Author name: OnlineAge

SUNPURA : The Lohit district administration on Thursday organised a Jan Kalyan Shivir (JKS) at Government Secondary School, Yealing under Sunpura Circle, aimed at bringing essential government services and welfare schemes directly to the people. The outreach programme was organised as part of the nationwide observance marking 12 years of governance, development and public welfare under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Tezu-Sunpura MLA Dr Mohesh Chai attended the programme as the chief guest. He was accompanied by Lohit in-charge Deputy Commissioner, Lohit Superintendent of Police, Zilla Parishad Members from Tezu and Sunpura, local panchayat leaders and heads of various government departments. Addressing the gathering, Dr Chai urged residents to take full advantage of the services and welfare schemes being offered through the camp. He said such initiatives help bridge the gap between the administration and the public by ensuring easier access to government services and faster grievance redressal. Highlighting the objectives of the Jan Kalyan Shivir, the MLA said the programme reflects the government’s commitment to public welfare and inclusive development. He noted that several flagship schemes of the Central Government, including Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G), Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) and Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, have significantly benefited women, economically weaker sections and farmers across the country. Dr Chai also spoke on women’s empowerment and political participation, citing the growing role of women in local governance through reservation in Panchayati Raj institutions. He further appreciated the transparency introduced in recruitment processes through the Arunachal Pradesh Staff Selection Board (APSSB), which has provided a fair platform for recruitment to Group C and Group D posts. The camp witnessed a large public turnout, with hundreds of beneficiaries availing on-the-spot services, enrolment facilities and information related to various Central and State Government welfare schemes. (DIPR)

  ITANAGAR : To mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the Police Headquarters (PHQ) Motor Transport (MT) Branch organised an awareness programme and rally at Chimpu on Thursday. Students and faculty members of Amarjyoti Government Primary School, Chimpu, participated in the campaign aimed at promoting awareness about the harmful effects of drug abuse and the need for collective action against illicit trafficking. The programme was conducted under the supervision of Police Motor Transport Superintendent of Police Thinley Namge and attended by Amarjyoti Government Primary School Headmaster-in-Charge H. Tekwa, teachers, Motor Transport Officer Inspector R. Dakpa, Reserve Inspector M Mibang, MT Branch personnel and other participants. State Mental Hospital Midpu Psychiatric Social Worker and mental health professional Dagrik Gara served as the resource person and highlighted the adverse impact of substance abuse on brain chemistry, mental health and physical well-being. He also sensitised participants on the long-term consequences of addiction and the importance of early intervention. Addressing the gathering, Namge emphasised the significance of the observance in strengthening efforts towards a drug-free society. He spoke on the legal consequences of drug trafficking and substance abuse under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and urged young people to play an active role in community-based anti-drug initiatives. He also informed participants about mechanisms for reporting illicit activities, including the Arunachal Pradesh Police WhatsApp Helpline (9362812717) and the 24×7 MANAS Mental Health Helpline (1933). The programme concluded with the administration of an anti-drug pledge, reaffirming the participants’ commitment to combating drug abuse and promoting a healthy and responsible lifestyle.

YUPIA : The Papum Pare district administration has intensified restoration and relief measures following flash floods and landslides triggered by torrential rainfall across several parts of the district on Wednesday. Continuous heavy rainfall caused widespread disruption, damaging roads, water supply infrastructure, houses and agricultural fields, while affecting normal life in several areas. Road connectivity was severely impacted in the Hoj sector, where the Public Works Department highway between Hoj and Potin was blocked at multiple locations. The Hoj-Sagalee highway near Hoj Power House was also cut off following landslides. Sagalee Additional Deputy Commissioner Kipa Raja immediately visited the affected sites and mobilised men and machinery for road clearance operations. Four excavators have been deployed to restore connectivity, while police personnel have been stationed at vulnerable locations to regulate traffic and ensure public safety. Papum Pare Deputy Commissioner Lobsang Tsering also inspected the affected areas and reviewed ongoing restoration measures. He directed all concerned departments to expedite repair works and extend necessary assistance to affected families. The Public Health Engineering Department reported temporary disruption of piped water supply in Yupia, Doimukh and Kimin due to damage caused by flash floods. Several stretches of Border Roads Organisation roads under Kimin subdivision also suffered damage, including a culvert on the Kimin-Lichi-Potin road. Landslides and sludge accumulation at multiple locations further hampered vehicular movement. Floods and landslides affected several villages, including Yiyee-I, Yiyee-II, Luksin, Hoj Dakte and Mepsoro under Sagalee Circle. Families from inundated areas were shifted to safer locations, while preliminary assessments indicated damage to at least 10 houses and a church under Toru Circle. Agricultural losses were also reported, with pineapple, banana and orange plantations, along with fish ponds, suffering extensive damage. The District Emergency Operation Centre (DEOC) is monitoring the situation round the clock, while departments concerned have been placed on alert to carry out restoration and relief operations. Volunteers have also been mobilised to assist in damage assessment and relief efforts. Authorities said heavy discharge from the Pare Hydroelectric Project dam continues, with the current outflow reportedly being the highest recorded so far. The district administration has appealed to the public to avoid unnecessary travel during adverse weather conditions and to strictly follow official advisories as restoration efforts continue across the district. (Source: DIPR)  

