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ITANAGAR : The IMD on Wednesday forecast thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and heavy to very heavy rainfall in several parts of Arunachal Pradesh over the next two days. According to the meteorological centre here, thunderstorms with lightning and heavy rainfall (6-11 cm in 24 hours) are very likely at isolated places in East Siang, Lohit, Namsai and Longding districts on Thursday and Friday. Papum Pare district, meanwhile, is likely to experience very heavy rainfall (12-20 cm in 24 hours) at isolated places during the same period. Lower Subansiri, Lower Dibang Valley and Lohit districts are likely to witness thunderstorms with lightning and heavy rainfall at isolated places on Friday and Saturday. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has also warned of very heavy rainfall over Papum Pare district on Friday and Saturday, cautioning that intense spells of rain may trigger localised flooding, waterlogging and disruption of normal activities in vulnerable areas. The weather office has advised residents, commuters and authorities to remain alert and take necessary precautions in view of the possibility of thunderstorms, lightning and heavy rain across the affected districts over the next two days. The ongoing spell of floods and landslides has so far claimed seven lives, injured 29 people and affected 1,49,392 people across the northeastern state. The monsoon has affected all 27 districts of the state, 343 circles and 594 villages so far. Since the onset of the monsoon, the state has recorded extensive damage to public infrastructure, including 198 roads, 38 bridges, 30 culverts, 265 water supply schemes, 156 power lines, 239 electric poles, 63 government buildings, 24 schools, 46 fish ponds, 21 retaining walls, 16 flood protection walls and several other public assets. An estimated 733.66 hectares of crop area have been damaged, comprising 419 hectares of horticulture plantations and 314.66 hectares of agricultural land. In addition, 1,010 hectares of forest area have been affected, the report added. (Source: PTI)    

KHONSA : The District Advisory Committee (DAC) on MY Bharat on Wednesday reviewed the implementation of youth development programmes in Tirap district and called for a concerted effort to maximise registration of eligible youths on the MY Bharat Portal. The meeting, held at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall, was chaired by Tirap Deputy Commissioner Badonlum Tawsik. It focused on reviewing ongoing MY Bharat activities and strengthening inter-departmental coordination for effective implementation of youth-centric initiatives. District Youth Officer Sukhveer Bishnoi presented the vision, objectives and Annual Action Plan of MY Bharat. The committee deliberated on key initiatives, including Experiential Learning Programmes (ELPs), youth club development, sports promotion, volunteer engagement, awareness campaigns and convergence with various government departments. A major focus of the meeting was the MY Bharat Portal registration drive, being conducted from July 1 to August 15 for youths in the 15-29 age group. The committee urged government departments, educational institutions, National Service Scheme (NSS) units, National Cadet Corps (NCC), youth clubs and community organisations to actively mobilise eligible youths for registration. It also discussed the appointment of MY Bharat nodal officers and campus ambassadors in educational institutions to accelerate the campaign. The committee noted that registration on the MY Bharat Portal enables young people to access experiential learning programmes with government departments, industries, non-governmental organisations and educational institutions, besides volunteering opportunities, participation in national-level competitions and leadership programmes, digital certificates, a personalised digital profile with CV-building facilities and future mentorship opportunities. Appealing for coordinated action, Tirap DC Badonlum Tawsik urged schools, colleges, government departments and youth organisations to work together to ensure maximum registration and meaningful participation of the district’s youths on the MY Bharat Portal. The meeting concluded with all departments reaffirming their commitment to support the registration drive and strengthen the implementation of MY Bharat activities in the district. (DIPR)    

