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BOLENG : A 12-member delegation from Dosing village on Tuesday visited Pangin Clean Model village as part of the ongoing Dosing Kumku Clean & Green Village Mission to study community-led cleanliness and environmental management practices. The exposure visit was organised jointly by the Siang district administration and the Dosing Social Welfare Society (DSWS) with the objective of enabling the delegation to learn from one of the district’s successful clean village initiatives. The delegation was welcomed by the village Gaon Burahs, Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) members, the president of the Clean Model Village Committee and other village representatives. During a guided tour of the village, the visitors observed Pangin’s initiatives in cleanliness, waste management, environmental conservation and community participation. They also interacted with local stakeholders to understand the planning and community involvement behind the village’s transformation. The visit provided a platform for the exchange of ideas and best practices between the two villages while reinforcing the importance of community ownership, peer learning and institutional collaboration in achieving sustainable rural development. According to the district administration, such inter-village exposure visits encourage healthy competition among communities and inspire villages to adopt successful local models suited to their own needs. The initiative is expected to strengthen efforts towards building cleaner, greener and more resilient villages across Siang district. (DIPR)

MECHUKHA :  The second edition of the Mechukha Trout Quest concluded on July 26 last with a grand valedictory ceremony, marking the successful culmination of an international angling event that showcased sportsmanship, conservation and Arunachal Pradesh’s growing stature as an adventure tourism destination. Held in the pristine waters of the Yargyap-chu River, the tournament attracted 56 elite anglers from Bhutan, Thailand and several Indian states, further strengthening Mechukha’s reputation on the international angling and adventure tourism circuit. Among the prominent participants was Bobby Satpal, widely regarded as one of India’s leading fly anglers and guides. To encourage community participation, the organisers also conducted a special competition exclusively for residents of Shi Yomi district at the high-altitude Pasang Sonam Lake near the India-China border. The local event offered a cash prize of ₹1 lakh for the winner and ₹50,000 for the runner-up. The tournament was conducted under the technical supervision of Tournament Director Derek D’Souza, India representative to the International Game Fishing Association (IGFA) and Vice President (Environment) of the All India Game Fishing Association. His leadership ensured that the competition adhered to international sporting and conservation standards. Organised in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, the event underscored the state’s commitment to promoting sustainable tourism, strengthening tourism infrastructure and encouraging responsible adventure sports as a means of generating livelihood opportunities for local communities. The closing ceremony was attended by Agriculture and Allied Sectors Minister Gabriel D Wangsu as chief guest and Tourism Education and Rural Works Department Minister Pasang Dorjee Sona as guest of honour. Also present were Tourism Director Rujjum Rakshap, Shi Yomi Deputy Commissioner Manjunath R and Army officers. Wangsu presented cash prizes to winners in the professional fly fishing, lure fishing and local community categories. In his valedictory address, Wangsu stressed the importance of adopting sustainable tourism models in the Mechukha valley, saying eco-friendly adventure activities such as regulated game fishing can generate long-term economic benefits while preserving the region’s fragile ecosystem. He said community participation would remain central to the state’s tourism development strategy. Participants expressed appreciation for the professional organisation of the tournament and Mechukha’s scenic landscape, with many international anglers expressing their eagerness to return for the next edition of the Mechukha Trout Quest.      

LONGDING : The District-Level Narco-Coordination (NCORD) Committee on Tuesday reviewed measures to strengthen anti-drug initiatives and enhance inter-departmental coordination during a meeting held at the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Longding. The meeting was chaired by Longding Deputy Commissioner and NCORD Chairperson Kunal Yadav in the presence of committee members, officials from various departments, civil society organisations and other stakeholders. Longding Deputy Superintendent of Police Kesang Norbu delivered the welcome address, while Longding Superintendent of Police and NCORD Convenor Dekio Gumja made a detailed presentation on the district’s anti-narcotics initiatives. The committee also reviewed the decisions taken at its previous meeting. Members deliberated on the prevailing drug abuse situation in the district and shared suggestions to strengthen preventive measures, enforcement and awareness initiatives. Addressing the meeting, Yadav emphasised the need for close coordination among all stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of anti-drug measures and outlined the future course of action. The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Kanubari Sub-Divisional Police Officer T Pabin, with members reaffirming their commitment to intensify efforts towards making Longding a drug-free district. (DIPR)

