ONLINE AGE

(Online version of the Arunachal Age newspaper)

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Mama Natung attends National Summit on Water in New Delhi

NEW DELHI, SEP 3: Arunachal Pradesh Home and PHE Minister Mama Natung attended the two-day National Departmental Summit on Water organised by the Ministry of Jal Shakti at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan in New Delhi from September 1 to 2. The summit brought together Ministers and senior officials from States and Union Territories to deliberate on water security, drinking water, sanitation and sustainable water management. Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the valedictory session and emphasised continuous review and follow-up of the summit’s actionable outcomes. He called for greater Jan Bhagidari in water conservation, wider adoption of water-saving technologies, robust water data governance, use of artificial intelligence (AI) in water management and sustainable planning to address future water challenges. Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil highlighted the need to accelerate the completion of water infrastructure projects, strengthen water conservation as a people’s movement, ensure the sustainability of drinking-water sources and improve the operation and maintenance of rural drinking-water schemes. Natung appreciated the Ministry of Jal Shakti for providing a platform for dialogue and cooperative action between the Centre and States. He reiterated Arunachal Pradesh’s commitment to ensuring safe, sustainable and reliable drinking water facilities, particularly for communities in remote and difficult-to-reach areas. The summit underscored the spirit of Team India and the need for collective efforts to achieve long-term water security across the country.  

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DGBR reviews progress of strategic roads in border areas

Maksam Tayeng PASIGHAT, SEP 3: The Director General Border Roads (DGBR) visited Project Brahmank on September 2 to review the progress of ongoing strategic road and infrastructure development works in the strategically important Shi-Yomi and Siang Valley regions of Arunachal Pradesh. During the visit, Chief Engineer Project Brahmank Pankaj Goyal briefed the DGBR on the status of various projects involving construction, improvement and maintenance of strategic road infrastructure. Detailed presentations covered the progress achieved, challenges faced on the ground and measures being undertaken to ensure timely completion of the works. The DGBR interacted with officers, subordinate staff and personnel of Project Brahmank and reviewed the pace and quality of construction. He stressed strict adherence to stipulated timelines while maintaining high standards of quality, safety and workmanship. The DGBR also reviewed challenges posed by difficult terrain, adverse weather and logistical constraints and appreciated the dedication of Project Brahmank personnel engaged in executing critical infrastructure works under demanding conditions. During interactions with the project leadership, he issued necessary directions for expediting critical works and ensuring optimum utilisation of available resources. He reiterated the Border Roads Organisation’s (BRO) commitment to strengthening strategic infrastructure and connectivity in border areas while contributing to the socio-economic development of remote regions. The visit provided an opportunity for a comprehensive assessment of ongoing works and identification of areas requiring focused attention. Project Brahmank personnel reaffirmed their commitment to completing the assigned works within stipulated timelines and to the highest standards of quality.      

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Sona pays tribute to former VKV president A Balakrishnan

ITANAGAR, SEP 3: Arunachal Pradesh Education, RWD and Tourism Minister PD Sona joined dignitaries and representatives from various organisations in paying floral tribute to former Vivekananda Kendra and Vivekananda Rock Memorial president A. Balakrishnan at a Shradhanjali Sabha held here to honour his memory. Addressing the gathering, Sona said he was there to pay his deep respect to a remarkable personality whose life was dedicated to service, education and nation-building. Recalling Balakrishnan’s contribution to the education sector in Arunachal Pradesh through the Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya (VKV) movement, Sona said his dedicated work touched countless lives and helped nurture generations with the values of discipline, character and service to society. “His ideals and legacy will continue to guide and inspire us,” Sona said. Among those who paid tribute were Arunachal Pradesh Vivekananda Trust president Dr Joram Begi, Vivekananda Kendra Prant Pramukh Pai Dawe, Vivekananda Trust Education Secretary Suhata Nayak, Assistant Organising Secretary Priyanka Gupta, VKV Alumni Association chairman Dr Mingam Pertin, IFCSAP General Secretary Maya Murtem, RSS Prant Sanghatak Nido Saktar and IFS Ranphoa Ngowa. Several officers, public leaders, social workers, parents and teaching faculty from VKV schools in the Capital Complex also attended the ceremony. Balakrishnan is remembered for his pioneering contribution to expanding education in remote parts of Arunachal Pradesh and the Northeast. He joined Vivekananda Kendra as a Jeevanvrati (life-worker) in 1973 under its founder Eknathji Ranade after serving in the Indian Air Force. He subsequently served as General Secretary from 1981 to 2001, Vice-President from 2001 to 2020 and All India President from 2020 until his death in 2026. His contribution was particularly significant in Arunachal Pradesh, where he helped establish and expand the VKV movement in difficult-to-reach areas at a time when road connectivity was limited. At the request of the state government, the first VKVs in the state were opened at Sher and Balijan in 1977. The VKV network has since expanded to 44 schools across Arunachal Pradesh, providing formal education in remote and tribal areas. The 44th VKV, at Tato in Shi-Yomi district, was recently approved and made functional. Tato falls in the assembly constituency represented by Minister PD Sona.    

