Author name: OnlineAge

PANGKANG : A two-day public awareness and community engagement programme on the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) was conducted at Pangkang (Jorkong) and Pangkang (Kumku) on May 25 and 26 respectively, with active participation from villagers and local households. The initiative was organised to strengthen public understanding of the proposed project and its potential impact on infrastructure development, regional growth and community welfare. The awareness drive commenced at Pangkang (Jorkong) on May 25 in the presence of Village Development and SUMP Development Committee President Tamyo Mingki. The programme also witnessed participation from SUMP Vice President Tamo Jerang and Village Development Committee Secretary Omak Tali, who encouraged interaction and discussion among villagers regarding the project. The outreach programme continued at Pangkang (Kumku) on May 26 in the presence of SUMP Development Committee Chairman Bakin Tali and Vice Chairman Omin Tamut. At both venues, the organising teams facilitated open interaction sessions, enabling villagers to raise queries, share concerns and offer suggestions related to the proposed project. To promote transparency and sustained public awareness, SUMP information booklets were distributed among the villagers following the discussions. The organisers stated that the programme aimed to encourage informed participation and strengthen community engagement through direct dialogue with local residents regarding the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project.

ITANAGAR : Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Wednesday announced that the state government would constitute a high-level committee to deliberate on issues relating to Inner Line Permit (ILP) regulation, demographic concerns, indigenous tribal rights and APST-related matters. Addressing a high-level consultative meeting at the State Banquet Hall in Niti Vihar, Khandu assured that the government would work collectively with all stakeholders to evolve concrete and long-term solutions on the issues. Describing the deliberations as “historic,” the Chief Minister said the nearly seven-and-a-half-hour meeting witnessed participation from community-based organisations (CBOs), student bodies, legal experts, civil society representatives, political leaders and senior government officials. Representatives of the Arunachal Indigenous Tribes Forum (AITF), All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU), ST Bachao Andolan Committee (STBAC), political parties and officers from the Home, Law and Political departments, besides the Directorate of Indigenous Affairs and other departments, attended the meeting. Khandu expressed gratitude to the ST Bachao Andolan Committee for drawing the government’s attention to what he termed a “long-burning issue” linked to illegal immigration, demographic imbalance and threats to indigenous identity and cultural preservation. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day address on August 15, 2025, the Chief Minister said the Union Government has already recognised demographic imbalance and illegal immigration as serious concerns affecting law and order, indigenous culture and national security. He also informed the gathering that Union Home Minister Amit Shah has constituted a national-level High-Level Committee on Demographic Change comprising a retired judge, retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and Indian Police Service (IPS) officers, and senior officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs. The Chief Minister stated that the state government has, in principle, accepted the four major demands raised during the meeting, including the long-pending demand for creation of a separate department for management and regulation of the ILP system under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR). Announcing in-principle approval for creation of a dedicated ILP Department, Khandu said the proposal had been consistently advocated by both AAPSU and STBAC. Highlighting the need for long-term solutions, the Chief Minister strongly advocated skilling and capacity-building of local youths to reduce dependency on outside labour and workforce. He urged apex CBOs to actively encourage vocational skill development initiatives across the state. As a follow-up to the meeting, Khandu informed that another meeting would be convened on May 29 for formal constitution of the high-level committee. He invited seven representatives each from AITF, AAPSU and STBAC, along with members from the legal fraternity, to participate in the process. The Chief Minister assured that the committee would be officially notified after finalisation of members and that all recommendations submitted by the panel would be discussed transparently before any final policy decisions are taken. Reiterating the spirit of “Team Arunachal,” Khandu called upon all stakeholders to work collectively towards safeguarding indigenous rights, strengthening governance and ensuring the long-term development and stability of the state.        