YAZALI : Rajya Sabha MP Tai Tagak has expressed deep concern over the extensive damage caused by the flash flood that struck Yazali on Wednesday morning, triggering landslides and widespread disruption across the region. The flash flood caused severe damage at multiple locations along National Highway-13, particularly on the Hoj-Yazali stretch, leading to road blockages and disruption of vehicular movement. Significant destruction was also reported at the North Eastern Electric Power Corporation (NEEPCO) settlement at Possa near Yazali, causing hardship to affected residents and families. Tagak lauded the prompt response of the district administration, police personnel, disaster management agencies and local leaders for their swift and coordinated rescue, relief and restoration efforts. He commended their dedication in safeguarding lives and restoring normalcy in the affected areas. Expressing solidarity with the affected families, the MP urged authorities to continue monitoring vulnerable locations and ensure timely assistance to all those impacted by the disaster. He also called for intensified search and rescue operations to trace missing persons and ensure the safety of residents in affected areas. In view of the prevailing situation, Tagak advised people residing along the banks of the Panyor River to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions. He also appealed to the public to avoid unnecessary travel on the Hoj-Potin road until conditions improve and the route is declared safe by the authorities. The Rajya Sabha MP conveyed his condolences to the family of Nirmala Gupta, a teacher of Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya (VKV) NEEPCO, Yazali, who lost her life in the calamity. Describing the incident as tragic and heartbreaking, he prayed for eternal peace for the departed soul and strength for the bereaved family. Assuring continued support for relief, rehabilitation and restoration efforts, Tagak said he would remain in close coordination with the concerned authorities. He also appealed to the people of Arunachal Pradesh to remain alert, strictly follow official advisories and prioritise safety as floods and landslides continue to affect several parts of the state amid inclement weather.  

ITANAGAR : The Department of Civil Aviation swiftly activated its emergency response mechanism on Wednesday following reports of flash floods in the Poosa area of Keyi Panyor district and coordinated air support for relief and rescue operations. Acting on a requisition from Keyi Panyor Deputy Commissioner Shweta Nagarkoti Mehta, the department approached the Indian Air Force (IAF) through the Eastern Air Command, Shillong, seeking airlift support for transporting State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) personnel and relief materials from Itanagar Capital Region (ICR) to Pitapool in the affected district. Despite challenging weather conditions, the IAF air support team, under the guidance of Integrated Defence Staff (IDS) and Air Headquarters officials, reached Hollongi and successfully undertook the mission to airlift and deploy SDRF personnel and essential materials to Pitapool for immediate response operations. Officials informed that additional air support missions are being planned based on evolving requirements in the flood-affected areas. The Department of Civil Aviation and Disaster Management Secretary Dani Salu expressed gratitude to the Indian Air Force, SDRF and Airports Authority of India officials at Hollongi for their prompt coordination and support in facilitating the emergency operation. Appreciation was also extended to Keyi Panyor Deputy Commissioner Shweta Nagarkoti Mehta, the district police and Disaster Management team for ensuring effective ground coordination and support despite the challenging conditions. Civil Aviation Secretary M. Riba said the coordinated effort enabled the timely mobilisation of rescue personnel and resources during a critical period for the affected region.