YUPIA : Home and Interstate Border Affairs Minister Mama Natung on Tuesday asserted that the Arunachal Pradesh government remains committed to resolving all pending boundary disputes with Assam through the regional committees constituted by the two states. Inaugurating a Rs 3-crore Fire Station at Yupia in Papum Pare district, Natung said Assam has an important role in fostering regional harmony and appealed to people living along the inter-state boundary to maintain peace, harmony and brotherhood. Referring to the recent disturbances in the Tarasso area, the minister said border disputes involving five districts have already been resolved following the Namsai Declaration, while discussions are continuing to settle the remaining disputes, including those concerning Papum Pare district. He said the regional committees of both states are holding regular meetings to arrive at mutually acceptable solutions to the pending issues. On July 15, tension flared at Sango village in the Tarasso area after arson and firing incidents involving local residents and personnel from Assam’s Forest Department. According to officials, the forest personnel attempted to stop the alleged construction of unauthorised houses in an area claimed by Assam as part of the Behali Reserve Forest. During the operation, nearly 50 rounds were reportedly fired, though no injuries were reported. The land remains disputed, with Assam claiming it falls within the reserve forest while local residents maintain that their families have lived there for decades. Besides inaugurating the Fire Station, Natung also flagged off a fleet of nine newly inducted Fire and Emergency Services vehicles, comprising three Fire Safety Education Vans, two Water Mist Vehicles, one Rescue Tender and three Fire Tenders, which will be deployed across different districts to strengthen emergency response capabilities. The Fire Station, constructed by the Urban Development Department as the executing agency, is expected to significantly improve operational preparedness and emergency response in Yupia and adjoining areas. Addressing the gathering, Natung lauded the Fire and Emergency Services Department for its dedication in safeguarding lives and property and urged citizens to actively participate in fire safety awareness programmes. Highlighting the government’s efforts to strengthen emergency infrastructure, he said 13 new fire stations have been constructed across district headquarters over the past three years. During the same period, 337 new posts were created in the department, taking the total strength of firefighters in the state to 811 personnel. The minister also highlighted the success of the Arunachal Pradesh Police’s anti-drug campaign, Operation Dawn, stating that the initiative has resulted in major crackdowns on drug traffickers and the dismantling of several trafficking networks over the past four years. He commended the police for their commitment to protecting the state’s youth from the menace of drug abuse. Responding to a request from Doimukh MLA Nabam Vivek, Natung said the proposal for establishing a Category ‘C’ Police Station at Sangdupota is under process. He also directed Arunachal Pradesh Director General of Police S D Singh Jamwal to strengthen police deployment and increase manpower in sensitive border areas such as Tarasso and Kakoi to ensure regular patrolling and maintain law and order. Speaking on the occasion, Vivek welcomed the inauguration of the long-awaited Fire Station and thanked the state government for establishing the facility. He sought adequate police deployment at Kakoi and Tarasso, renovation and upgradation of the Doimukh Police Station, and construction of residential quarters for personnel posted at the new Fire Station. Director General of Police S D Singh Jamwal stressed the importance of fire prevention and public awareness, urging citizens, builders and institutions to incorporate fire safety measures at the planning stage of construction to minimise fire-related accidents and loss of life and property. The programme concluded with a live fire rescue and safety demonstration by personnel of the Naharlagun Fire Station, showcasing modern firefighting techniques, rescue operations and emergency response procedures while spreading awareness on fire prevention and safety. (Source: DIPR/PTI)    

ITANAGAR : The Youth Mission for Clean River (YMCR), in collaboration with the Abralow Memorial Multipurpose Society and with support from the Itanagar Smart City Development Corporation Ltd. (ISCDCL), conducted a river clean-up drive at the Yamaso River in C-II Colony, Ward No. 10, on the occasion of World Nature Conservation Day on Tuesday. Yamaso is one of the tributary rivers of the Yagamso River, with the two converging near the southern end of IG Park. Volunteers participating in the drive removed around 3,000 kilograms of waste from the river during the day-long campaign. Addressing the volunteers, YMCR Vice Chairman Keyom Doni stressed the importance of cleanliness and civic responsibility, urging residents to take greater ownership of rivers and other public spaces. He highlighted YMCR’s continued efforts in organising river clean-up drives and awareness campaigns across Itanagar and sought sustained public support for river conservation. During the campaign, volunteers found a large heap of garbage accumulated between two multi-storey residential buildings along the riverbank. According to the organisers, the site has been used repeatedly for dumping waste, much of which eventually flows into the river. Local residents alleged that occupants of the two buildings have been regularly disposing of garbage in and around the river despite repeated complaints. A ward member present at the site said notices had earlier been served to the buildings concerned, but the practice has continued. Describing the illegal dumping as a serious threat to public health, biodiversity and the environment, the organisers appealed to the Itanagar Municipal Corporation Mayor, the Itanagar Capital Region Deputy Commissioner and the Ward No. 10 corporator to take strict action against those responsible and ensure measures to prevent further dumping into the river.      

PASIGHAT :  The Pasighat Municipal Council (PMC) has become the first Urban Local Body (ULB) in Arunachal Pradesh to be integrated with the State Government’s Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) Online Trade Licence Portal, marking a major milestone in digital governance and citizen-centric service delivery. The portal was inaugurated on Tuesday by PMC Chief Councillor Tagom Padung in the presence of Deputy Chief Councillor Kamin Lego, Municipal Executive Officer Jayanti Pertin, Executive Engineer Tadar Tarang, councillors, PMC officials and the technical team from the Arunachal Pradesh Innovation and Investment Park (APIIP) under the Department of Planning Investment and Finance. Speaking on the occasion, Padung described the initiative as a landmark step towards modernising municipal services. He said the digital platform would enhance transparency, reduce processing time and create a more business-friendly environment by making trade licence services more accessible to citizens and entrepreneurs. In its initial phase, the portal will provide online services related to trade licences, including fresh applications, renewals, application status tracking and deletion of trade items for businesses operating within the jurisdiction of the PMC. The council also acknowledged the support and guidance of East Siang Deputy Commissioner Sonalika Jiwani in facilitating the successful implementation of the initiative. The launch of the portal underscores the PMC’s commitment to strengthening digital governance, improving public service delivery and promoting an efficient, transparent and technology-driven municipal administration while fostering ease of doing business in Pasighat. (DIPR)      

