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  TAWANG : NITI Aayog on Tuesday conducted a hands-on training programme on the NITI TARA (Toolkit for Analysis, Review and Action) platform at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall in Tawang to strengthen data-driven governance and enhance digital administrative capabilities. The training was conducted by master trainers Rituraj Thakur and Digitpran Gogoi of EdCIL (Educational Consultants India Limited). Officers and officials from various government departments participated in the programme. The interactive session provided participants with practical exposure to the NITI TARA platform, familiarising them with its features for performance monitoring, analysis of key developmental indicators, planning and evidence-based decision-making. Through live demonstrations and guided exercises, officials learned to use the platform for monitoring the implementation of government schemes and reviewing developmental progress at the district and block levels. The trainers highlighted that the NITI TARA platform serves as an integrated digital tool for informed policymaking, real-time monitoring of development initiatives and improved governance outcomes. The programme forms part of NITI Aayog’s efforts to strengthen institutional capacity and promote technology-enabled governance. By equipping government officials with modern analytical tools, the initiative is expected to enhance transparency, accountability and efficiency in public service delivery while supporting the vision of Viksit Bharat. (DIPR)

ITANAGAR : Glaw Lake in Arunachal Pradesh’s Lohit district has been designated as India’s 101st Ramsar site, making it the state’s first wetland to receive the internationally recognised status. Announcing the development on Monday, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav described the designation as a major milestone for biodiversity conservation, water and climate security, and sustainable livelihoods. “Delighted to announce Glaw Lake as Arunachal Pradesh’s first Ramsar Site — a significant milestone for biodiversity, water and climate security, and sustainable livelihoods,” Yadav said in a post on X. He noted that the pristine freshwater lake in the Eastern Himalayas is a biodiversity hotspot, fed by perennial mountain streams and surrounded by rich vegetation. More than 150 tree species and 49 orchid species have been recorded within the lake and its catchment area. “Every new Ramsar Site strengthens our resolve to protect nature while securing the future of communities that depend on these invaluable ecosystems,” the Minister added. Ramsar sites are wetlands of international importance designated under the Ramsar Convention, an international treaty adopted in 1971 to promote the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. The convention seeks to halt the global loss of wetlands and ensure the wise use and effective management of these ecologically significant ecosystems. As part of the designation, member countries commit to establishing and implementing management measures for the long-term conservation of the notified wetlands. (Photo: Pema Khandu/Facebook)      

ITANAGAR : Governor Lt Gen KT Parnaik (Retd) on Monday presented the prestigious ‘Land of the Rising Sun’ Medallion for Excellence to Itanagar Municipal Corporation (IMC) Mayor Likha Nari Tadar in recognition of her efforts to improve urban infrastructure and make the state capital cleaner, greener and more citizen-friendly. The honour, presented at Raj Bhavan, acknowledges Tadar’s leadership in strengthening civic services, promoting cleanliness and sanitation, and advancing initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life in the Capital Region. Congratulating the Mayor and the IMC team, the Governor appreciated their commitment to enhancing municipal services. He observed that a clean and well-managed city reflects the collective responsibility of both citizens and civic authorities and plays a vital role in improving the quality of urban life. He also encouraged the corporation to continue adopting innovative and technology-driven solutions for urban governance. Emphasising that Itanagar should aspire to become a clean, hygienic and sustainable tourism city, the Governor proposed launching a ‘Zero Litter Itanagar Mission’ backed by strict enforcement, public awareness campaigns, CCTV surveillance, spot fines and citizen reporting mechanisms. He also stressed the need to achieve 100 per cent segregation of waste at source by ensuring that households, institutions, hotels, restaurants and commercial establishments separate wet, dry and hazardous waste. Calling for a plastic-free capital, he advocated phasing out single-use plastics and promoting the use of bamboo, cane and other eco-friendly alternatives. To improve the city’s tourism appeal, the Governor suggested developing clean tourist corridors from Hollongi Airport to major destinations, equipped with public toilets, proper signage, landscaping, street lighting and waste disposal facilities. He further underscored the importance of community participation through Ward Cleanliness Committees, School Green Brigades, youth volunteers and Self-Help Groups. Expressing confidence in the proposed measures, the Governor said they would help position Itanagar among the cleanest state capitals in the Northeast, improve public health, enhance visitors’ experience, generate tourism opportunities and contribute to the vision of Viksit Arunachal and Viksit Bharat@2047. During the meeting, Mayor Likha Nari Tadar briefed the Governor on the IMC’s ongoing initiatives to strengthen sanitation, waste management, civic amenities and urban infrastructure across the Capital Complex, reaffirming the corporation’s commitment to creating a cleaner and more liveable city.