ITANAGAR : Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly Speaker Tesam Pongte and Deputy Speaker Kardo Nyigyor on Tuesday participated in a virtual meeting of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Region Zone III chaired by Zone III Chairman and North East Regional Institute of Parliamentary Studies, Training and Research (NERIPSTR) President Sharingain Longkumar. The meeting was attended by the Speakers of all the Northeastern State Legislative Assemblies, who reviewed the functioning and future activities of the CPA India Region Zone III and NERIPSTR. A key decision taken during the meeting was to postpone the next CPA India Region Zone III Conference, which was scheduled to be held in Agartala. The conference has been rescheduled to November 2026 in view of the prevailing monsoon conditions. The participants also discussed financial measures to strengthen the operational capabilities of the CPA India Region Zone III and NERIPSTR to ensure their effective functioning and sustained institutional development.

KHONSA : An integrated health camp was conducted across several villages in Khonsa and Deomali towns of Tirap district from July 17 to 26 under the Targeted Intervention (TI) Project. The camp was organised by the Arunachal Pradesh State AIDS Control Society (APSACS) in collaboration with the Care Me Home Targeted Intervention Project of the Care Me Home Welfare Society Khonsa. The initiative aimed to improve access to free healthcare services, raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and other communicable diseases, facilitate early screening, promote preventive healthcare and encourage greater community participation in health-related programmes. The camp was supervised by Eastern Zone Chief Programme Officer Ngamter Ete and TI Project Manager Janwang Wangsa. A range of free healthcare services was provided, including counselling, screening for HIV, syphilis, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C, blood pressure monitoring and blood sugar testing. According to the organisers, the camp successfully achieved its objectives by strengthening community awareness, promoting preventive healthcare and improving access to essential medical services for the targeted population. They credited the support and coordination between APSACS and the Care Me Home Targeted Intervention Project for the successful implementation of the programme.

LAZU : Assam Rifles on Tuesday organised a lecture and awareness drive at its Company Operating Base (COB) in Lazu, Tirap district, to mark World Nature Conservation Day. The programme aimed to create awareness among local residents, particularly the youth, on the importance of environmental conservation, sustainable practices, biodiversity protection and the collective responsibility of preserving nature for future generations. During the session, participants were sensitised to the need for protecting forests and wildlife, reducing plastic pollution and adopting eco-friendly practices. They were also encouraged to contribute actively to environmental conservation through responsible behaviour and community participation. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from local residents, students, village elders and Assam Rifles personnel, fostering greater environmental awareness and strengthening community partnership. The initiative reflects the Assam Rifles’ continued commitment to environmental conservation, sustainable development and close engagement with communities across the North East. (DIPR)      

NAMSAI : Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein on Tuesday inaugurated a mini football stadium at Chowkham in Namsai district, describing it as a major step towards strengthening sports infrastructure and nurturing young football talent in Arunachal Pradesh. The project was funded by the North Eastern Council (NEC) and executed by the Rural Works Department (RWD), Namsai. The inauguration was attended by Namsai MLA Chau Zingnu Namchoom, Namsai Zilla Parishad Chairperson Chau Sujana Namchoom, Sports and Youth Affairs Secretary Abu Tayeng and other officials. Speaking on the occasion, Mein said Chowkham has a rich footballing legacy as the birthplace of the state’s first international footballer, late Indrajit Namchoom, as well as Chau Surajit (Gohain) Namchoom and several other talented players. He said the government is committed to restoring Chowkham’s footballing glory and developing the area into a regional football hub. The stadium features a modern artificial turf football field and spectator facilities, providing young players with quality infrastructure for training and competitive events. Describing the project as an investment in the aspirations of the state’s youth, Mein expressed appreciation to the Rural Works Department, the contractor and everyone involved in completing the facility. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating quality sports infrastructure and expanding opportunities for young people to build a healthier, stronger and more vibrant Arunachal Pradesh.  

