Author name: OnlineAge

DAPORIJO : Upper Subansiri Deputy Commissioner Tasso Gambo on Thursday inspected the ongoing construction work of the Subansiri Bridge being developed under the Trans Arunachal Highway (TAH) project. The bridge project, initiated during 2022-23, is expected to improve connectivity between West Siang and Leparada districts. During the inspection, the DC reviewed the progress and quality of the ongoing construction work and directed the executing agency to expedite the remaining concrete works while ensuring adherence to quality standards. He also assessed the ground-level status of the project and instructed the concerned officials to maintain the pace of work for timely completion. The DC was accompanied by officials from the Highway Department and representatives of the construction agency. (DIPR)

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)