Tibet involves an investment of $740 million.

Referring to the expert level mechanism on trans-border rivers between India and China, the Chinese foreign ministry said both the countries have been carrying out good cooperation on trans-border rivers for a long time.

"Proceeding from the larger picture of China-India friendship and from the humanitarian angle, the Chinese side has overcome all kinds of difficulties, and has provided services to the Indian side such as flood season hydrological data and emergency management, and has played a positive role in areas such as flood and disaster control along the banks of the relevant rivers," the ministry said.

"China is willing to continue relevant cooperation with the Indian side through the existing expert level mechanism on trans-border rivers," it said.

Stating that Brahmaputra is rich in water and a major hydrological resource for Tibet, the Chinese foreign ministry said, "The development and utilisation of the Chinese side at present is just one per cent."

"The water quality that crosses the border is good and is basically at its natural state," it said.

Brahmaputra flows through economically less developed ethnic minority regions of China, it said.

"Legitimate use of the water and hydrological resources is an important component of the rights of the people of this region to live and develop," it said. PTI