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LIKABALI, Union Minister of State (MoS) for Corporate Affairs and Ministry of Road Transport and Highways Harsh Malhotra is on a two-day visit to Lower Siang district, reviewing key development projects and ongoing infrastructure works. The Minister was accorded a warm welcome at the Circuit House in Likabali, where he was accompanied by Lower Siang Additional Deputy Commissioner Kardo Nyigyor, Mokar Riba, officers and Panchayat members. During the first phase of his visit, the Minister inspected the newly constructed Kardu Taipodia District Hospital at Likabali, built under Government of India funding. He reviewed hospital infrastructure and interacted with the District Medical Officer, Medical Superintendent, doctors and staff to assess manpower availability and medical equipment facilities. Malhotra assured the hospital authorities that issues related to shortage of manpower and medical equipment would be taken up with the Prime Minister’s Office and concerned ministries for necessary action. He later inspected the Jal Jeevan Mission drinking water project at Likabali and interacted with engineers and beneficiaries regarding its implementation and progress. In the afternoon, the Minister visited PM Shri Upper Primary School at Silli village, where he interacted with school authorities, Gaon Burahs, School Management Committee members and villagers. Expressing concern over low student enrolment despite adequate infrastructure and population in the area, Malhotra stressed the need to strengthen the education system. “The importance of education must be prioritised, and communities should actively support initiatives such as Beti Bachao Beti Padhao,” he said. He also urged stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of the 33 per cent women’s reservation policy to improve women’s participation and social development. “The cultural heritage and traditions of society must be preserved through education so that the younger generation can sustain its identity,” he added. The Minister also visited Oil Palm nursery projects at Dipa, Seren, Pam and Old Deka villages, where he interacted with experts and progressive farmers on the scope of oil palm cultivation in the district. During his road inspection, Malhotra travelled along Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) routes and reviewed the quality and progress of road and bridge works executed by the State Rural Works Department. He expressed dissatisfaction over delays in the construction of the bridge over the Pale River at Pale village. Responding to a memorandum submitted by the Mongu Banggo Society regarding the deteriorating condition of the bridge over the Silli River, the Minister assured that the matter would be taken up with the concerned ministry for urgent and appropriate action.

PASIGHAT, In a major conservation milestone, the first-ever camera trap photograph of a tiger (Panthera tigris) has been recorded in D’Ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary, confirming the species’ presence in the protected area after nearly two decades. Over the past year, forest officials and frontline staff of the sanctuary documented several indirect signs indicating possible tiger movement in the landscape. Multiple rounds of systematic monitoring and camera trapping were subsequently carried out to scientifically verify the observations. During the latest survey phase, conducted with technical support from the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE), camera traps installed at strategic locations successfully captured images of the tiger, conclusively establishing its presence in the sanctuary. The surveys also recorded the critically endangered Chinese Pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) and the endangered Hispid Hare (Caprolagus hispidus), underlining the ecological significance of the sanctuary’s riverine and grassland ecosystems. D’Ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary Divisional Forest Officer Kempi Ete said, “This is an immensely proud and emotional moment for everyone associated with D’Ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary. The return of the tiger after nearly two decades reflects the resilience of the ecosystem and the cumulative impact of sustained conservation efforts on the ground.” “The achievement belongs equally to our forest officials, frontline staff, Eco-Development Committee members and local community-based organisations that have continuously supported conservation initiatives in the landscape. We remain fully committed to strengthening protection measures and securing a safe habitat for this magnificent species,” Ete added. ATREE biodiversity and bioresource conservation initiative lead in Arunachal Pradesh Rajkamal Goswami said, “This historic photographic evidence of tiger, along with other highly threatened mammals, is a testament to the long-standing conservation efforts of the staff of D’Ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary since its inception.” “It also reflects the importance of recent efforts to build collaborative conservation initiatives involving research institutions and local communities. We hope this rediscovery brings greater conservation attention and support for scientific monitoring, stronger protection measures and sustained conservation action in the only protected area of Arunachal Pradesh where riparian grasslands form the primary habitat,” Goswami added. The confirmed presence of the tiger is being viewed as a significant indicator of ecosystem health and habitat integrity in the region. The Forest Department has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening habitat protection, scientific monitoring and community-led conservation initiatives to ensure the long-term survival of wildlife in the landscape.

