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BOLENG, SEP 28: Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Ojing Tasing, chairman of the Empowered High-Level Committee on the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP), chaired a review meeting on the latest developments concerning the project at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall here on Monday. The meeting focused particularly on preparedness for the proposed Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR)-related activities. Siang Deputy Commissioner, Superintendent of Police, heads of departments, representatives of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and other stakeholders attended the meeting. The participants reviewed ground-level preparedness, security arrangements, logistical requirements and inter-agency coordination. The meeting also identified key operational priorities and stressed coordinated action among the district administration, security forces and concerned departments. Emphasis was laid on timely fulfillment of logistical requirements, effective coordination and continued engagement with local communities to address concerns and promote greater understanding regarding the proposed PFR activities. Tasing urged all concerned agencies to work in close coordination and discharge their responsibilities with diligence, sensitivity and transparency to facilitate the orderly and responsible conduct of the proposed activities.    

ITANAGAR, SEP 28: The Department of Disaster Management, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, conducted a three-day hospital mock exercise across five major hospitals in the Itanagar Capital Region (ICR) to strengthen disaster preparedness and emergency response mechanisms in healthcare institutions. The earthquake-based multi-hazard exercise was conducted at RK Mission Hospital, Heema Hospital, Hormin Hospital, Niba Hospital and Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (TRIHMS), Naharlagun, from September 25 to 28. The exercise involved the Directorate of Health Services (DHS), 12 Battalion National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Fire and Emergency Services, Aapda Mitra volunteers, State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC), Health Emergency Operation Centre (HEOC) and participating hospitals, demonstrating coordinated multi-agency disaster response. Based on a simulated magnitude 7.3 earthquake scenario, the exercise involved cascading emergencies including structural damage, fire incidents, patient evacuation and a sudden surge of casualties requiring emergency medical care. It aimed to test Hospital Disaster Management Plans (HDMPs), assess emergency response procedures, strengthen inter-departmental coordination and enhance preparedness for large-scale disasters. The exercise was conducted in three phases. A coordination meeting and review of HDMPs were held on September 3, followed by a Tabletop Exercise on September 22. The final phase comprised full-scale ground execution from September 25 to 28, involving realistic emergency response operations at the participating hospitals. The ground exercise included activation of the Hospital Incident Management System, patient evacuation, fire response, search and rescue coordination, mass casualty management and communication among responding agencies. The exercise was conducted under the supervision of Deputy Director, Department of Disaster Management, Papang Duggong, assisted by District Disaster Management Officer Jogam Angu. State Nodal Officer for Health Disaster Management Dr Dukam Taipodia and Alternate State Nodal Officer Health (DM) Dr Marto Riram served as resource persons and observers. External observers from 12 Battalion NDRF also monitored the exercise and provided technical observations on emergency response procedures. During the earlier coordination meeting, Director of Disaster Management Marto Riba urged hospital authorities to actively participate in the exercise, stressing that preparedness is essential to saving lives during major emergencies. He noted that Arunachal Pradesh falls under Seismic Zone V and emphasised the need for regular preparedness exercises to ensure hospitals can respond effectively to earthquakes and other disasters while maintaining critical healthcare services. The exercise builds on the department’s efforts to strengthen hospital preparedness. In 2025, the Department of Disaster Management, in collaboration with GeoHazards Society, New Delhi, conducted a three-day training programme on preparation of Hospital Disaster Management Plans for general, district and private hospitals in the ICR. The training laid the foundation for developing and strengthening hospital disaster management plans, which were subsequently tested through the present exercise. The department said the exercise marked another step towards building resilient healthcare institutions and strengthening coordinated emergency response systems across Arunachal Pradesh. (DIPR)      

