CM announce Rs One cr for a new bridge at Seppa
ITANAGAR, Nov 3: Chief Minister Nabam Tuki today announced an amount of Rs 1 crore for construction of another suspension bridge over River Kameng in Seppa, district headquarters of East Kameng, in place of the one that snapped on October 29. At least hundred people, mostly women and children, had squeezed on the suspension bridge to catch insects of a particular breed, which is a delicacy in this part of the region.
Tuki visited Seppa this morning along with Lok Sabha MP Takam Sanjoy and MLAs of the district. After visiting the site of the tragedy he made the announcement in a meeting with officials and leaders of the district at Kameng Hall and asserted that the bridge should be completed by March 2012.
He also handed over the cheque of Rs 19 lakhs as ex-gratia for the victims and another cheque of Rs 6 lakhs from UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi to Deputy Commissioner Tope Bam. A condolence message from Mrs Gandhi was also read out by the Chief Minister.
The Chief Minister expressed regret that a preventable tragedy had struck and appealed senior and educated members of the society to aware the innocent and gullible citizens on self-created dangers.
While conveying his condolences for those who died in the mishap, Tuki prayed for early recovery of the injured. He directed the district administration to continue the search operation more vigorously to trace out all the missing persons. Local MLA of Seppa Tapak Taku appreciated the visit of the Chief Minister to Seppa at this hour of grief & sorrow.
Sanjoy suggested that bereaved families should be immediately provided ex-gratia. He said that new Bridge should be constructed at the earliest, as it is the life line for the people of Old Seppa and New Seppa.
According to official reports five people have died in the accident while eleven are still missing. At least ten persons are seriously injured and more than thirty-seven received minor injuries.
The bridge, constructed in the year 1987-88 and commissioned in 1992, connected Seppa township with New Seppa, a thriving extension of the district headquarters.
Search operation by the Indian Army, CRPF and state Police with support from locals is going on round the clock.
ANSU blames PWD, questions Army, DA on rescue operation
Seppa Bridge mishap
ITANAGAR, Nov 3: All Nyishi Students’ Union (ANSU) that was part of the search operation blamed the district administration for their failure to initiate immediate action when the mishap occurred.
It said that local police team arrived with gun and sticks instead of being equipped with emergency medical team and required materials for rescue operation. It was the local residents who fearlessly jumped into the river and saved the lives of many people.
It said that the government should reward those citizens who risked their lives to save the lives of others.
The Union said that PWD did not carry out routine inspection of the suspension bridge which caused the major disaster. The improper inspection and failure to maintain the bridge led to its snapping, it said.
It further called for proper inspection of weak and outdated Bana and Hari bridges over Kameng river.
ANSU further expressed unhappiness at the rescue operation carried out by 5th Mountain division of Indian Army. It said that personnel did not conduct the operation effectively and reason why missing people have not been traced out is because of total failure of the Indian Army.
It urged Deputy Commissioner of the East Kameng to ensure fair and transparent distribution of relief packages provided by the state government. The compensation should reach the genuine victims, it said while adding that the expenses incurred by patients should be compensated.
The Union also expressed displeasure at the elected leaders of the district for not heeding to the development needs of the state.
Further ANSU urged the state government for a judicial probe and punishment of the defaulters.
Committee highlight problem caused by Ranganadi project
ITANAGAR, Nov 3: Lichi Cher Ranganadi Project Affected Area Management Committee hoped that the new government headed by Nabam Tuki as Chief Minister would solve the difficulties faced by downstream people of Lichi, Par Lichi, Hawa Camp, L/Sher, Nyokriang, Komasaki, Bada and Upper Jumi under Kimin due to 100% diversion of economically life sustaining Ranganadi water to Pare river leaving the downstream people high and dry for the last eight years.
Despite submission of numerous memoranda to NEEPCO Ltd and the State Govt, no action has been initiated by both the parties to fulfill our demand, the committee said.
