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RONO HILLS, SEP 22: The Centre for Distance and Online Education (CDOE), Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU), organised a farewell programme for Prof Ashan Riddi, Director, CDOE, following his selection as Vice-Chancellor of Arunachal Pradesh University, Pasighat. Prof Riddi has served as Director of CDOE for the past 16 years, during which the Centre witnessed significant academic and institutional growth. The programme brought together members of the CDOE fraternity to acknowledge his contribution and extend best wishes for his new responsibility. The programme began with a welcome address by Dr Kiri Taso, Faculty, CDOE, who congratulated Prof Riddi and wished him success in his new role. He was subsequently felicitated and presented a token of appreciation on behalf of the CDOE family. Moyir Riba, Assistant Professor, Department of Education, RGU, read out the citation presented to Prof Riddi. Recalling his leadership and close involvement in the functioning of the Centre, she highlighted his contribution to its institutional development. She also referred to the recent RGU Board of Management meeting, where his 16 years of service as Director of CDOE were recognised, including his role in strengthening the Centre’s functioning and implementing UGC-DEB requirements. Dr Nani Tamang Jose, JR, CDOE, congratulated Prof Riddi and wished him success in his new responsibility, expressing hope that Arunachal Pradesh University would achieve further progress under his leadership. Prof Tajen Dabi, Head, Department of History and Coordinator, CDOE, recalled his association with Prof Riddi first as a teacher and later as a colleague. He highlighted his contribution to systematising records and strengthening the institution. Members of the CDOE family also shared their experiences and reflections. Dr Nyajum Lollen recalled his 12-year association with the Centre and the growing recognition of distance education during Prof Riddi’s tenure. Dr Bide Mindo expressed gratitude for his encouragement, while Karna Pradhan, senior-most staff member and PA to the Director, recalled the Centre’s expansion through the introduction of MA, certificate and diploma programmes, MoUs and study centres across the state. Meeli Mihu and Tinku Devi also congratulated Prof Riddi on his selection and appreciated his approachable nature. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr Saurav Mitra, Faculty, CDOE, who expressed gratitude to Prof Riddi for his 16 years of service, guidance and leadership. He also thanked all those involved in organising the programme and conveyed best wishes to Prof Riddi for his new assignment. The farewell programme provided an opportunity for the CDOE fraternity to acknowledge Prof Riddi’s contribution to the growth of the Centre and wish him success in his new role as Vice-Chancellor of Arunachal Pradesh University.        

NAHARLAGUN, SEP 21: The ICAR Research Complex for North Eastern Hill Region (ICAR-NEH), Umiam, Meghalaya, in collaboration with the Agriculture and allied departments of the Arunachal Pradesh Government, organised a consultative meeting at the Directorate of Agriculture here on Monday to prepare a comprehensive action plan for the development of agriculture and allied sectors in the State. Agriculture and Allied Sector Minister Gabriel D Wangsu, MLA-cum-Advisor to the Minister Er Talem Taboh, senior government officials, scientists and officials from ICAR-NEH, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and other stakeholders attended the meeting. The consultation focused on preparing a coordinated, practical and outcome-oriented three-year action plan, with emphasis on scientific research, technology adoption, institutional collaboration and convergence of programmes and schemes. A key focus was on leveraging ICAR expertise to strengthen the State’s identified USP crops, particularly kiwi, through research and technology development, varietal improvement, post-harvest management, value addition and stronger market linkages. The meeting also discussed strengthening the interface between research institutions and field-level programmes. The proposed mentorship of the State Horticulture Research and Development Institute (SHRDI) by ICAR-NEH was another major area of discussion. The collaboration is expected to support technical guidance, capacity building, joint research, knowledge exchange and institutional networking. The participants also stressed the need for scientific validation and certification of natural farming practices, including on-farm validation, quality assurance and an appropriate certification framework suited to the State’s diverse agro-climatic conditions. The proposed action plan will identify priority areas, interventions, programmes and schemes, along with clear responsibilities and mechanisms for monitoring and evaluation. It will focus on productivity enhancement, sustainability, climate resilience, capacity building, post-harvest management, value addition and market connectivity. Addressing the meeting, Wangsu stressed the need for stronger collaboration between the State Government, ICAR and other institutions to harness the agricultural potential of Arunachal Pradesh. He emphasised scientific innovation, sustainable and climate-resilient practices and stronger value chains, while calling for coordinated interventions responsive to the State’s diverse agro-climatic conditions and the needs of farming communities. He also stressed that research and institutional expertise should translate into practical field-level solutions and better economic opportunities for farmers. The meeting marked a step towards developing an evidence-based and implementable three-year action plan to guide future interventions and investments for the sustainable and inclusive growth of agriculture and allied sectors in the State.  