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305 Field Hospital conducts health camp at Thrillam

TAWANG, SEP 3: The 305 Field Hospital Teli organised a comprehensive medical and dental camp at Thrillam School in Tawang as part of the Indian Army’s community outreach efforts aimed at improving access to healthcare in remote areas. The camp provided consultations and treatment in general medicine, ear, nose and throat (ENT), and dental care, enabling local residents to access essential and specialised healthcare services closer to their homes. Medical teams examined patients and provided consultations based on their individual health concerns. The dental team conducted oral examinations and offered necessary advice on dental and oral hygiene, while ENT and general medicine specialists attended to patients requiring specialised care. The initiative formed part of the Army’s continued efforts to engage with communities in remote and strategically located areas through humanitarian assistance and healthcare outreach. Such programmes are particularly significant in the mountainous border region, where difficult terrain and limited access to specialised medical facilities can pose challenges for rural residents. The camp was welcomed by the local community as a meaningful effort to extend healthcare services to people in remote areas while strengthening the civil-military bond. (Source: PTI)  

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BAC finalises agenda for 7th special assembly session

ITANAGAR, SEP 3: The 7th sitting of the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) of the 8th Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly was held here on Thursday under the chairmanship of Assembly Speaker Tesam Pongte. The committee held detailed deliberations on the proposed government business and legislative matters and finalised the agenda for the 7th (Special) Session of the 8th Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly, scheduled to be held on September 8 and 9. The discussions focused on ensuring the smooth, orderly and effective conduct of the proceedings of the House during the two-day Special Session. The meeting was attended by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pasang Dorjee Sona, Deputy Speaker Kardo Nyigyor and MLA Kumar Waii.    

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Guv extends Janmashtami greetings

ITANAGAR, SEP 3: Governor Lt Gen KT Parnaik (Retd) has extended warm greetings to the people of the state on the auspicious occasion of Janmashtami. In his message, the Governor said Janmashtami commemorates the divine birth of Lord Krishna and celebrates his life and teachings, whose timeless wisdom continues to inspire humanity. He said the festival reminds people of Krishna’s message in the Bhagavad Gita to perform their duties with sincerity and dedication without attachment to the fruits of their actions, while remaining steadfast on the path of righteousness. The Governor said the occasion also encourages people to serve their families, communities and society with humility, selflessness and devotion. He expressed hope that the festival would inspire everyone to uphold the values of love, compassion, truth, harmony and pluralism. “May the blessings of Lord Krishna bring peace, joy and prosperity to every household, and may His divine wisdom guide us towards a life of purpose, dignity, compassion and righteousness,” the Governor wished.

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ZPC provides furniture to GHSS Borduria

BORDURIA, SEP 3: Zilla Parishad Chairperson (ZPC) Adv John KK Matey fulfilled his commitment to Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS) Borduria by providing tables and chairs to the school during a programme held here on Wednesday. The support was in accordance with the commitment made by Matey during his maiden visit to the school on March 13 this year. On the occasion, Deputy Director of School Education (DDSE) K.C. Lowangcha also contributed solar lamps for the boys’ and girls’ hostels of GHSS Borduria. The programme was attended by Gram Panchayat Chairperson (GPC) Somdi Mongchan, Gram Panchayat Members, School Management Committee (SMC) chairperson Longpong Ramwa, teachers, faculty members and Principal Nguncha Lamaty. Handing over the furniture items, Matey said education was a collective responsibility and that the progress of children depended on the combined efforts of the entire community. He said such initiatives demonstrated that collective contributions could create better opportunities and a brighter future for the younger generation. He urged the community to continue working together to strengthen schools and nurture children, saying that a strong and united community would help build a better tomorrow. The teachers and students of GHSS Borduria appreciated Matey and Lowangcha for their contributions towards improving the school’s educational facilities.    