The frustration and anger of downstream people culminated into strike in form of 24 hrs road blockade along the Kimin-Potin Road as first phase of agitation on September 22. Further, the 2nd phase 72 hours road blockade was proposed on October 14 in favour of its single-point demand for release of 50% river water in order to restore the lost aquatic fauna to reactivate traditional fishing as means of livelihood of poor people, but it had to be cancelled due to political unrest at that time, the release said. The committee reiterated that it would recall the 72 hrs road blockade within a month if NEEPCO fails to act within the given time and expressed that the new CM, who belongs to home district, would took into the matter with utmost sympathy and find out a favourable solution between NEEPCO Ltd and the affected people.
The committee further hoped that the new CM along with his team would not greedily sign MOU with power developers indiscriminately without proper environmental and demographic assessment like previous successive governments. It also urged local MLA Nabam Rebia to take up the matter at highest level for immediate solution to the problem.
Training Prog at ICAR, Basar
ITANAGAR, NOV 3: A 4 days training Programme on Soil and Water Conservation for District/Field Level Watershed Functionaries of Arunachal Pradesh” started at ICAR, AP Centre, Basar yesterday.
The programe is sponsored by Department of Land Resources, Ministry of Rural Development, and organized by ICAR Basar & ICRTA, Indira Gandhi National Open University, Agartala.
The programme saw participation of 30 progressive farmers of Basar and Aalo Sub-division.
In his address, Dr. Sachin Shinde, ADC, Basar stressed the importance of Integrated Farming System which is promoted by the ICAR and KVK West Siang, Basar for the improvement of the economic status of the farming community. He suggested to frame a calendar of training programmes to be conducted by the ICAR and KVK West Siang, Basar. Dr. R. Bhagawati, Joint Director highlighted the importance of Soil and Water Conservation for sustainable production of different crops.
Later the farmers visited the ICAR Research Farm, Gori.
CM, Governor discuss state issues
ITANAGAR, Nov 3: In the meeting today at Raj Bhavan, Governor General (Retd.) J.J. Singh and Chief Minister Nabam Tuki reviewed the overall situation in the State including the law and order and development projects.
The Governor, who has been closely monitoring all the on-going projects in the State, especially those under Prime Minister’s package emphasized on giving momentum to the development process. He also stressed on socio economic development in the rural areas and augmentation of tourism sector. Concerned about the unemployed youth, the Governor advised the Chief Minister on creation of jobs through public private partnership and self help groups and encouragement to tourism and handicrafts.
Presenting a ‘Team Arunachal’ badge to Tuki, General Singh asked to him to maintain the ‘Team Arunachal’ spirit and provide dynamic stewardship to the State.
The Chief Minister, who visited Seppa earlier in the day, briefed the Governor on the Seppa incident. The Governor appreciated the Chief Minister for the immediate relief provided to the affected families of unfortunate Seppa accident. He also praised Tuki for his personal commitment to restore the hanging bridge within a time frame. (PRO, Rajbhavan)
Hopes from new Chief Minister
ITANAGAR, Nov 3: Now it is upto Nabam Tuki how far he could lift the weights of too high expectations as chief minister.
Numerous organizations, associations and the Congress Party itself are hoping that the new Government headed by Tuki as chief minister would usher a new era of peace, harmony, unity and all round development of the state.
“Under the able leadership of Tuki, the State would witness all round development and transparency in the governance,” claimed Arunachal Pradesh Mahila Congress Committee (APMCC). In the same vein Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) also expressed the hope that the state would touch a new height in the coming days in all development fronts under Tuki’s leadership.
East Siang DCC president has described Tuki as ‘dynamic’ and ‘energetic’ leader who will dedicate himself for all round development of the state. On the other hand, Kurung Kumey DCC said that Tuki along with his to be inducted ‘capable cabinet’ would work together with utmost sincerity for the welfare and fulfillment of people’s hopes and aspirations.
