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ROING :  NHPC Limited, under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, organised a one-day horticulture training programme along with a Basic Life Support (BLS) and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training session at Government Primary School, Ranli, in Dibang Valley district on July 9. The programme, organised under the aegis of the 2,880 MW Dibang Multipurpose Project in collaboration with the district administration, was held under the guidance of Project Head and Executive Director Narendra Kumar. It aimed to promote sustainable livelihoods among local farmers while equipping participants with essential life-saving skills. Around 45 participants, including the local Zilla Parishad Member, gaon burahs, gaon burhis, project-affected families and farmers, attended the training. Experts from the Central Agricultural University, Imphal, conducted the technical sessions. Assistant Professor (Vegetable Science) Dr. Sidharudha Margal trained participants on seed selection, seasonal crops and protected cultivation techniques, with a focus on garlic and onion cultivation. Assistant Professor (Fruit Science) Dr. N. Devchandra demonstrated scientific orchard establishment, canopy management and pruning techniques. Certified CPR expert Dr. Nagendra Mohan Prasad conducted the Basic Life Support session, imparting practical emergency response skills. Addressing the participants, NHPC General Manager Gaurav Kumar outlined the corporation’s community development initiatives under its CSR programme and urged farmers to make effective use of the knowledge gained during the training. He also thanked the local community and district administration for their cooperation in the implementation of the Dibang Multipurpose Project. Etalin Project Head Deepak Ratan Sagar, NHPC Group Senior Manager (HR) Isaac Vungkhanlal, Group Senior Manager (Environment) Hemam Dhanshyam Singh, Trainee Officer (Public Relations) Vikas Kumar and Dibang Valley Circle Officer Anmol Singh also attended the programme. Delivering the vote of thanks, NHPC Deputy General Manager (Civil/CSR) Ashish Saxena reiterated the corporation’s commitment to empowering local communities through modern agricultural practices suited to the region’s agro-climatic conditions. He also acknowledged the guidance of General Manager (HR) Vijay K. Lakra. At the conclusion of the programme, NHPC distributed orange and dragon fruit saplings, agricultural tools and high-yield onion seeds sufficient for one acre of cultivation to all participating farmers to facilitate immediate adoption of the techniques demonstrated during the training.    

PASIGHAT :  The Spearhead Gunners, under the aegis of the Spearhead Division of the Indian Army, distributed six portable mobile toilets across Mottum, Sigar and Mebo under Operation Sadbhavana to improve sanitation infrastructure in remote areas of East Siang district. The initiative was carried out in the presence of the Circle Officer, senior Army officers, representatives of the civil administration, village authorities, school officials and members of the local community. As part of the programme, three portable mobile toilets were handed over to Mottum village to improve community sanitation facilities. Two units were provided to Government Primary School, Sigar, to strengthen sanitation infrastructure for students and staff, while one portable toilet was installed at Mebo Playground for the benefit of sportspersons and the public during community events. The initiative reflects the Indian Army’s continued efforts to work in partnership with the civil administration and local communities to improve the quality of life in remote areas. Through Operation Sadbhavana, the Spearhead Gunners said they remain committed to strengthening civil-military cooperation, fostering trust among local communities and contributing to the socio-economic development of the region.    

ANINI : The eighth edition of the Naba Tade Tacho Memorial Football Tournament got underway at the FIFA Stadium in Anini on Tuesday, bringing together 18 teams from across Dibang Valley district. Jointly organised by the Naba Tade Tacho Foundation, District Football Association Dibang Valley and the Kongo Youth Association, the annual tournament aims to promote football, nurture young talent and commemorate the legacy of former legislator and social leader Late Tade Tacho. The inaugural ceremony was attended by Advisor to the Tourism, Civil Aviation, Geology and Mining Minister Mopi Mihu, Dibang Valley Zilla Parishad Chairperson Sadhu Mihu and Anelih-Arzoo Zilla Parishad Member Emi Yalla. The dignitaries commended the organisers for sustaining the tournament and providing a platform to promote sportsmanship, discipline and youth participation. The opening match saw Dweeru Trekkers FC register a comfortable 3-0 victory over Arzoo FC. Pahi Milli scored a brace, while Khyoda Mark added the third goal. The tournament, being organised under the leadership of Organising Chairman Naso Miri, is supported by NHPC, SJVN, the Dibang Valley Zilla Parishad Chairperson and several other contributors. The championship will conclude with the final on August 2. The tournament is held in memory of Late Tade Tacho (1937-2001), a four-time Member of the Legislative Assembly, noted social worker and one of the key figures in the creation of Dibang Valley district. He is remembered for his contributions to education, healthcare, infrastructure, public welfare and the preservation of the cultural heritage of the Idu Mishmi community. Over the years, the tournament has evolved into one of the district’s premier sporting events, promoting teamwork, healthy competition and youth development while keeping alive the legacy of Tade Tacho.    