ITANAGAR : In a major boost to Arunachal Pradesh’s hydropower sector and India’s renewable energy ambitions, the Government of Arunachal Pradesh on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Greenko Demwe Power Limited for implementation of the 1750 MW Demwe Lower Hydroelectric Project in Lohit district. The project will be executed on a BOOT (Build, Own, Operate and Transfer) basis and is among the largest hydropower collaborations undertaken with a private sector developer in the state. The MoA was signed between the Government of Arunachal Pradesh and Greenko Demwe Power Limited, formerly Athena Demwe Power Limited, for execution of the project near Parasuram Kund and Brahma Kund on the Lohit River. Joint Secretary (Hydropower) Hage Lailang signed the agreement on behalf of the state government in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister and Hydropower Minister Chowna Mein and Hydropower Commissioner Sonam Chombay. The project forms part of the Government of India’s ambitious 50,000 MW Hydroelectric Initiative aimed at expanding the country’s renewable energy capacity. The Demwe Lower Hydroelectric Project will have an installed capacity of 1750 MW, comprising five generating units of 342 MW each and one unit of 40 MW. The project is expected to generate around 7,326 million units of electricity annually in a 90 per cent dependable year at 95 per cent plant availability. According to official details, the project will feature a concrete gravity dam with a maximum height of 163.12 metres and a crest length of 474.35 metres. The reservoir at Full Reservoir Level will have a storage capacity of 516.38 million cubic metres and a water spread area of around 1,131 hectares. The hydropower infrastructure will include six diversion tunnels, underground pressure shafts and a large surface powerhouse on the right bank of the Lohit River. The powerhouse will operate with Vertical Francis Turbines designed for a head of 112 metres and a discharge of 1,729 cumecs. The project site in Lohit district is strategically connected through Dibrugarh Airport, Tinsukia railhead and road access from Parasuram Kund. Besides strengthening India’s renewable energy capacity, the project is expected to generate large-scale direct and indirect employment opportunities during both construction and operational phases. It is also expected to contribute to infrastructure development, improved connectivity and economic growth in the region. The state government reiterated its commitment to environmentally responsible and sustainable hydropower development while ensuring benefits reach local communities. Officials said the agreement reflects growing investor confidence in Arunachal Pradesh as a key destination for clean energy and infrastructure investment, expressing confidence that the Demwe Lower Hydroelectric Project will emerge as one of the flagship hydropower projects in the country.      

ITANAGAR : Governor K T Parnaik on Wednesday urged the youths to connect with people from different parts of the country, preserve traditional values and work towards eliminating regional barriers through greater interaction and mutual respect. Participating in the Yuva Sangam programme under the ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ initiative at Lok Bhavan here, the governor said such exchanges help strengthen national integration and deepen the spirit of “oneness” among people, an official statement said. Interacting with students from Uttar Pradesh and the North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology (NERIST) here, Parnaik encouraged young people to actively participate in programmes promoting cultural understanding, emotional bonding and shared national pride. He said curiosity and inquisitiveness are essential for learning, innovation and personal growth. NERIST is the nodal institution for Arunachal Pradesh for Yuva Sangam Phase VI and has been paired with the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Lucknow. Parnaik also called upon the youth to preserve indigenous knowledge, languages and cultural practices while contributing towards environmental protection and sustainable living. Stressing the role of young people in nation-building, he advised them to remain educated, disciplined and self-motivated. Addressing the visiting students from Uttar Pradesh, Parnaik highlighted Arunachal Pradesh’s rich history, vibrant culture and development journey. He spoke about the state’s potential in hydropower, horticulture, tourism and organic farming, while also referring to the geographical and infrastructural challenges faced by the frontier state. The governor said Arunachal Pradesh continues to make steady progress with the support of the Centre and the determination of its people. He highlighted the state’s civilisational and cultural heritage, referring to Parashuram Kund as an important spiritual destination linked to Indian mythology and faith. He also mentioned the historical and archaeological significance of Bhismaknagar and Malinithan, saying these sites reflect Arunachal Pradesh’s deep cultural links with the rest of the country. Parnaik urged the visiting students to carry back fond memories of Arunachal Pradesh’s culture, traditions and natural beauty, along with the warmth and hospitality of its people. He expressed hope that their visit would strengthen friendship and improve understanding about the Northeast and its people. The governor said the people of the Northeast are equally patriotic and committed to the nation’s unity, security and development, and therefore deserve equal respect, opportunities and understanding in every sphere. The programme also featured a vibrant cultural exchange showcasing the spirit of unity in diversity. (Source: PRO/PTI)    