Describing Tuki as simple and hard working person Dambuk BCC hoped that the new CM would respect the people’s sentiments and work for peace and tranquility among all tribes.
Former minister and Lower Dibang Valley DCC president Roding Pertin said that people would witness development activities in every nook and corner of the state under ‘matured’ and ‘experienced’ Tuki’s leadership. Further Tuki’s appointment as CM itself is a major boost for the party workers of LDV in particular to gear up activity with renewed vigour, Pertin said.
“The new chief minister would show his maturity through work beside creating an atmosphere of peace and tranquility in the state, All Sagalee Students’ Union said.
While praying to almighty Donyi-Polo to give Tuki strength and keep him healthy to fulfill his dreams of making Arunachal a prosperous state, Arunachal Vikash Parishad hoped that the very fabric of unity in diversity of the state would be stronger under his leadership.
All Papum Pare Youth Association hoped that the new chief minister would initiate to solve all burning problems of the state at the earliest and urged the CM to induct one from Papum Pare to his to be formed cabinet for development of the capital district.
Paktu Ao Youth Association (PAYWA) and Paktu Area Peoples Forum( PAPF) hoped that the New Chief Minister will give a new facelift to the development activities of Arunachal Pradesh in general and Paktu area in particular.
The organisations also hoped that the New Chief Minister will pay his sincere attention to the developmental activities of West Siang and Aalo.
The Nabam Welfare Society(NWS) hopes that the new Chief Minister will work for the comprehensive development of the state by taking along all sections of the society.
Lower Subansiri District Nyishi Students’ Union hoped that Tuki would give priority in all development fronts including education, health, road connectivity to all districts beside solving boundary dispute with Assam.
Pointing out some of the major problems that are hindering development process, Indigenous Faith & Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh hoped that the new government under Tuki’s leadership would give priority in solving insurgency problem of Tirap and Changlang, long-pending boundary dispute with Assam and on maintaining law and order situation in the state. “We also look upon him as guardian to encourage all indigenous people of the state to preserve, protect and promote indigenous faith and culture for identity.
All Lower Subansiri Development Council appealed to the newly appointed chief minister to implement/finish all the unfinished projects, such as divisional commissioner’s office (Fast), satellite township, establishment of central agriculture university etc of Lower Subansiri district. It also appealed to the chief minister to give cabinet berth one from Lower Subansiri for equal representation.
The Govt. Hr. Sec. School family of Doimukh hoped that the hilly and beautiful state would march forward towards the field of development under Tuki’s able leadership.
MWC team reaches Tawang on study tour
ITANAGAR, Nov 3: Five Members of Delhi Legislative Assembly, reached Tawang as part of study tour programme of Minority Welfare Committee (MWC) headed by Mateen Ahmad as chairman of the committee.
The members were received by SP Tawang SN Mosobi and Protocol officer Tawang Tenzin Jambey.
The members have planned to visit Bumla today but because of heavy snow the road was blocked and the programme was suspended.
After visiting Ganden Namgyel Lhatse monastery, the team left for Bomdila. (DIPRO)
Towang Lowangdong Merit Scholarship Award
ITANAGAR, Nov 3: The 9th Towang Lowangdong Merit Scholarship Award function was held at Khonsa today under the aegis of Namsang-Borduria Fund[NBF]. The awards were given away by Tirap DC, W. Lowang at a simple but attractive function.
The award instituted in memory of late Towang Lowangdong, former chief of Borduria, is given every year to the toppers of Nocte students in CBSE Board examinations of class-X and Class-XII [both Science and Arts].