YACHULI : The Keyi Panyor district administration has launched a district-wide awareness campaign to encourage eligible students to register for the Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Selection Test (JNVST) 2027 for admission to Class VI. Highlighting the importance of reaching children in remote villages, Keyi Panyor District Magistrate Shweta Nagarkoti said the initiative aims to ensure that no deserving student misses the opportunity due to lack of awareness or internet access. Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs), established by the Government of India, provide free, quality residential education to talented students, particularly from rural areas. Selected students receive free education, boarding, lodging, uniforms and textbooks. The District Magistrate said talent exists across the district and urged parents, village elders and teachers to identify meritorious Class V students and help them apply for the entrance examination. Online registration for JNVST 2027 is open until July 31, while the entrance examination is scheduled to be held on November 28. Applications can be submitted through the official websites of the Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti or the designated online admission portal using mobile phones, computers, Common Service Centres (CSCs) or cyber cafés. To facilitate registrations, the district administration has directed all Block Education Officers, government primary schools and CSCs in the district to assist parents in completing the online application process free of charge. Parents requiring further assistance have been advised to contact their nearest government primary school or the office of the Principal of the local Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya.    

YOMCHA : The All 27th Liromoba Youth Organization (A27th LYO) has served a 30-day ultimatum on the West Siang Deputy Commissioner and the Public Works Department (PWD) Secretary, demanding the immediate operationalisation of the PWD Yomcha Division office at its designated headquarters in Yomcha. In a memorandum, the organisation alleged that the division has been functioning from a rented premises in Aalo for the past 10 years, causing inconvenience to residents of the Liromoba constituency, who have to travel long distances for routine official work and grievance redressal. The organisation demanded that the entire PWD Yomcha Division office be shifted from Aalo to Yomcha headquarters within 30 days. It also called for 100 per cent physical attendance of all officers and staff at the headquarters, installation of a biometric attendance system within 15 days, and strict enforcement of attendance at the Yomcha office. The memorandum further urged the department to ensure that Junior Engineer Damken Gamlin and all other staff remain present at the headquarters during office hours and are accessible to the public. It also sought submission of a compliance report within the stipulated 30-day period. A27th LYO president Banya Yomgam said the people of the 27th Liromoba constituency had been deprived of basic government services at their designated headquarters for a decade. “For 10 years, the people of 27th Liromoba have been denied basic government services at their own HQ. An office that exists only on paper is not acceptable. The government must ensure that public offices function where they are meant to, for the people,” he said. General Secretary Ganya Kayi said the organisation would resort to democratic and peaceful means if the department failed to comply within the stipulated period. “We have given 30 days for compliance. If the department fails to act, the organisation will be compelled to take democratic and peaceful steps. The responsibility will lie entirely with the department,” he said. The organisation also appealed to public representatives, community-based organisations and citizens of Liromoba to support its demand for transparent and accountable governance.    

ITANAGAR : Researchers have discovered two new species of rare solitary bees in Arunachal Pradesh’s Siang Valley, highlighting the rich biodiversity of the Eastern Himalayas and the need to protect the region’s fragile ecosystem, officials said on Tuesday. The two species – Elaphropoda Triangulata and Habropoda Adi – were discovered by researchers from the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE), Bengaluru, during the recent Siang Expedition. The findings have been published in the European Journal of Taxonomy, the officials said. The researchers said Elaphropoda Triangulata was named after the triangular markings on its abdomen, while Habropoda Adi was named in honour of the Adi indigenous community of Arunachal Pradesh. According to the study, each species is currently known from only one male specimen, making the discovery significant. The researchers said more surveys are needed to understand their distribution, ecology and conservation status. Solitary bees are important pollinators that help maintain healthy ecosystems and support agriculture. Unlike honeybees, they do not live in colonies and usually nest alone. The researchers cautioned that habitat loss, infrastructure development and other human activities could threaten the survival of these newly discovered species. They stressed the need to conserve the forests and natural habitats of the Eastern Himalayas, one of the world’s recognised biodiversity hotspots. The discovery adds to the growing list of new species being reported from Arunachal Pradesh, which is known for its rich wildlife and largely unexplored forests. Welcoming the development, Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, in a social media post, said the discovery of the two rare solitary bee species reflects the state’s extraordinary natural wealth and scientific importance. He said the findings not only highlight the exceptional biodiversity of the Eastern Himalayas, but also reinforce the need to conserve the region’s fragile ecosystems. Mein congratulated the researchers from ATREE for the achievement, and said such discoveries strengthen Arunachal Pradesh’s position as a globally significant biodiversity hotspot, deserving sustained conservation efforts. (Source: PTI)