KHONSA, A 15-day Micro Enterprise Development Programme (MEDP) on bead décor and accessories making for Self Help Group (SHG) members of Khonsa block concluded on Friday at the Arunachal State Rural Livelihoods Mission (ArSRLM) training hall in Khonsa village. The programme was funded by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) and implemented by ArSRLM through the Block Mission Management Unit (BMMU), Khonsa. The training programme was inaugurated on April 21 by State Bank of India (SBI), Khonsa Branch Manager S Manpong in the presence of Tirap Deputy Development Commissioner R Wangsu, NABARD officials and ArSRLM Block Mission Manager C Lowang. During the inaugural session, SBI Khonsa Branch Manager S Manpong sensitised SHG members on credit linkage schemes and interest rates for SHGs while assuring support to rural women entrepreneurs. The programme aimed at enhancing livelihood opportunities and income generation capacities of rural women through skill development and entrepreneurship promotion. Participants received hands-on training in bead décor and accessories making, including earrings, necklaces, bracelets, key chains, fridge magnets and other decorative items. Organisers said bead craft is one of the traditional cultural identities of Tirap and Longding districts, and the programme sought to preserve and promote the indigenous art form while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for women. Apart from technical training, sessions were also conducted on business development planning, basic accountancy, enterprise management, credit linkage, packaging, branding and marketing to equip participants with entrepreneurial skills required for managing micro enterprises. As part of the learning programme, trainees were taken on an exposure visit to the District Emporium and traditional outlet stores to gain practical understanding of product display and marketing techniques. Officials said the initiative is expected to encourage SHG members to establish bead craft-based enterprises, contributing to women empowerment, preservation of traditional craftsmanship and strengthening of the rural economy in the region. (DIPR)

TATO, In a significant administrative development, Manjunath R, IAS, officially assumed charge as the first IAS officer to serve as Deputy Commissioner of Shi Yomi district. On his first day in office, the DC convened a comprehensive review meeting with all heads of offices at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall in Tato to assess ongoing departmental activities and development initiatives. The meeting reviewed the status of key schemes, infrastructure projects, public service delivery and implementation challenges across departments. Officials also highlighted achievements so far and proposed new initiatives for the overall development of the district. Emphasis was laid on strengthening inter-departmental coordination, improving grassroots-level implementation and ensuring timely execution of government programmes to address public needs effectively. Manjunath R encouraged all heads of offices to work with dedication, transparency and a result-oriented approach. “Officers must adopt innovative ideas suited to the unique geographical and socio-economic conditions of Shi Yomi district,” he said. He further stressed the importance of collective efforts in accelerating development and improving public service delivery across the district. The meeting marked the beginning of a renewed administrative focus on inclusive growth, better governance and sustainable development in Shi Yomi district. (DIPR)

NAHARLAGUN, A delegation of the All Arunachal Pradesh Gymnastics Association (AAPGA), led by its president Nani Kojin, called on Arunachal Olympic Association (AOA) president and former Education Minister Taba Tedir at his residence in Itanagar on Thursday. The meeting focused on the development and promotion of gymnastics in Arunachal Pradesh, with discussions centring on infrastructure challenges, training facilities and strategies to popularise the sport across the State. The AAPGA delegation included vice-president Tadar Kayu and former state gymnast Dr Byabang Rana. During the interaction, Tedir shared suggestions on strengthening gymnastics at the grassroots level and encouraging greater youth participation in the sport from all parts of the State. He assured full support to the AAPGA in its efforts to promote gymnastics and nurture sporting talent in Arunachal Pradesh. AAPGA is affiliated to the Gymnastics Federation of India.    

ZIRO, Lower Subansiri Deputy Commissioner Oli Perme attended the grand finale of the IGTAMSU Youth Carnival 2026 as chief guest at the Indira Gandhi Technological and Medical Sciences University (IGTAMSU) campus here. Addressing the students, the DC highlighted the importance of youth engagement, innovation and local development in shaping the future of Arunachal Pradesh. The two-day carnival, themed “Celebrate, Express, Inspire”, was organised by the Department of Commerce and Management in collaboration with the Department of Trade and Commerce, Government of Arunachal Pradesh. The event commenced on Thursday with student-led stalls showcasing food items and handicrafts, followed by a Business Idea Pitch Competition in which aspiring entrepreneurs presented innovative concepts. The inaugural programme was attended by Textile and Handicrafts Additional Director Toko Okey as chief guest and District Information and Public Relations Officer Tenzing TTotpa as guest of honour. The opening day also featured a student dance competition. The final day included a three-round quiz competition and a fashion show comprising “Go As You Like” and formal presentation rounds. Later, Perme presided over the awards and prize distribution ceremony in the presence of District Art and Culture Officer Tapi Rimu. Special invitees included Trade Development Officer Tai Arun, NABARD District Development Manager Lalit Maurya, Ziro Press Club secretary Mihin Nancy and IGTAMSU Registrar Prasant Roy. Organisers said the event aimed to encourage creativity, entrepreneurship and leadership among students while providing exposure to professional and developmental opportunities.