The top 3 Nocte students in Class-X and Class-XII are given cash awards and certificates. The cash award for Class-XII[both Science and Arts] is Rs10,000, Rs5000 and Rs2500 respectively. The top 3 in Class-X also get the same amount and in same order. The award winners for the session 2009-2010 are Nyamling Akhang, Dine Ago, Nidhi Sumnyan, Nopnya Kamhua and Roancha Lowang[Class-X], Wangmat Songthing, Jankam Ajang and Ngiley Ngongwa[Class-XII- Science, Samcha Lowang, Wangrum Hosai and Thanliam Tonrang[Class-XII-Arts]. Expectedly Nocte students from RKMS, Narottam Nagar and RKSM, Khonsa swept the awards.
Lowang while congratulating the meritorious students asked them to work with the same spirit to bring more laurels for themselves. He further said that the award has been instituted to encourage and give fillip to the Nocte students to compete among themselves to excel in their academic pursuit. Heads of various educational institutions, officers and parents also spoke on the occasion and they all thanked NBF for the award.
AMYAA turns Miao into a Mushroom hub
ITANAGAR, Nov 3: The Alombro Mayu Yaku Chi Amey Aroga (AMYAA) NGO of Namphai-I, Miao turns Miao region a hub for mushroom cultivation. Under the aegis of AMYAA (NGO) a training programme was organized at Old Plone Village under Miao Circle. A total of 15 members from Aphuang SHG were trained on Mushroom Cultivation.
In the recent past AMYAA has imparted training in Mushrooming to 91 farmers from 7 villages under Khagam CD Block, Miao. A great number of participants normally turn up from SHGs. With the systematic follow-up strategy of AMYAA, existing old and newly formed SHGs are gradually being revived for proper functioning. Based on activity oriented programmes and trainings the AMYAA focuses at capacitating SHGs through proper assessments. With the recent fluctuating market price of tea leaves in the local market (Rs. 2 – 3 per kg), training of farmers in alternative income generation activities such as mushrooming and food processing can be of great solution to the problem of low income and poverty. The rural poor in today’s scenario can’t survive by mere dependence on traditional agri-based occupation nor tea garden. They need to be taught, motivated, and trained on multiple cropping, animal rearing, and small scale cottage industries which can bridge the gap between the increasing hiking price of essential commodities and their daily basic requirements.
Orientation training prog. for NYC volunteers
ITANAGAR, Nov 3: The 15 days Orientation training programme for National Youth Corps (NYC) volunteers of Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS) concluded at Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE), Itanagar on Oct 31. The training was imparted as a part of their deployment under NYC volunteer scheme for two years period to identify and assess the need of community and youths and arrange linkages between government schemes, youth clubs, panchayats and other agencies.
Altogether 82 volunteers from Tawang, West and East Kameng, Papum Pare, Itanagar, Kurung Kumey, Lower and Upper Subansiri, West, East and Upper Siang districts participated in the training programme in two batches.
Olom Talom, sub-regional employment officer distributed the training certificates as chief guest on valedictory function. Earlier, while Inkguanguang, zonal director in-charge NYKS, Arunachal Pradesh inaugurated the training programme.
Scout and guide team at National Level Trekking cum Nature Study Programme
ITANAGAR, Nov 3: The 3 young and energetic scout’s’ master and a guide from Arunachal represented state in the National Level Trekking cum Nature Study Programme held at Badrinath (Uttarakhand) from 28th September to 4th October.
The participants are Captain Gumjum Ete, Advance Scout Master from Govt. Nehru Memorial Hr. Sec. School, Aalo, Mijum Kamduk, Advance Scout Master from Govt. Middle School P.I. colony, Aalo, Talom Ligu, Advance Scout Master and Sumer Mugli (Guide captain) from Daporijo.
About 42 scout masters including guide captain from 20 states of country participated in the event. The trekking team had the chance to venture into the MANAH GAON the last Indian village to share the international border with China.
The team successfully participated in the National Level Trekking cum Nature Study Programme without any difficulties. The Arunachal team whole heartedly conveyed their love and sincere thanks to B.P Gupta, SOC (State Organizing Commissioner) scout section, C. Lowang, SOC (Guide Wing) for managing four quotas for Arunachal Pradesh from the centre (New Delhi).