ITANAGAR, SEP 21: Scientists have discovered a rare leafless orchid species, Gastrodia keyiensis, in a remote gorge along the Keyi River in Keyi Panyor district, officials said on Monday. The elusive orchid, which has neither leaves nor chlorophyll and depends on soil fungi for nutrients, was found at an altitude of around 1,000 metres, with only five flowering individuals recorded during the botanical survey, they said. The new species has been formally described in the international taxonomic journal Phytotaxa in a research paper authored by Madhusudhan Khanal, Dipankar Borah, Shuvadip Sarkar, Neelam Gap, Santosh Kumar Rai and Devendra Kumar. Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, in a social media post, described the discovery as another addition to Arunachal Pradesh’s natural heritage and said the finding “adds another fascinating chapter” to the state’s biodiversity. He said the orchid’s limited known distribution and short flowering period underline the need for continued research and conservation of fragile ecosystems. The researchers are affiliated with institutions including the G B Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment, Sikkim University, Kaliabor College and the Botanical Survey of India. The paper was published on September 9. The species has been named Gastrodia keyiensis, with the specific name derived from the Keyi River, where it was discovered. It belongs to the genus Gastrodia, a group of orchids known for their unusual non-photosynthetic lifestyle. Unlike most plants, these orchids do not produce food through photosynthesis. Instead, they obtain nutrients through associations with fungi in the soil, a condition known as holomycotrophy. The orchid was found growing in deep shade on thick layers of decaying leaf litter in bamboo groves along the right bank of the Keyi River, officials said. The plants can grow up to about 35 cm in height and produce one to three flowers. Researchers recorded only five flowering individuals at the type locality, highlighting how difficult the species is to locate in its natural habitat. According to the taxonomic study, the new species has a broadly obovate basal portion of the labellum with six to seven prominent longitudinally thickened structures, along with a thick, strongly curved yellow apical portion. These features help distinguish it from the related species. The flower is particularly unusual because much of the plant’s life is spent hidden beneath the forest floor. Lacking leaves and chlorophyll, Gastrodia keyiensis is adapted to the dark, humid conditions of the forest floor and depends on its fungal association for nourishment. Its flowers are white to pale bluish, with a distinctive yellow and strongly curved portion of the labellum. The orchid’s elusive nature, short flowering period and long underground phase make it difficult to detect during routine botanical surveys, researchers said. In the Nyishi dialect, the orchid is locally known as “Oram Opuh”, meaning “Ghost Flower”. The name reflects its unusual appearance and its tendency to remain concealed for most of its life cycle. Researchers have noted that the species is currently known only from its type locality, with an estimated area of occupancy of about four square kilometres. It has been placed in the Data Deficient (DD) category because its actual population size and wider distribution remain unknown. Further surveys and long-term monitoring have been recommended. The discovery further highlights the exceptional botanical wealth of Arunachal Pradesh, which is home to around 600 documented orchid species, according to the state Forest department. The state has been described as an “Orchid Paradise” because of its high orchid diversity, while its varied elevations, climate and forest habitats provide suitable conditions for a wide range of plant species. (Source: PTI)    

ITANAGAR, SEP 21: As many as 267 mithuns have died in Dibang Valley district in the last two months, while 1,402 animals have been affected by Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), officials said on Monday. The disease has so far been reported in 21 villages of the district, with veterinary authorities intensifying treatment, surveillance and preventive measures to contain the outbreak, they said. According to district Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Officer Dr Dammo Riba, the disease was first reported in the district during the last week of July. Following reports of mithun mortality, veterinary teams were deployed with medicines and sample-collection kits, while a subject-expert team from the Centre visited the affected areas. Laboratory tests conducted by the National Institute of Foot and Mouth Disease (NIFMD), Odisha, subsequently confirmed that the outbreak was caused by FMD serotype ‘O’. Of the 1,402 mithuns reported affected, 1,225 have been treated, while 267 have died, the departmental status report of September 20, said. At present, a four-member rapid response team (RRT), along with local veterinary personnel, is carrying out treatment, surveillance and awareness activities in the affected areas. Dr Riba appreciated the state government and the Directorate of Animal Husbandry, Veterinary & Dairy Development for providing additional manpower and adequate medicines to strengthen the district’s response to the outbreak. He said the department maintains detailed livestock records, including household-, individual- and village-wise data on mithuns and cattle. Dr Riba urged people and agencies to verify livestock population and mortality figures with official departmental records to prevent the spread of inaccurate or misleading information. FMD is a highly contagious viral disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals, including mithuns and cattle. Vaccination is an important preventive measure, and the department conducts free routine vaccination drives twice a year at farmers’ doorsteps, Dr Riba said and appealed to livestock owners to extend full cooperation during the vaccination campaigns. The department is continuing to monitor the situation closely and has undertaken necessary measures to contain the disease and protect the livestock population of the district, he added. (Source: PTI/DIPR)    

