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JAIRAMPUR, SEP 2: A district-level workshop, EduResilience 2026, was organised at Jairampur to strengthen disaster preparedness, climate education and resilience among schools across Changlang district. Around 80 school headmasters, teachers, Block Resource Centre Coordinators (BRCCs) and Cluster Resource Centre Coordinators (CRCs) from across the district participated in the workshop, along with representatives of the district administration, Department of School Education, academia, development organisations and civil society. The initiative was organised as part of a collaborative effort led by the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune, under its Communicating Action and Resilience for Environmental Health (CARE) Project, in partnership with the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Changlang, and the Department of School Education, Changlang. The workshop focused on integrating Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), climate education and school safety into school planning and pedagogy. Participants were introduced to key DRR concepts, including hazards, exposure, vulnerability, capacity, preparedness and resilience. A major component was the preparation of School Disaster and Climate Action Plans. Participating schools identified local hazards and climate-related risks, assessed vulnerabilities and available capacities, and developed practical measures covering preparedness, risk reduction, response and environmental sustainability. Changlang District Disaster Management Officer (DDMO) Lobsang conducted a hands-on session on disaster management planning for schools and emphasised the importance of strengthening disaster and climate resilience in educational institutions to ensure the safety and well-being of children and the wider community. The workshop also provided a platform for community validation of field findings from a PhD research study conducted by Sonjit Chakma, researcher at IISER Pune. Participants discussed the findings in relation to their local experiences and contributed community perspectives to the research. IISER Pune Associate Professor and CARE Project Principal Investigator Dr Shalini Sharma highlighted the importance of climate-responsive thinking and experiential learning in schools. She said disaster and climate education was “not just a subject, but a necessity” for ensuring a livable future and equipping children to take informed action. A practical demonstration on “Playful Paths for Planetary Care”, led by Ashok Rupner of the Science Activity Centre, IISER Pune, showcased activity-based learning approaches that can be adapted to government school settings. District Community Health Centre Changlang General Duty Medical Officer (GDMO) Dr Dani Muna provided an overview of the public health implications of disasters and climate change. Representatives from NGOs, including Pratham and IFET, also shared perspectives on integrating climate education and resilience practices into school governance and pedagogy. Deputy Director of School Education Changlang Rajiv Lomdak described the initiative as an important step towards strengthening climate-resilient education and disaster preparedness in schools. He emphasised the need to ensure continuity of learning during climate-related disruptions and highlighted the importance of combining local and scientific knowledge while preparing disaster and climate action plans. During the concluding session, participating schools presented their draft plans and received feedback from facilitators and fellow participants. The presentations highlighted the importance of school leadership, student participation, coordination with local authorities and continued engagement with parents and communities. The workshop concluded with a certificate distribution ceremony recognising the participation and contributions of the attendees. Organisers emphasised that the plans should serve as living documents and be reviewed and updated regularly through consultations, safety assessments, awareness activities and preparedness exercises. The initiative marked a step towards integrating disaster education and climate action into school planning across Changlang district and highlighted the importance of collaboration among educational institutions, disaster management authorities, researchers, schools, communities and civil society in building safer and more resilient learning environments. The organisers said EduResilience 2026 would serve as a foundation for a long-term framework to strengthen climate and disaster literacy and resilience among children in Arunachal Pradesh, particularly those living in climate-sensitive and high-risk regions.    

ITANAGAR, SEP 2: Security arrangements at Arunachal Pradesh’s key aviation gateway, Donyi Polo Airport at Hollongi, are set for a major upgrade with the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) preparing to take over security responsibilities at the airport. CISF Deputy Inspector General Kim is currently in Itanagar in connection with the ongoing process for deployment of CISF personnel at the airport. His visit is understood to be part of the preparatory exercise ahead of the formal induction of the central security force. The move comes at a significant time for Donyi Polo Airport, which has emerged as the principal air gateway to the state capital and an increasingly important component of Arunachal Pradesh’s connectivity infrastructure. The state’s first greenfield airport was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in November 2022. Developed over more than 690 acres at a cost of over Rs 640 crore, the airport has a 2,300-metre runway capable of handling Airbus A320 and Boeing 737-class aircraft and was designed for all-weather daytime operations. The airport has also undergone major expansion in recent years. Its Rs 165-crore permanent terminal building was formally operationalised in September 2025, replacing the temporary facility. The new terminal can handle up to 800 passengers during peak hours and up to 15 lakh passengers annually, compared with the earlier terminal’s peak-hour capacity of 150 passengers. The expanded infrastructure has been accompanied by efforts to improve air connectivity. Flight services between Itanagar and Delhi were increased to daily operations from September 2025, while the airport also provides connectivity to destinations including Guwahati, Kolkata and Tezu. The new terminal has introduced several passenger-oriented facilities, including the UDAN Yatri Café, a library or “Flybrary” initiative, spaces for local artisans and women entrepreneurs under the AVASAR programme, and a dedicated children’s area. The proposed CISF deployment assumes added significance as passenger traffic, aviation infrastructure and the airport’s strategic importance continue to grow. CISF provides specialised security at airports across the country, and its induction at Hollongi would bring the airport under the force’s established aviation-security framework. The presence of DIG Kim in Itanagar indicates that the transition has entered the preparatory stage. However, the exact date for commencement of CISF security operations and the strength of the proposed deployment have not been officially confirmed. Donyi Polo Airport, located at Hollongi near Itanagar, derives its name from Donyi (Sun) and Polo (Moon), reflecting the indigenous cultural heritage of Arunachal Pradesh. Since commencing commercial operations in November 2022, the airport has become central to the state’s efforts to improve air connectivity, tourism and economic access. (Source: Mon Tawang Vigilance)  

