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CHONGKHAM, SEP 30: The Global Himalayan Expedition (GHE) Foundation conducted free eye screening camps at schools across the Chongkham Aspirational Block in Namsai district under the Integrated Village Development Programme, with support from the Larsen & Toubro Mindtree (LTM) Foundation. The camps covered students and teachers of government and private schools in Chongkham. A team of doctors from Lion K.K. Saharia Eye Hospital, Dibrugarh, conducted the screenings. The initiative aimed to identify vision-related problems among students at an early stage and facilitate timely diagnosis and treatment. Free spectacles were also provided to students requiring vision correction.

LIKABALI, SEP 30: The Lower Siang District Unit of the Arunachal Pradesh Literary Society (APLS-LSDU) observed its third Foundation Day at the Conference Hall of the Circuit House here on Wednesday and elected a new executive body for the 2026–29 term. Koi Taipodia was elected President, with Dr Jumnee Rina and Bahen Doye as Vice Presidents. Mibom Dirchi was elected General Secretary, Mamoni Taipodia Assistant Secretary, Kirmani Nyicyor Treasurer and Dr Senpe Taipodia Convenor. Outgoing President HR Bado announced the new office bearers and urged them to carry forward the unit’s efforts to identify and nurture literary talent among young enthusiasts. The APLS-LSDU was formed on September 30, 2023, as a district unit of the APLS, with Bado and Nyatum Doke serving as its founding President and General Secretary, respectively. Reports highlighting the unit’s activities and achievements over the past three years were presented by Bado and Dr Senpe Taipodia. Bado also shared selected poems from his new collection with the gathering. The newly elected President Koi Taipodia thanked members for entrusting him with the responsibility and sought the continued guidance of his predecessor. He also expressed confidence in receiving the cooperation and support of the new executive members in carrying forward the activities of the society.  

LONGDING, SEP 29: An inter-school quiz competition for girls on the theme ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ (BBBP) was organised at Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS), Longding, on Wednesday. Longding ZPM Nowphun Wangcha attended the programme as the chief guest. Longding GDMO Dr Chatan Lowang and Longding Police Station OC Inspector T. Konia served as resource persons and interacted with the participants. The programme was also attended by Abhishek Sharma, IAS, DDSE Longding and the Vice Principal of PM Shri GHSS Longding. Addressing the participants, Sharma highlighted the importance of girls’ education and empowerment and spoke about the objectives of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao initiative. The quiz provided girl students an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge while reinforcing the importance of education and empowerment. Kendriya Vidyalaya Longding secured the first position, followed by GHSS Pongchau in second place and KGBV Pongchau in third.    

ITANAGAR, SEP 30: The Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) on Wednesday questioned the State Government’s approach of proceeding with the Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR) for the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) before what it described as “meaningful public consultation” with affected communities. In a statement, APCC General Secretary-cum-Spokesperson and Chairman of its Media and Social Media Department Kon Jirjo Jotham said the people affected by the proposed project would welcome the government’s assurance that no final decision had been taken on SUMP. However, he questioned why completion of the PFR was being treated as an immediate priority despite continuing opposition from sections of the affected communities. The APCC sought a written clarification on whether completion of the PFR would create any legal, financial, administrative or contractual obligation to proceed with the project. It also asked whether the government would keep open the possibility of not proceeding with SUMP even if the PFR establishes its technical feasibility. Jotham further questioned what the government meant by “people’s will” and whether a clearly expressed rejection by genuinely affected communities would be respected. He also sought clarity on why the PFR should precede comprehensive public consultation and called for affected communities to be provided complete information and given an opportunity to participate meaningfully in determining the issues to be examined. The APCC also sought publication of the PFR’s terms of reference, methodology, survey locations, geological and seismic assessments, downstream-risk assessments and other technical assumptions. It called for disclosure of the likely geographical extent of the project and potentially affected villages, land, forests, agricultural areas, cultural sites and downstream communities, besides placing all PFR findings in the public domain. The statement also raised concerns over the reported deployment of security personnel in SUMP-affected areas and alleged attempts to obtain land-related consent or documents from villagers. The APCC urged the government to ensure that no community was coerced or pressured into supporting the project while its final status remained undecided. Jotham argued that technical feasibility should not automatically be treated as social consent and said development and national-security considerations should not substitute for public participation. The APCC also reiterated its demand for consent of affected landowners and communities before proceeding further with the PFR. It said the people of the Siang region deserved clear information and a transparent, independent and participatory process on the proposed project. The statement comes amid continuing opposition by sections of residents in Siang and Upper Siang to the proposed PFR activities, while the State Government has maintained that the PFR is intended to assess the technical feasibility of SUMP and does not by itself constitute a final decision on implementation.  