ITANAGAR, SEP 28: Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Monday unveiled the new logo, official T-shirt, medal and mascot of the Tawang Marathon 2026, describing the high-altitude event as a platform to showcase the state’s Himalayan landscape, cultural heritage and responsible tourism to the world. The chief minister also launched the official website and registration platform for the fourth edition of the marathon, scheduled to be held on October 24 at around 10,000 feet above sea level against the backdrop of the Eastern Himalayas, an official statement said. Addressing the gathering at his office here, Khandu said the marathon was conceived not merely as a race but as an initiative bringing together sport, the natural beauty of Tawang, its culture and the warmth of its people. “When we first envisioned Tawang Marathon, the idea was never just to organise a race. It was to create a platform where sport meets the majesty of our Himalayan landscape, where the culture and warmth of our people find a global stage, and where Arunachal Pradesh’s story of responsible tourism is told to the world,” he said. He added that each element of the new identity unveiled carries a distinct part of the Tawang story. “The logo reflects the spirit of the mountains and its people, while the mascot represents the warmth of Tawang. The finisher medal symbolises the grit required to overcome the challenging altitude and terrain, while the official T-shirt would carry the story of Tawang wherever the runners travel,” the chief minister said. Organised by the state government in association with the Indian Army, the marathon is expected to draw more than 4,000 participants this year, including over 200 elite runners from across India as well as Kenya, Ethiopia and Nepal. Civilian runners, defence personnel, amateur runners and fitness enthusiasts will take part in the event. The high-altitude course poses a distinctive endurance challenge, with the terrain, altitude and weather requiring participants to prepare carefully. Runners have been advised to reach Tawang two to three days before the race for acclimatisation, bib collection and medical guidance, the statement said. Preparations for the event include race operations, medical support, hydration and aid stations, with organising authorities and local stakeholders coordinating arrangements. Runner preparedness, community participation and protection of the mountain environment will also remain important aspects of the event. The marathon is also expected to give a further boost to sports tourism in the state. The arrival of runners and their families could create opportunities for local hotels, homestays, transport operators, guides and other businesses. The event will also offer participants and visitors an opportunity to experience Tawang’s Monpa traditions, its historic monastery and local hospitality, linking the sporting event with the region’s cultural and tourism attractions. Khandu invited runners, sports enthusiasts and travellers from India and abroad to participate in the fourth edition and experience Tawang. “I invite runners, sports enthusiasts, and travellers from across the country and beyond to come, experience Tawang, and be part of this remarkable journey,” he said. (Source: PTI)    

RUPA, SEP 27: The Rupa Tourism Society (RTS) was formally launched on World Tourism Day at Rupa Market on Saturday, with a focus on promoting the township and other lesser-known tourist destinations in West Kameng district. The programme was organised by the West Kameng district administration in collaboration with the Department of Tourism and RTS. District Tourism Officer T.W. Thongdok highlighted the significance of World Tourism Day and this year’s theme, “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism”. Chief Guest and Kalaktang MLA Tseten Chombey stressed the need to promote lesser-known destinations in the district and highlighted Rupa’s cultural heritage, hospitality and pleasant climate. He said the township had potential to emerge as a major tourist destination and outlined plans for strengthening tourism infrastructure and activities in the region. Chombey formally launched the RTS and released tourism information pamphlets showcasing attractions in and around Rupa. He also administered the Nasha Mukt Bharat pledge. He appreciated the Indian Army for its support and contribution to the development of the Rupa area. West Kameng Deputy Commissioner Dr Dilip Kumar said the district administration was committed to promoting tourism in the district and that holding the World Tourism Day programme at Rupa reflected this approach. He stressed the need for proper planning and sustainable development of tourist destinations and urged stakeholders to make events plastic-free by avoiding single-use plastic items. The Deputy Commissioner also called for proper waste segregation through the four-colour dustbin system and collective efforts to keep Rupa clean and environmentally sustainable. Four-colour dustbins were distributed at Rupa Market by the District Urban Development Agency (DUDA). RTS president Tenzin Wangmu Musabi outlined the objectives of the society and called for collective community participation in developing Rupa as a tourism destination. Citing the growth of Shergaon as an example, she urged residents to work together to promote tourism in the area. New traffic management measures were also announced, including one-way vehicular movement along the market road and a vehicle-free market zone every Saturday, aimed at creating a more pedestrian-friendly experience for visitors. District Informatics Officer Abhisek Raj demonstrated the Yakatopia Tourism App, which provides tourists with information about the district and its attractions. SDPO Kalaktang also created awareness about the Yodha-Bandu and Choo-Man-Tar mobile applications. Colonel Sandeep Chandel of the 5 Mountain Division appreciated the tourism potential of West Kameng and assured continued support from the Indian Army for tourism promotion initiatives. The Manchin Self-Help Group distributed cotton bags to taxi drivers, NGOs, hotel owners and homestay operators to facilitate collection of wrappers and other waste for proper disposal. Self-Help Groups also displayed locally produced and traditional products at stalls along Rupa Market. Winners of boys’ and girls’ marathon races organised under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan were felicitated, while individuals and organisations involved in the celebration were also honoured. Cultural performances showcased the region’s heritage. Earlier, a plantation drive was conducted in Rupa town under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign. The programme was attended by West Kameng SP, administrative officers, heads of departments, PRI leaders, NGOs, SHGs, senior citizens, retired officers, tourism stakeholders, teachers, students and others.    