ITANAGAR : More households have submitted consent papers and signed memorandum of understanding (MoUs) in favour of the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project’s (SUMP) pre-feasibility report (PFR) survey initiative, an official said on Wednesday. In Upper Siang district, 12 households from Ramsing village on Wednesday submitted their consent papers supporting the MoU signed by the pro-PFR group on March 15, this year, at Yingkiong. The list of consenting households was submitted by Dungge Apang to Upper Siang deputy commissioner Talo Jerang at his office chamber in the presence of administrative officers, heads of departments and members of the pro-PFR families. With the latest submission, 31 out of 60 households from Ramsing village have now extended their consent in support of the PFR-related activities and the proposed SUMP. The deputy Commissioner appreciated the increasing participation and cooperation of local stakeholders and said such collective support would help bring positive developmental changes to the district. Meanwhile, in Siang district, 18 more households from Begging village signed the MoU for the project’s PFR at the deputy commissioner’s office in Boleng on Tuesday. The MoU signing process was overseen by Siang deputy commissioner Tayi Taggu in the presence of district administration officials. Earlier, 36 households from the village had already signed the agreement. With the latest addition, the total number of households supporting the MoU in Begging village has risen to 54. Officials said the increasing participation reflected continued dialogue and engagement among stakeholders regarding the proposed project. The district administration, led by DC Taggu, has been facilitating consultations and discussions to ensure community participation in the developmental initiative. The SUMP is expected to play a transformative role in improving the socio-economic conditions of the local population in the state. Besides generating substantial hydroelectric power and strengthening the region’s infrastructure, the project is likely to create large-scale employment opportunities for local youth during both the construction and operational phases, officials said. The project may also contribute to rural development by enhancing livelihood opportunities, increasing income generation and promoting overall economic growth in remote areas. However, experts and local stakeholders have also emphasised the need for balanced development, proper rehabilitation measures and environmental safeguards to ensure that the benefits of the project sustainably reach the indigenous communities while preserving their cultural and ecological heritage. (Source: DIPR/PTI)      

ITANAGAR : Governor Lt Gen KT Parnaik (Retd) on Wednesday said women are central to the state’s progress and the preservation of its rich cultural heritage. Speaking during a meeting with National Commission for Women (NCW) Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar at Lok Bhavan, the Governor said women in Arunachal Pradesh are highly active in social, economic and community life, making significant contributions in agriculture, entrepreneurship, governance and social campaigns. According to a Raj Bhavan statement, the meeting focused on issues relating to the welfare, safety, empowerment and socio-economic advancement of women in the state. Highlighting the role of women across Arunachal Pradesh’s diverse tribal communities, the Governor said they have long been the custodians of family values, traditions and community harmony. He also appreciated their active participation in anti-drug campaigns, cleanliness drives, health and hygiene awareness programmes, and preservation of traditional handloom, textiles and indigenous cultural heritage. Parnaik particularly lauded the growing success of Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs), stating that they are playing a transformative role in improving livelihoods, promoting financial independence and uplifting rural communities. Emphasising that the state’s progress is closely linked with women’s empowerment, Parnaik said Arunachali women possess immense resilience, dignity and cultural wisdom. Greater participation of women in education, governance, entrepreneurship and nation-building is essential for building a progressive, inclusive and self-reliant Arunachal Pradesh, he added. The Governor also appreciated the forthcoming ‘Jan Sunvai – Rashtriya Mahila Aayog Aapke Dwaar’ programme, being organised by the NCW in collaboration with the Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Women in Itanagar on May 29. He said such initiatives provide an important platform for women to voice their concerns, seek support and strengthen awareness about their rights and opportunities. Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Women (APSCW) Chairperson Yalem Taga Burang was also present during.      

TEZU : More than 67 kg of waste was collected during a cleanup and waste audit drive conducted in Tezu under “The Himalayan Cleanup 2026,” a Himalayan-wide campaign aimed at addressing the growing plastic waste crisis in the region. The two-day programme was organised by Team Amala in collaboration with AMYAA NGO as part of the initiative launched by Zero Waste Himalaya and the Integrated Mountain Initiative. The first phase of the programme was held at Bamboosa Library, where around 40 participants, including representatives of student organisations, welfare societies, teachers, business owners, youth volunteers and citizens, attended awareness sessions on waste management and responsible consumption. Participants discussed practical measures such as reducing the use of single-use plastics, promoting waste segregation, carrying reusable water bottles and adopting environmentally responsible lifestyles. The sessions also stressed that waste management is a shared community responsibility. Volunteers were trained in waste segregation and waste audit procedures to identify the composition and sources of waste generated in the locality. The second phase involved a cleanup and waste audit exercise near the Tezu Nala bridge area, where around 60 volunteers, including members of Lohit Green Foundation, Ex-SSB Welfare Society, students and community members, participated in the drive. During the exercise, volunteers collected approximately 42.4 kg of plastic wrappers, 12.8 kg of glass bottles and 12 kg of PET bottles, taking the total waste collected to over 67 kg. Single-use packaged drinking water bottles, chips packets, beverage containers and instant food packaging were among the most common waste items identified during the audit. Participants observed that the systematic process of waste segregation and brand auditing helped generate greater awareness about consumption patterns, waste generation and environmental responsibility. All segregated waste materials were later handed over to the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) in Tezu for recycling and resource recovery. The organisers emphasised that cleanup drives alone cannot resolve the waste crisis and highlighted the importance of sustained behavioural change, responsible consumption and collective community action under the principle of “My Waste, My Responsibility.” The programme concluded with appreciation for the support and participation extended by volunteers, organisations, students and citizens.