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(Online version of the Arunachal Age newspaper)

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State Food Commission reviews NFSA implementation in Tawang

TAWANG, Arunachal Pradesh State Food Commission (APSFC) Chairman Tarh Tarak, accompanied by Commission Member Maji Choker, reviewed the implementation of National Food Security Act (NFSA) schemes in Tawang district during a visit on Saturday. The APSFC team is on a four-day tour of western Arunachal Pradesh covering Tawang, West Kameng, Bichom and East Kameng districts to assess the implementation of the NFSA and related welfare schemes. A review meeting chaired by Tawang Deputy Commissioner Namgyal Angmo was attended by implementing officers from various line departments. Key schemes reviewed included PM POSHAN, Supplementary Nutrition Programme (SNP), Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY), the Public Distribution System (PDS), and National Health Mission schemes for pregnant and lactating women. Addressing the meeting, APSFC Chairman Tarh Tarak appreciated the coordinated efforts of officers and officials of various departments. “The Central and State governments have introduced several important schemes related to food security, food safety and healthcare to ensure healthy living and wellbeing of the people,” Tarak said. “All schemes under the NFSA must be implemented effectively and officers should ensure that no grievances arise from the public”, he added. Later, the Commission team inspected the Food Corporation of India (FCI) godown in Tawang, along with several fair price shops and cooperative outlets. During the inspection, the team found that the FCI godown had adequate foodgrain stock to meet requirements during the upcoming monsoon season and that the storage facility was well maintained. Among others present during the review meeting and inspections were Tawang Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) Dondup Pema, Lumla CDPO Diris Diengdoh, Tawang Deputy Director of School Education (DDSE) Hridhar Phuntso, Medical Superintendent Dr Tenzin Kunga, SIFCS Sange Tsering Kee, and Food Safety Officer Assistant Dorjee Phuntso. (DIPR)    

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APSDMA conducts hands-on training on bathymetry survey devices

ITANAGAR, As part of the National Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) Risk Management Programme (NGRMP) and efforts to strengthen disaster preparedness, the Arunachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) on Saturday organised a three-day hands-on training programme on bathymetry survey devices in Itanagar. The programme aimed to enhance the technical capacity of officials and experts expected to participate in surveys of identified high-risk glacial lakes in the state. Arunachal Pradesh currently has 32 identified high-risk glacial lakes that pose potential threats of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods. The training began with theoretical sessions on the technical aspects, operation and applications of bathymetry survey devices, followed by practical demonstrations and field-based exercises at Ganga Lake. Participants were also trained in data collection and processing techniques. Experts and officials from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Geological Survey of India (GSI), Arunachal Pradesh Space Application Centre (APSAC), Water Resources Department, State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) and District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs) participated in the programme. Speaking on the occasion, APSDMA Joint Director said, “Bathymetric surveys are essential to assess the risks posed by identified high-risk glacial lakes and to facilitate mitigation planning.” “Despite several earlier attempts, bathymetric studies could not be conducted due to administrative challenges. APSDMA subsequently procured its own bathymetry survey device to carry forward the work,” he said. The Joint Director further said, “APSDMA currently lacks sufficient technical experts in this field and therefore requires support from specialists across various departments. Full cooperation during future survey and mitigation activities is crucial.” He also stressed the need for conducting Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) studies to examine the internal structure and stability of moraine dams surrounding glacial lakes. “ERT assessments are vital for effective risk management and for planning appropriate mitigation measures,” he added, while appealing to the concerned departments to support APSDMA in conducting the studies. The initiative forms part of APSDMA’s broader strategy to strengthen preparedness against potential GLOF incidents amid concerns over the increasing size of several glacial lakes and the risks posed to downstream communities.  