TAWANG, SEP 21: The ongoing Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) Awareness Programme reached Chagzam village under Kyidphel Circle on Monday, with the Arunachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA), in collaboration with the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Tawang, and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), conducting an awareness programme for local residents. Villagers living along the downstream areas of the Tawang Chhu were sensitised to the potential risks associated with GLOFs and advised to remain alert and prepared, particularly in view of changing climatic conditions and possible emergencies. The awareness campaign, which commenced at Mago village, is aimed at sensitising vulnerable downstream communities about high-risk glacial lakes and strengthening community-level disaster preparedness. During the programme, officials and experts from APSDMA, DDMA and SDRF briefed villagers on the location, altitude and distance of identified high-risk glacial lakes, their potential impact on downstream settlements and the importance of preparedness and timely response. Kyidphel Zilla Parishad Member (ZPM) Tenzin Yendra Monpa also joined the team in creating awareness among villagers. He appealed to residents not to panic but to remain informed, vigilant and prepared, and to follow advisories issued by the competent authorities during emergencies. (DIPR)

JOLLANG, SEP 21: The Indigenous Faith and Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh (IFCSAP) will organise the 8th Indigenous Youth Festival 2026 at Seppa in East Kameng district from November 12 to 14. The three-day festival will bring together indigenous youth from across Arunachal Pradesh to celebrate cultural heritage, identity, creativity and community spirit. The festival logo was unveiled by Indigenous Affairs and Home Minister Mama Natung at a ceremony held at the Art of Living Centre, Jollang, on Sunday. Secretary, Department of Indigenous Affairs, Pige Ligu, and Director of the department Likha Suraj, along with other dignitaries, attended the ceremony. Being organised under the theme “One Land, Many Peoples, One Identity”, the festival aims to provide a platform for young people to connect with their cultural roots while exploring contemporary ideas, talents and opportunities. It will showcase traditional attire, music, dance and other indigenous cultural expressions reflecting Arunachal Pradesh’s diversity and shared cultural bonds. The festival will feature cultural programmes, workshops, performances and interactive activities, besides youth-centric initiatives such as the “Festival Passport”, encouraging participants to engage in various activities, and the “Wall That Speaks Who We Are”, providing a creative space to express their identity, aspirations and connection with their land and culture. Contemporary and motivational speakers will engage with participants on cultural values, identity, aspirations and contemporary challenges. A photography workshop will also encourage young participants to document people, traditions, landscapes and cultural stories. The festival will provide opportunities for youth interaction, cultural exchange, creative expression and social networking among participants from different communities. The initiative seeks to bring together traditional heritage and contemporary youth culture while encouraging young people to value their roots and contribute positively to society. The logo unveiling marks a milestone in preparations for the festival, which is envisioned as a celebration of Arunachal Pradesh’s indigenous heritage and its young generation.      

YACHULI, SEP 21: The Keyi Panyor district administration has intensified its cleanliness and public awareness drive along the NH-13 corridor leading to Ziro Valley ahead of the Ziro Festival of Music (ZFM) 2026, scheduled from September 24 to 27. With a large number of tourists, foreign nationals and VIPs expected to travel through Potin, Yazali, Yachuli and Joram during the festival, the initiative aims to ensure a clean, safe and welcoming gateway to Ziro Valley. As part of the drive, a mass social service was conducted on Monday across markets and adjoining areas of Potin, Yazali, Yachuli and Joram in convergence with the Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2026 campaign. Executive Engineer, Urban Development (UD), Er Tai Kalley, and Assistant Engineer, UD, Yachuli, Er Smith Taba, along with their teams, carried out garbage collection and disposal along the NH-13 stretch from Anya Gate, Potin, bordering Papum Pare, to Anya Gate, Joram, bordering Lower Subansiri. Market Welfare Committees, shopkeepers and Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) members actively participated in the drive, reflecting community involvement in maintaining cleanliness and the overall appearance of the NH-13 corridor. The district administration has urged business establishments, market committees, local communities, PRI members and the general public to sustain the spirit of “Swachhata Hi Seva” and collectively maintain Keyi Panyor as a clean, safe and welcoming gateway for visitors travelling to Ziro during ZFM 2026.