Author name: OnlineAge

Tayi Taggu The Siang River is the lifeblood of our people through the ages. For generations, its flow has delineated our borders, inspired our songs, and molded our culture, embodying the very essence of the Adi community. Today, our valley’s surroundings are changing rapidly. From climate shifts causing unprecedented floods to large infrastructure projects just across our borders, the Siang faces challenges our ancestors never encountered. There is growing discontent and concern over the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP), a significant issue for the district administration. The community worries about losing land and property they cherish. Yet, as administrators, we see a different threat: making life-changing decisions based on shadows, falsehoods, and rumours instead of scientific facts is dangerous. This is why the Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR) is more than just a technical requirement—it serves as our district’s most vital tool for self-determination. The discussion around the Siang has long been filled with “what ifs.” To progress, we must focus on “what is.” The PFR serves as our scientific blueprint, uniting top hydrological, geological, and environmental experts to analyze the terrain with precision. They are here to assess the mountains’ strength and the river’s nature. Without this data, we remain uninformed. Designing effective flood-mitigation systems—crucial for downstream communities—depends on understanding the river’s exact volume and flow. Additionally, addressing regional security along the border requires a robust infrastructure plan. I fully understand the community’s worries about what lies ahead for our valley. Let’s be clear: such a large project will inevitably change our area. However, the key point is that the PFR is the only phase where we set the precise boundaries of that change. It’s where we define protections for our most treasured sites, assess the real worth of every hectare of land, and develop a rehabilitation plan that is not only equitable but also truly transformative for our community. Supporting the PFR doesn’t mean giving up our future; it means securing our role. Information is key to negotiations. By enabling scientists to gather facts, we shift from resisting the unknown to negotiating on the basis of known data. This gives us the leverage to insist on the highest safety standards, fair compensation, and strong environmental protections. The district administration assures complete transparency during this study. Our scientists are here to observe and analyze under careful supervision. This period is for inquiry, not closure. It is an opportunity to ask important questions: How can we protect our crops from severe floods and handle droughts? How can we use our river to create sustainable economic growth for young people? And how can we strengthen Siang’s crucial role in safeguarding India’s eastern borders? We cannot afford to be a district that makes decisions driven by fear. Instead, we must be guided by strength—the strength that comes from understanding our exact position. Let science inform our strategy. We should collect the facts, assess the impact, and then, with clarity and courage, determine how to shape the next chapter in Siang Valley’s history. Our river has always supported us. Now, it is our responsibility to support the river—and our children—with a future built on the bedrock of truth. The future of the Siang lies in hope, wisdom and collective action. Development should preserve nature while creating  prosperity for future generations. As Barack Obama said “some other or some other time.”  The time to act is now. (The writer is the Deputy Commissioner of Siang district)      

BOMDILA : The District Town Planning Committee meeting was held at the Deputy Commissioner’s chamber on Monday under the chairmanship of West Kameng Deputy Commissioner Dr Dilip Kumar. During the meeting, the Town Planner made a PowerPoint presentation on the district’s Urban Master Plan, outlining planned development initiatives and the future roadmap for urban growth in the district. The committee deliberated on various challenges related to urban planning and implementation, with discussions focusing on key regulatory frameworks, including the Arunachal Pradesh Land and Ecological Sites (Protection and Management) Act, 2018, Arunachal Pradesh Public Premises Act, 2013, Arunachal Pradesh Building Bye-Laws, 2019, and other relevant legislations. Members also discussed strategies for effective implementation of the Master Plan and neighbourhood development initiatives in Bomdila township. According to the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), the meeting emphasised coordinated planning and regulatory measures to ensure systematic urban development in the district. (DIPR)    