YINGKIONG, SEP 2: Upper Siang district joined the rest of Arunachal Pradesh in celebrating Solung Festival 2026, with festivities being held at various locations, including Yingkiong, Tuting, Mariyang and Jegging. At Yingkiong, the Central Solung Festival Celebration 2026 is being observed with traditional fervour and enthusiasm at the Yingkiong Solung Ground, bringing together members of the Adi community to celebrate and showcase their rich cultural heritage, traditions and indigenous identity. Upper Siang Deputy Commissioner Talo Jerang attended the celebration as the chief guest, while retired District Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Officer Emo Lego was the guest of honour. Former President of the Women Welfare Society, Upper Siang District, Tamak Kalpana Perme Sitek, attended as the special guest. Among the special invitees were Head Gaon Burah (HGB) of Gette village Kebo Jiji and Gaon Burah Association Upper Siang District President Akkong Libang. Extending greetings to the Adi community, Jerang emphasised the need to preserve the traditional essence and authenticity of Solung. He said the festival was an integral part of Adi identity and represented a rich cultural heritage and traditions carried forward through generations. He stressed that the present generation has a responsibility to preserve and promote these traditions so that the cultural legacy of the Adi community is passed on to future generations in its true spirit. Lego also highlighted the significance of Solung as an important symbol of Adi identity and called upon the community, particularly the younger generation, to preserve and carry forward its cultural traditions. Central Solung Festival Celebration Committee President Nanong Nangkar also addressed the gathering and highlighted the importance of Solung in preserving the cultural heritage, traditions and collective identity of the Adi community. The main celebration on September 1 featured the traditional Solung Prabhat Pheri, followed by flag hoisting and the singing of the Solung Anthem. A public meeting was subsequently held at the Multipurpose Hall, Yingkiong, followed by a community feast and traditional and recreational activities. The week-long festival commenced on August 27 and will conclude on September 4. It features a range of cultural, literary and recreational activities, including cultural dance and literary competitions, Miss Solung, Solung Prabhat Pheri, Taku Tabat, Solung Ponung, football tournament, tug-of-war, children’s fashion show, local cuisine exhibition and food stalls, and musical nights. The celebrations have witnessed enthusiastic participation from youths, children and community members, providing a platform for the younger generation to reconnect with their cultural roots while promoting traditional songs, dances, customs, community values and indigenous knowledge.  

NAMSAI, SEP 2: Retusa Women Farmer Producer Company Ltd. (WFPCL), Namsai, on Wednesday dispatched 17 metric tonnes of buckwheat to G.S. International, Kanpur, in a significant step towards strengthening market access for women farmers and linking locally produced agricultural commodities with markets outside Arunachal Pradesh. The consignment was dispatched in the presence of Chairperson Onjini Namchoom and under the leadership of CEO (In-charge) Mimar Basar, Retusa WFPCL. The buckwheat was procured from Mahila Kisans of Lower Dibang Valley, Lohit and Namsai districts with facilitation and support from the Arunachal State Rural Livelihoods Mission (ArSRLM). The bulk aggregation and direct market linkage are expected to enable farmers to secure better price realisation while strengthening collective marketing of agricultural produce. The procurement and dispatch operation was led by Procurement Manager Rajawan Mantaw, with support from the Retusa WFPCL team. Retusa WFPCL is promoted by ArSRLM with technical support from the Foundation for Development of Rural Value Chains (FDRVC), New Delhi. The latest consignment is being seen as an important step in Retusa WFPCL’s efforts to establish sustainable market linkages for rural women producers. By aggregating farm produce and connecting Mahila Kisans directly with buyers in larger markets, the initiative aims to improve market access, enhance farmers’ bargaining power and generate better economic returns. The initiative also highlights the growing role of women-led Farmer Producer Companies in Arunachal Pradesh in moving beyond primary production towards aggregation, organised marketing and stronger integration with external markets, thereby contributing to sustainable livelihoods and rural economic development.