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BJP launches district-level training prog at Tawang

ITANAGAR, The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Arunachal Pradesh unit, on Saturday launched its district-level training programme at Tawang under the nationwide Pandit Deendayal Prashikshan Mahabhiyan 2026. The state-level training initiative will be conducted from May 9 to May 31 across 12 locations in Arunachal Pradesh, beginning with the inaugural session at Tawang. Delegates from Tawang, West Kameng and Bichom districts participated in the programme. The programme was inaugurated by BJP Arunachal Pradesh president Kaling Moyong. Addressing the gathering, Moyong said the BJP is a cadre-based party driven by ideology, discipline and commitment to national service. “The BJP stands apart because of its dedicated karyakartas who work selflessly for the nation and the organisation,” he said. Highlighting opportunities for grassroots leadership within the party, he cited the example of a newly elected woman MLA from West Bengal who rose from a humble background. “The BJP believes in empowering ordinary workers and giving leadership opportunities based on dedication and hard work,” he said. Moyong also congratulated BJP workers in West Bengal and Assam for their electoral successes and praised their commitment and organisational strength. He said the training programme in Arunachal Pradesh would cover 11 core subjects along with additional topics introduced by the state unit, including the achievements of the BJP government under the leadership of Chief Minister Pema Khandu over the past nine years. “I urge all trainees to learn sincerely from the sessions conducted by the resource persons. Such programmes help strengthen both individual capacity and the party organisation with ideological clarity,” he said. State BJP vice-president and training programme convenor Ashok Sangchujo also addressed the gathering and explained the structure and objectives of the training initiative. Lumla MLA Tsering Lhamu attended the inaugural session as the host MLA, while Nari-Koyu MLA Tojir Kadu participated as a resource person. Among others, BJP state general secretaries Junty Singpho and Tadar Niglar, state secretaries Taring Tiri, Joram Tat and Panku Wangsu, state media convenor Dolang Tako, BJYM state president Tame Siyang Tarh, Minority Morcha state president Taring Rai, Kamle district in-charge Golom Bogy, Tawang district in-charge Gumjum Haider and former Mahila Morcha state president Kohman Lungphi Ngemu attended the programme along with party office bearers and senior karyakartas.      

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NSUP visits Seed Children Home in Pasighat

PASIGHAT, The Nyishi Students’ Union Pasighat (NSUP) on Saturday visited the Seed Children Home here and spent time with orphaned and underprivileged children as part of a social outreach initiative. The Seed Children Home provides shelter and support to orphaned and vulnerable children in the region. During the visit, NSUP members and volunteers interacted with the children, sharing joyful moments and extending encouragement and essential support. Leading the delegation, NSUP president Miching Tagia thanked members and supporters for making the programme successful and urged students and youths to actively participate in social welfare activities. “Serving humanity with compassion and dedication is a responsibility we must all embrace,” he said. The visit was organised under the motto, “Unity in Action, Humanity in Compassion,” reflecting the union’s commitment to promoting social harmony and collective responsibility through humanitarian initiatives.      

REGIONAL

Assam’s Baksa honey goes global, 1st shipment exported to US

GUWAHATI, The first-ever consignment of honey from Assam’s Baksa district to the United States was flagged off from Guwahati on Saturday, an official statement said. The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) facilitated the export from the aspirational district under the Centre’s One District One Product (ODOP) initiative. The consignment was undertaken by APEDA-registered exporter Salt Range Foods Pvt Ltd. Commissioner and secretary of the agriculture department and agriculture production commissioner Aruna Rajoria flagged off the consignment. “The landmark consignment, comprising around 20 metric tonnes of honey, was flagged off from Guwahati. The honey has been processed and packed at the facility of Salt Range Foods Private Limited in Guwahati,” the statement said. Sourced from an eco-friendly and pesticide-free environment, the honey from Baksa district is known for its high quality and near-organic characteristics, reflecting the region’s rich biodiversity and sustainable agricultural practices, it said. Honey from Baksa has also been identified under the ODOP initiative, recognising its potential for livelihood generation, value addition and export growth. Assam has immense potential for honey production owing to its rich biodiversity, abundant forest resources and long-standing tradition of beekeeping, the statement said. The state produced approximately 1,650 metric tonnes of honey during 2023-24, according to the National Horticulture Board’s latest data. Major honey-producing districts in the state include Baksa, Kokrajhar, Chirang, Udalguri and Tamulpur in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR). The APEDA, under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, facilitated the export by supporting infrastructure development, including the provision of testing and laboratory equipment at the processing facility to ensure adherence to international quality standards and food safety requirements. The initiative is expected to significantly benefit local beekeepers and farmers, with farmers receiving around 43 per cent higher price realisation compared to prevailing local farm gate prices, thereby enhancing income opportunities and strengthening rural livelihoods in the region, the statement said. (Source: PTI)  