ITANAGAR : The Reading Promotion Endowment Trust for Arunachal (RPETA), a public charitable trust founded in Delhi to promote reading and educational advancement among reading-deprived youth of Arunachal Pradesh, has announced two fellowships for 2026-27. The third “Mandakini Khandekar Memorial Fellowship for Educational and Professional Advancement” 2026 has been awarded to wildlife student-artist Behelti Ama of Wakro, who is also a senior youth library volunteer. The fellowship carries financial assistance of Rs 35,000 to support her advanced professional training in digital art during 2026-27. Late Mandakini Khandekar, who passed away in Pune in March 2023 at the age of 94, was a committed patron of RPETA and actively supported reading promotion activities and the youth library movement in Arunachal Pradesh. She had expressed her wish that her contributions to RPETA be utilised for the educational advancement of deserving youth from the state. The second “Capt KK Venkatraman Memorial Fellowship for Professional Enhancement” has been awarded to Ashapmai Dellang, lead member of the Carnatic music group Wakro Sisters. The fellowship, carrying Rs 30,000, will enable her to attend advanced training workshops in Carnatic music during 2026-27. Late Capt KK Venkatraman, who passed away on May 27, 2024, was a pioneer educational administrator of the Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalayas (VKVs) in Arunachal Pradesh and a dedicated patron of RPETA. In a statement, RPETA president Dr Ngilang Taley expressed gratitude and respect to late Mandakini Khandekar and late Capt KK Venkatraman for their generous patronage and commitment towards the advancement of Arunachal youth.    

AALO : The league-stage matches of the 9th State Level Hangpan Dada Memorial Trophy 2026 continued on Monday with intense competition and spirited performances in football and volleyball events across boys’ and girls’ categories. Participating districts displayed impressive teamwork and determination as matches were played across multiple venues in Aalo. In the boys’ football category, Tirap edged past Lower Dibang Valley 2-1, while East Siang registered a dominant 6-1 victory over Kamle. Siang defeated Kra Daadi 4-0 and Upper Siang overcame Lower Subansiri 3-0. Itanagar Capital recorded the biggest win of the day, thrashing Tawang 7-0. Papumpare defeated Anjaw 4-0, while Bichom secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Changlang. West Siang and Keyi Panyor played out a goalless draw. In girls’ football, Lohit defeated Papumpare 1-0, while Tawang outclassed Lower Dibang Valley 4-0. Itanagar Capital and Bichom both registered convincing 3-0 victories against Tirap and Kurung Kumey respectively. Longding defeated Lower Subansiri 3-0, while Namsai overcame Keyi Panyor 3-0. Dibang Valley beat Changlang 2-0, and the match between Shi Yomi and West Kameng ended in a 1-1 draw. The boys’ volleyball category also witnessed closely fought encounters. Papumpare defeated Pakke Kessang 2-0 (25-14, 25-11), while Tirap came from behind to beat Namsai 2-1 (15-25, 25-6, 25-15). Upper Subansiri overcame Lohit 2-0 (25-14, 26-24), West Kameng defeated Siang 2-0 (25-12, 25-9), and Lower Siang beat Kra Daadi 2-0 (25-16, 27-25). West Siang edged past Leparada 2-1 in a closely contested match (21-25, 25-23, 16-14). In girls’ volleyball, Lower Dibang Valley defeated Changlang 2-0 (25-14, 25-16), while Kurung Kumey registered a straight-set victory over Siang. Papumpare beat Longding 2-0 (25-16, 25-19). East Siang rallied from a first-set defeat to overcome Lower Subansiri 2-1 (6-25, 25-15, 15-11). Itanagar Capital defeated West Siang 2-0 (25-17, 25-18), while Kamle beat Lower Siang 2-0 (25-17, 25-20). Football matches in the boys’ category on Tuesday will be played at ITBP Ground-I and Darka Ground, while girls’ football fixtures will continue at Ground-III (Pakam) and Ground-IV (APPBN). Volleyball matches for both categories are scheduled at Court No. 1 and Court No. 2 of the Army Ground.            

    ZIRO : Eingko Foundation organised a story reading session under Project Purisa at its office-cum-library at Lempia in Lower Subansiri district on Tuesday. Founder of Eingko Foundation Miss Tage Onia said the initiative aims to promote reading habits among schoolchildren, noting that increasing dependence on mobile phones and the internet is reducing interest in books. She added that such sessions are intended to improve reading skills, particularly among students of government schools. Trade Development Officer Lower Subansiri district Tai Arun attended the programme as special guest and resource person and conducted an interactive reading session from Wings of Fire, the autobiography of former President of India Dr A P J Abdul Kalam. He narrated inspiring episodes from Dr Kalam’s life, highlighting his journey from a modest background in Tamil Nadu to becoming India’s “Missile Man” and later the President of India. He encouraged children to remain honest, disciplined and hardworking to achieve success in life. He also motivated the students with Dr Kalam’s message: “Dream, dream, dream. Dreams transform into thoughts and thoughts result in action.” He also donated books to the library run by the foundation. Schoolchildren and volunteers of Eingko Foundation participated in the session. (DIPR)