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Lower Subansiri DC urges youth to join ‘Gems of India Challenge’

ZIRO, SEP 3: The Lower Subansiri district administration has urged local content creators, students, youth and digital storytellers to participate in the ‘Gems of India Challenge’, for which the deadline has been extended to September 30, 2026. Organised by Prasar Bharati and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the pan-India initiative seeks to identify and promote grassroots creative talent through original short videos, reels, documentaries and podcasts. The challenge offers cash prizes at district, state and national levels. At the district level, up to 20 creators from Lower Subansiri can win ₹50,000 each, while state-level winners will receive ₹2 lakh and the national-level winner will be awarded ₹5 lakh. Selected entries will also receive nationwide exposure through platforms and networks including WAVES OTT, Doordarshan, Akashvani and partner media organisations. The district administration has appealed to aspiring filmmakers, vloggers and other creative talents to utilise the extended deadline to develop and submit their entries through the MyWAVES platform by September 30.  

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NSS volunteers inducted at Doimukh Govt College

DOIMUKH, SEP 3: The NSS Unit of Government College Doimukh organised an induction-cum-orientation programme for newly enrolled NSS volunteers for the academic session 2026–27 here on Thursday. Addressing the volunteers, Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Geography Dr Anil Kumar highlighted the core concept of the National Service Scheme (NSS), rooted in Gandhian ideals of education through service. He said NSS seeks to develop students’ personality and civic responsibility through voluntary community service and stressed the need to instill social and civic responsibility among young people. Government College Doimukh Principal Dr Taw Azu highlighted the NSS motto of placing community needs above individual interests. He emphasised the role of volunteers in bridging the gap between the campus and the community and translating knowledge into action while promoting self-reliance and collective welfare. NSS Programme Officer Dr Dakli Lombi urged the volunteers to familiarise themselves with the socio-economic realities of the community and work towards identifying and addressing local challenges. The NSS pledge was administered by NSS Programme Officer and Head of the Department of History Dr Eva Dupak. Around 200 NSS volunteers and faculty members participated in the programme.  

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Changlang Planning Authority reviews Draft Master Plan-2051

CHANGLANG, SEP 3: The second review meeting of the Changlang Planning Authority (CPA) was held on August 27 last at the Conference Hall of the Deputy Commissioner, Changlang, under the chairmanship of Changlang Deputy Commissioner-cum-Chairman Changlang Planning Authority RD Thungon. The meeting reviewed the Draft Changlang Master Plan–2051 (DTMP-2051) and deliberated on the proposed land-use plan and long-term development framework for the town. The proposed Master Plan covers 97.22 sq km and projects a population of 17,269 by 2051. The CPA accepted the technical proposal for the Draft Master Plan, which envisages comprehensive development in housing, power and water supply, sewerage and sanitation, solid waste management, roads and transportation, education, healthcare, tourism, disaster management and recreational infrastructure. Key proposals include 1,720 affordable housing units for economically weaker sections (EWS) and lower-income categories (LIC), upgradation of power and water infrastructure, construction and improvement of roads, parking facilities, educational institutions and upgradation of the District Hospital to a 100-bed facility. The plan also proposes tourism infrastructure, riverfront development, eco-tourism parks and disaster management centres. The meeting further proposed development of a satellite town under Town Planning Schemes (TPS) over approximately 118 hectares to facilitate planned urban expansion and accommodate future growth. Changlang Deputy Commissioner RD Thungon directed the concerned officers to prepare the necessary supporting documents for the public hearing and consultative process, paving the way for further consideration and final approval of the Master Plan. The Draft Changlang Master Plan–2051 is aimed at promoting planned, sustainable and resilient urban development with improved infrastructure, connectivity and essential services while ensuring environmental sustainability and a better quality of life for residents.