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Training prog on trout farming, eco-tourism held

SHERGAON, The Arunachal Pradesh Fisheries Department in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Central Institute of Coldwater Fisheries Research (ICAR-CICFR), Bhimtal, organised a training-cum-inputs distribution programme here on Saturday. Local MLA Tseten Chombay attended the programme as the chief guest. Scientists from ICAR-CICFR conducted technical sessions on the expansion of rainbow trout farming and awareness on eco-tourism and sport fishing of golden mahseer. ICAR-CICFR principal scientist Dr RS Patiyal congratulated trout farmers of West Kameng for the success of trout farming in the region. “Our institute will extend full support to expand trout farming on a commercial scale and help farmers explore new markets,” he said. West Kameng Deputy Director of Fisheries Tagi Yonggam delivered a presentation on fish conservation in the district and the state. ICAR-CICFR senior FAO DC Sati appreciated the collaboration between the state government and the institute. “The active involvement of the state government has played a major role in making trout farming successful. We will continue to organise more such programmes in future,” he said. Shergaon ZPM CK Thungon lauded the department for its proactive role in promoting fish farming through training initiatives. “I have personally benefited from the department’s programmes. With tourism as the mainstay of the region, homestays and resorts provide a ready market for fish farmers,” he said. Addressing the gathering, local MLA Tseten Chombay appreciated the Fisheries Department and ICAR-CICFR Bhimtal for organising programmes in the constituency. “Fish farmers need continuous technical and institutional support. Supplying trout fish to the Indian Army stationed in the region can also create a stable market for farmers,” he said. During the programme, the MLA, along with Shergaon ZPM CK Thungon, Nargum East ZPM Tashi Wangchu and Nargum West ZPM Dorjee Tsering Namsa, flagged off a refrigerated vehicle for transportation of quality fish and trout fingerlings. The MLA also distributed deep freezers, trout feed, hatching trays, troughs and feeding or nursery tubs to 50 beneficiaries. The fish farmers expressed gratitude to the Fisheries Department and ICAR-CICFR for their continued support. West Kameng District Fisheries Development Officer PK Thungon thanked ICAR-CICFR director Amit Pande and NER nodal officer Dr SK Mallik for supporting and sponsoring fisheries programmes in the region. (DIPR)

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Man arrested with drugs

ITANAGAR, A person was arrested with drugs worth around Rs 30 lakh at the Polo Colony in Naharlagun on Friday, police said. During an anti-drug raid, police seized 113 plastic vials containing heroin weighing around 144 grams, and 30 Nitrazepam tablets, a sedative, weighing close to 300 mg, Naharlagun Superintendent of Police Nyelam Nega said. A suspected drug peddler, Vijay Parang (30), was also arrested, the police officer said, adding that cash, suspected to be proceeds of drug trafficking, was seized during the raid. A case has been registered at the Naharlagun Police Station under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, the police officer added. (PTI)

REGIONAL

Man arrested for ‘raping’ two minor granddaughters in Assam’s Jorhat, one dies by suicide