ITANAGAR : Single-use plastic and packaging waste emerged as the biggest pollutants of the Yagamso River during a river clean-up and waste audit conducted by the Youth Mission for Clean River (YMCR) and the Abralow Memorial Multipurpose Society (AMMS) at Chandranagar on Sunday. Supported by the Itanagar Smart City Development Corporation Ltd. (ISCDCL), the drive removed around 2,160 kg of waste from the riverbed and its banks. Besides cleaning the river, volunteers carried out a detailed waste audit to identify the major sources of pollution. The exercise found that single-use plastics and packaging materials accounted for a significant share of the waste, along with construction debris, discarded clothing and household refuse. Among the items recovered were 151 plastic bags, 122 cement bags, 115 playing cards, 77 disposable diapers, 55 plastic bottles, 55 pieces of clothing, 53 instant noodle packets, 50 electric wires and 33 metal rods. Volunteers also collected sanitary waste, cigarette butts, school bags, medicine packets and electronic waste. The organisers said the wide variety of discarded materials indicated that indiscriminate domestic dumping and littering were major contributors to the river’s pollution. YMCR Vice Chairman Keyom Doni said the waste audit was as significant as the clean-up itself because it helped identify the nature and sources of pollution instead of merely removing waste. He noted that the predominance of plastic packaging and other single-use items underscored the urgent need for greater public awareness and stricter waste management practices along riverbanks. He added that YMCR would continue organising similar drives and use the audit findings to engage local authorities and communities on sustainable waste disposal practices. The organisers thanked the NICE Generation Church Committee for providing access to the river and allowing the use of its premises, which facilitated the smooth conduct of the programme. Youth Pastor Robi Bagang lauded the volunteers for translating concern for the environment into meaningful action. He commended their commitment to community service and environmental conservation, noting that their efforts set an example of active public participation. The organisers also expressed gratitude to Pastor Robi Bagang and the church committee for their hospitality, support and cooperation in ensuring the successful conduct of the river clean-up drive.      

AALO : Continuing its crackdown on illegal vehicle modifications, West Siang Police on Monday destroyed 128 modified silencers seized from two-wheelers operating in and around Aalo township over the past six months. The enforcement drive was carried out under the direction of West Siang Superintendent of Police Kardak Riba and the supervision of Deputy Superintendent of Police (Headquarters) Taba Biroy. The operations were led by Traffic Officer-in-Charge Sub-Inspector Gumdo Ete and Aalo Police Station Officer-in-Charge Inspector Yomken Riram. The seized silencers were destroyed using a JCB after obtaining permission from the West Siang Deputy Commissioner. The destruction was carried out in the presence of Assistant Commissioner and Town Magistrate Jumkar Karbi. Addressing the media, West Siang Superintendent of Police Kardak Riba urged youngsters, particularly college students, not to install or use modified silencers, stating that such illegal alterations contribute to severe noise pollution and inconvenience students, residents and the general public. He warned that offenders are liable for action under Sections 190 and 52 of the Motor Vehicles Act. The SP said that, as a deterrent, only the modified silencers of first-time offenders have been seized and destroyed. However, repeat violations will result in seizure of the entire vehicle, which will be produced before the court. Cases will also be registered against vehicle owners, who may face imprisonment of up to six months. He further appealed to parents not to allow children below 18 years of age to ride two-wheelers, reminding them that such violations attract a penalty of ₹25,000 and legal liability for parents. Reaffirming its commitment to maintaining public order and reducing noise pollution, West Siang Police said strict enforcement against illegal vehicle modifications will continue across the district. (DIPR)