ZIRO : The Department of Youth Affairs on Tuesday held a strategic meeting at Ziro to accelerate the implementation of the Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat) initiative across Lower Subansiri district, with a focus on technology-driven youth engagement and greater inter-departmental coordination. The meeting was chaired by Lower Subansiri Deputy Commissioner Oli Perme and attended by Zilla Parishad Chairperson Hibu Dumi, District Youth Officer Shaffali Yadav and other district officials. Addressing the meeting, Yadav outlined MY Bharat’s vision as a “phygital” platform that combines grassroots engagement with digital access to create greater opportunities for young people. She said the initiative, launched in 2023, represents the transition from the erstwhile Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS) to a modern youth development framework. She briefed participants on the programmes available to youth aged 15 to 29 through the MY Bharat portal, including Experiential Learning Programmes, Volunteer for Bharat initiatives, leadership development activities, mega events and competitions such as quizzes, essays and podcasts. She also highlighted the proposed “MY Bharat Mentors” feature, which will connect young people with experienced professionals for career and personal guidance. Based on suggestions made by Deputy Commissioner Perme, the meeting decided to constitute a District MY Bharat Advisory Council (DMBAC) to strengthen inter-departmental coordination and guide youth-centric initiatives in the district. The council will include the Superintendent of Police, District Agriculture Officer, District Health Officer and representatives from various sectors under the leadership of the Deputy Commissioner and the Zilla Parishad Chairperson. The meeting concluded with a pledge by officials to promote district-wide enrolment on the MY Bharat portal so that more young people can participate in and benefit from the national youth development programme. (DIPR)        

ITANAGAR : The Congress in Arunachal Pradesh on Monday launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led state government, accusing it of evading accountability on issues of border security, alleged corruption in the health sector, deteriorating education system and governance, while demanding greater transparency and public scrutiny. Questioning the government’s stand on the India-China border situation, Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) working president Tanga Byaling, in a statement, alleged that Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Home Minister Mama Natung were downplaying concerns over alleged Chinese incursions and encroachments instead of addressing the ground realities faced by people living in border areas. “If the state government is so confident that there are no Chinese incursions or encroachments, let the CM and the HM come to the Indo-Tibetan border along with a media team and verify the ground reality themselves,” he said, urging the government to stop making statements from the comfort of offices in Itanagar. He also criticised the BJP government for repeatedly referring to the 1962 India-China war whenever the border issue is raised, saying the concern today is the present security situation, particularly developments after 2020. “The people are asking questions about what is happening today. The issue is the present border reality and the developments after 2020,” he said, adding that border residents were aware of the situation and that “national security cannot be treated as a political public relations exercise”. Byaling’s response came after Natung on Sunday dismissed allegations of Chinese encroachment into Indian territory in the Taksing sector of Upper Subansiri district, terming the claims “lies and social media rumours”. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the Kargil Vijay Diwas celebrations here, Natung said there has been no intrusion by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) into any part of the state. “There has been no encroachment in Arunachal Pradesh by the Chinese. All these are just lies and social media rumours. Our jawans are protecting our border 24×7. No Chinese would dare encroach into Indian territory, and I can assure you that these are all rumours and nothing else,” the minister had said. Byaling also levelled allegations of corruption and administrative failures in the health department, claiming that despite huge expenditure on medicines and medical equipment, many district hospitals and health centres continue to face shortages of doctors, specialists, medicines and basic facilities. “The government must explain where the public money is going and why patients are not receiving the healthcare they deserve,” the former home minister said, demanding complete transparency in procurement of medicines and equipment and an independent investigation into alleged financial irregularities. He also sought a statewide verification of pharmacies, alleging that some were being operated by unqualified or unlicensed persons, which, he said, posed a serious threat to public health. The Congress leader further questioned recruitment in the health department, alleging irregularities in appointments while qualified Arunachal Pradesh Scheduled Tribe (APST) pharmacists, laboratory technicians and other healthcare professionals remained unemployed. He demanded a comprehensive review of recruitment rules, selection procedures, merit lists and compliance with reservation norms. Targeting the education department, Byaling alleged that several schools across the state were functioning without adequate teachers, infrastructure and basic facilities, while some existed only on paper. “The government cannot claim development while the future of our children is being neglected,” he said, calling for a public audit of schools, teacher vacancies, infrastructure and utilisation of education funds. Byaling said the government should stop responding to public concerns with ‘propaganda’ and instead provide clear answers on border security, healthcare, education and governance. “The people of the state deserve truth, governance, transparency and accountability,” he said, adding that the Opposition would continue to raise these issues until the government took concrete action and ensured greater transparency. (Source: PTI)