DEOMALI, SEP 28: World Rabies Day 2026 was observed at Deomali on Monday with an awareness programme focusing on rabies prevention, responsible pet ownership and timely vaccination of animals. Leaflets and pamphlets containing information on rabies prevention and control were distributed among pet owners and other attendees. District Veterinary Officer Dr Arfila C. Tingkhatra highlighted the importance of responsible pet ownership, regular vaccination and community awareness in preventing rabies. She urged pet owners to ensure timely vaccination of their animals and exercise care and vigilance in handling and managing pets. She stressed that responsible pet ownership, timely vaccination and sustained public awareness are essential to preventing rabies and protecting both animal and human health. As part of the observance, 25 pet dogs were administered anti-rabies vaccines. The programme highlighted the shared role of pet owners, veterinary personnel and the community in preventing rabies and promoting animal and public health.    

Mingkeng Osik PASIGHAT, SEP 28: A joint front of student, youth and community organisations has announced a 12-hour district-wide bandh across East Siang on September 30, intensifying its opposition to the ongoing mass transfer and rationalisation of teachers in the district. The Bogong Banggo Yameng Kebang (BBYK), in collaboration with the ABKYW East Siang Unit, AdiSU East Siang Unit, Mebo Area Yameng Kebang, All Bosing Banggo Student Union, Legong Banggo Student Union, All Bogong Student Union and All Mebo Constituency Student Union, declared the bandh call, demanding immediate reconsideration of the teacher transfer and release orders. The organisations said the bandh has been called after their repeated appeals and representations seeking intervention in the transfer exercise failed to resolve their concerns. They have particularly raised apprehensions over the availability of teachers and subject-wise manpower in schools across East Siang. The groups referred to earlier representations submitted on September 21 and 23 and sought immediate intervention by the government, along with maintenance of the existing status quo regarding the release of affected teachers pending reconsideration of the transfer exercise. A key demand is the protection of teachers who have not completed the prescribed three-year minimum tenure. The organisations pointed to Clause 4 of the Department of Education’s notice dated May 21, 2026, which, according to the memorandum, provides for exemption from rationalisation for teachers who have not completed the prescribed minimum tenure. According to the organisations, transferring teachers without adequately assessing the requirements of individual schools could adversely affect students, particularly in institutions already facing shortages of subject teachers. The joint front has demanded that the authorities review the transfer orders and maintain the existing status quo until the grievances raised by stakeholders are properly examined. It has also sought protection for teachers who have not completed the prescribed minimum tenure, besides consideration of genuine medical, pregnancy-related and other compelling circumstances. The organisations have further called for the deployment of adequate and qualified subject teachers in schools where vacancies are affecting academic activities. Particular concern has been expressed over the staffing situation at I.G.J. Higher Secondary School, Pasighat, and D. Ering Higher Secondary School, Pasighat. The groups argued that the transfer exercise should be based on the actual school-wise and subject-wise requirement of teachers, rather than relying solely on numerical rationalisation. They maintained that any administrative exercise concerning teacher deployment must also safeguard the academic interests of students. The timing of the transfers has also come under criticism, with the organisations pointing out that the academic session is already underway. They apprehend that large-scale movement of teachers at this stage could disrupt classroom teaching and adversely affect students preparing for secondary and higher secondary examinations. The joint organisations have also referred to provisions concerning prescribed pupil-teacher ratios and urged the Education Department to ensure that the rationalisation process does not result in further shortages in schools. With the bandh scheduled for September 30, the organisations have called upon the government to initiate meaningful dialogue and take concrete steps to address their demands before the proposed agitation. The organisations have stated that the bandh will be observed peacefully and within the framework of law, while reiterating that their primary concern is the protection of students’ academic interests and ensuring adequate teaching strength across East Siang.