JORHAT, Two minor sisters were allegedly raped by their grandfather in Assam’s Jorhat district, with one girl dying by suicide the next day, police said on Saturday. The incident occurred under Teok police station area on Thursday evening. Police said the two girls, aged 10 and 12 years, had gone to pick mangoes in the backyard of their house when their grandfather accosted them and raped them. “The elder sister died by suicide on Friday, following which the incident came to light. It was then that the 10-year-old victim narrated the previous day’s incident,” they said. The 65-year-old accused, the victim’s grandfather from the paternal side, has been arrested based on the girl’s statement, the police added. (Source: PTI)    

REGIONAL

New BJP govt will rebuild ‘Shonar Bangla’: Himanta

  Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday expressed hope that the new BJP government in West Bengal would rebuild ‘Shonar Bangla’ under the leadership of Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. Speaking to PTI Videos on the sidelines of Adhikari’s swearing-in ceremony at the Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata, Sarma said ‘Anga, Banga, Kalinga and Pragjyotishpur’ are now governed by a party deeply rooted in preserving ‘Sanatani’ values.   He was referring to the ancient kingdoms that once ruled the region. Having come to power in Odisha (Kalinga) in 2024, the BJP unseated the 15-year-old TMC government in West Bengal (Banga) and returned to power for a third consecutive term in Assam, whose largest city is Guwahati (Pragjyotishpur). The BJP also installed its first government in Bihar (Anga) last month, with Samrat Choudhary leading it as the chief minister. Sarma said, “Hope the new government in West Bengal will reclaim ‘Shonar Bangla’.” Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, who was also present at the ceremony, said the new BJP government would help accelerate the state’s development. “India is on a trajectory of development. Under PM Narendra Modi, every state will progress,” she told reporters. (Source: PTI)    

REGIONAL

CJI stresses on convergence of legal aid, welfare schemes to ensure last-mile delivery of justice

NONGPOH, Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant on Saturday stressed the need for convergence of legal aid and welfare schemes to ensure last-mile delivery of justice. Addressing a gathering after inaugurating an awareness camp in Meghalaya’s Ri Bhoi district, Justice Surya Kant, who is also the Patron-in-Chief of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), said healthcare access, educational support, livelihood opportunities and rehabilitation assistance were being brought together through such camps to ensure that benefits reached the grassroots. The mega camp-cum-awareness programme on NALSA schemes and government welfare schemes was organised at Marngar in Ri Bhoi district under the theme “Bridging the Gap” by the High Court of Meghalaya and the Meghalaya State Legal Services Authority (MSLSA) in partnership with the state government. “It is very essential that under one roof all these welfare schemes implemented by government departments, organisations and legal institutions are made available to all,” he said, urging all stakeholders to work in tandem to strengthen access to justice. The CJI also acknowledged the role of para-legal volunteers in delivering legal services at the grassroots level and called for strengthening their recruitment. Speaking on the occasion, Supreme Court judge Justice Ujjal Bhuyan highlighted the importance of aligning traditional justice systems with the constitutional framework while appreciating Meghalaya’s unique customary practices. He also referred to Ri Bhoi’s famed pineapple cultivation, remarking in a lighter vein that the people of Meghalaya were “as sweet as the pineapples grown there”. Meghalaya Law Minister Lahkmen Rymbui said the MSLSA had devised a comprehensive state action plan tailored to local conditions to effectively address issues faced by the people while remaining in consonance with national laws and policies. Chief Justice of the High Court of Meghalaya Justice Revati Mohite Dere said the mega camp was aimed at ensuring legal help reached the people at their doorstep. “In our democracy, justice has no distance,” she said, adding that 14 such mega camps had been organised across nine districts in the past five years, benefitting thousands of people. During the programme, dignitaries distributed assistive devices to persons with disabilities, financial assistance and work orders to self-help groups and village organisations, and certificates to legal aid lawyers and para-legal volunteers for their performance during 2025. Later, High Court judges Justice H S Thangkhiew and Justice W Diengdoh flagged off multi-utility vehicles under the NALSA Grant-in-Aid Scheme. (Source: PTI)