ITANAGAR : Union Minister Kiren Rijiju called on Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu at Parliament House in New Delhi and congratulated him on completing 10 years as the chief minister of the northeastern state Commending Khandu’s leadership, Rijiju said Arunachal Pradesh has achieved historic milestones in infrastructure, the social sector, and governance reforms over the past decade. “Met Hon Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Shri @PemaKhanduBJP ji, at Parliament House today. Congratulated him on completing 10 years of tenure. Under his leadership, the state has witnessed historic milestones in infrastructure, social sector and governance reforms,” Rijiju posted on X on Monday. Expressing his gratitude, Khandu thanked the Union minister for his support and attributed the state’s developmental strides to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision. “Thank you, Hon’ble Union Minister Shri @KirenRijiju ji, for your continued support and guidance. Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji, Arunachal Pradesh has witnessed remarkable transformation across all sectors, with unprecedented development reaching every corner of the state. Together, we remain committed towards Team Arunachal for a stronger and Viksit Arunachal,” the CM wrote on the microblogging platform. Khandu, who assumed office as the chief minister of Arunachal Pradesh on July 17, 2016, completed a decade at the helm of the state government recently. (Source: PTI)      

KHONSA : A joint inspection team led by Khonsa East MLA Wanglam Sawin on Tuesday identified the old District and Sessions Court building as the proposed temporary site for relocating the Khonsa Post Office to facilitate construction of a diversion road at the road-damaged stretch near the existing post office. The inspection was attended by Tirap Deputy Commissioner Badonlum Tawsik, Additional Deputy Commissioner Namneet Singh, Public Works Department Executive Engineer Taro Jeram, Postmaster Natmoi Wangno and public leader Wangpong Tangjang. During the inspection, Sawin said the temporary relocation was necessary to ease the inconvenience faced by commuters due to the damaged road and to enable early construction of the diversion route for restoring smooth traffic movement. DC Tawsik said the district administration has issued evacuation orders for residents living within the sinking zone as well as staff of the Khonsa Post Office in view of the prevailing disaster situation. He said the vacant former District and Sessions Court building would be renovated at the earliest to accommodate the post office and staff quarters. He added that the temporary shift would facilitate construction of the alternative road, improving connectivity to Lazu and Tutnu blocks, Kheti, Thinsa and Lapnan villages, besides ensuring uninterrupted access to the Arunachal Pradesh State Transport Services (APSTS) bus station, 36 Battalion Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), 44 Assam Rifles and Government Higher Secondary School, Khonsa. Executive Engineer Jeram said the proposed diversion road would be about 200 metres long and involve full-scale construction. Subject to the required government approvals, the work is expected to be completed within two weeks. Postmaster Wangno said approval from the Office of the Chief Postmaster General through the competent postal authorities is awaited for shifting the post office. He added that the Department of Posts has no objection to the temporary relocation once the proposed building is renovated and made fit for occupation. The temporary relocation of the Khonsa Post Office and construction of the diversion road are expected to provide immediate relief to commuters while ensuring uninterrupted postal services during the restoration of the damaged road. (DIPR)      

PASIGHAT : Panchayati Raj and Rural Development Minister Ojing Tasing on Tuesday underscored the need to strengthen grassroots governance by empowering rural institutions while addressing a one-day orientation programme for Panchayati Raj and Rural Development functionaries here. Addressing officers, officials and elected representatives, Tasing said the orientation programme was being conducted at various locations across the state to ensure wider participation, reflecting the government’s commitment to holistic rural development. He urged participants to share the knowledge gained during the programme at the village level so that the benefits of government initiatives reach every citizen. Highlighting the importance of effective grassroots governance, the minister said successful implementation of development programmes requires practical understanding and problem-solving at the local level. Referring to the 16th Finance Commission, he called upon officers and public representatives to act as facilitators of development and appealed to citizens to contribute towards the vision of Viksit Bharat. He also urged officials to ensure effective implementation of flagship schemes, including the Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin), SPR, G-RAM-G and other rural development programmes aimed at improving livelihoods and creating opportunities for unemployed youth. Minister’s Advisor Taniya Soki said capacity-building initiatives are essential for strengthening Panchayati Raj Institutions and improving rural governance. He stressed the need to enhance digital literacy among grassroots leaders and promote mutual respect and cooperation between government officials and elected representatives. Earlier, East Siang Zilla Parishad Chairperson Ruth Tabing Boko welcomed the dignitaries and encouraged participants to actively engage in the technical sessions to gain a better understanding of rural development schemes, grants and Panchayati Raj matters. Resource persons conducted technical sessions on the Schedule of Rates (SOR), Outcome-Based Service Rating (OSR), the 15th Finance Commission, convergence of schemes, Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin), VB-RAM-G, SECURE and the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY). (DIPR)