ZIRO, SEP 30: The District Level Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) Committee of Lower Subansiri district held its 23rd meeting at the District Secretariat here on Wednesday to review anti-narcotics measures and strengthen coordination among enforcement agencies and other stakeholders. The meeting was chaired by Lower Subansiri Deputy Commissioner Oli Perme along with SP Techi Hanyir. Representatives of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), 60th Battalion ITBP, 138th Battalion CRPF, district drug inspectors and departments including education, health, forest and social welfare attended the meeting. Perme stressed the need for coordinated enforcement and greater community participation to address drug-related activities and substance abuse. He said enforcement measures must be complemented by awareness, early intervention and rehabilitation support, particularly to protect young people from substance abuse. Hanyir briefed the meeting on ongoing police efforts against drug-related activities and called for greater cooperation from local residents and educational institutions in identifying and reporting suspicious activities. He also stressed coordination among the police, central security forces and the NCB to strengthen surveillance and enforcement. The administration also sought greater involvement of Zilla Parishad Members from Hari, Hija, Diibo, Tajang, Reru and Kalung circles in community-level vigilance and awareness activities. Heads of public and private educational institutions were urged to strengthen campus monitoring, conduct awareness programmes and establish mechanisms for early intervention and support for students. The meeting emphasised sustained inter-departmental coordination, community vigilance and enforcement to strengthen the district’s efforts against narcotics and substance abuse.  

Tenzing T Totpa Every autumn, as music reverberates through the pine-clad hills of the Ziro Valley, headlines around the country celebrate the eco-friendly bamboo stages, indie artists, and festive crowds. To anyone walking through the gates, it looks like a smoothly self-contained private cultural gathering. But behind the serene backdrop, the stage lights, and the crowds lies a massive, round-the-clock administrative operation. As DIPRO and Officer In-Charge of Protocol, I got a front-row seat to the sheer amount of public work that goes into making this event possible. Hosting a gathering of this scale in a geographically isolated and ecologically sensitive valley is a massive undertaking. While the music and programming are handled privately, the weight of public safety, law enforcement, traffic management, civic infrastructure, and official protocol for thousands of visitors fall directly on our district administration. This year was no different, especially with the arrival of high-profile guests including the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, foreign ambassadors, and visiting international artists. Long before the first performance began, the foundation was laid under the leadership of Deputy Commissioner Oli Perme and Superintendent of Police Techi Hanyir. DC Oli Perme set the strategic vision and kept every department aligned, while SP Techi Hanyir managed the extensive security setup and traffic movement, keeping the valley safe without making the presence feel heavy-handed for visitors. On the ground, field administration required constant attention. Officers like Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) Hage Tarung and Assistant Commissioner (AC) Radhe Tatung were out in the field throughout the multi-day event monitoring operations, clearing logistical bottlenecks as they popped up, and keeping things running safely across the valley. Standing alongside them was Circle Officer (CO) Hibu Kapi, whose dedication truly embodied the spirit of our administrative team. Having recently become a mother, she put public service first, working tirelessly on site to maintain magisterial oversight and ensure visitor safety throughout the festival. Her quiet resolve, balancing motherly care with executive duty, was a deeply inspiring reminder of what public service really looks like. At the same time, line departments worked continuously to manage the influx of guests. District Tourism Officer (DTO) Khoda Yakang oversaw tourism and hospitality logistics, supported by Tax and Excise Department officials who issued various licenses to local vendors along with Trade Development Officer (TDO) Tai Arun. District Art & Culture Officer (DACO) Tapi Rimu wore multiple hats, bridging cultural affairs with official channels while directly managing delegate accommodations and stepping in to assist with protocol duty. From my end of handling protocol, public information and managing high profile visits required constant and detailed coordination. Working alongside DACO Tapi Rimu, Protocol Staff Chandan Borgohain, Bullo Appa and our liaison team which included officers from various departments, we handled reception, travel arrangements, and official movement for the Governor, foreign diplomats, and other dignitaries, so everything moved quietly according to plan. Beyond daily logistics, our administration also served as the bridge between private event organisers, local youth groups, and the traditional Apatani village councils. That connection is what ensures that a major influx of visitors respects local customs, protects our environment, and abides by civic guidelines. Public service isn’t about getting the spotlight. When a major event ends without major traffic gridlock, security issues, or civic disruption, most people barely notice the administration at work and that is usually the best sign that the planning worked. Private festivals bring energy and global attention to our home, but they depend entirely on the public machinery running behind them. The credit for that smooth experience belongs to the officers, magistrates, police personnel, protocol team, and district staff whose everyday work kept the valley running while the music played. (The author is DIPRO & Protocol Officer-in-charge, Lower Subansiri district)    

SALARI, SEP 30: A three-day Seva Setu Camp organised by the Department of Food & Civil Supplies, West Kameng, concluded at Salari on Wednesday, with similar camps held at Sinchung, Bhalukpong and Dirang from September 28 to 30. The camps aimed to provide doorstep services and create awareness among beneficiaries under the Public Distribution System (PDS) and National Food Security Act (NFSA). During the camps, officials facilitated e-KYC verification, Aadhaar seeding, mobile number updation and enrolment of eligible uncovered beneficiaries under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY). Grievances related to PDS and NFSA services were also addressed. Awareness was provided on One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC), PMGKAY and the entitlements of Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) and Priority Household (PHH) beneficiaries. Foodgrain samples and Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials were also displayed and distributed. A large number of people from Salari, Sinchung, Bhalukpong, Dirang and adjoining villages availed the services. The initiative was appreciated for bringing essential services closer to beneficiaries and reducing the need to travel long distances to access departmental services. The department said such outreach programmes aim to improve service delivery and beneficiary coverage while strengthening awareness of food security schemes.