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Basar MLA inspects flash flood-hit areas, announces Rs 10 lakh for road restoration

BASAR : Basar MLA Nyabi Jini Dirchi on Friday conducted an extensive inspection of flash flood-affected areas under Dari Circle in Leparada district to assess the damage caused by the cloudburst-triggered floods of June 28 and review ongoing relief and restoration measures. Accompanied by Leparada Zilla Parishad Chairperson Nyamar Riba, IAS probationer Ritika Chitlangia and senior officials from various departments, the MLA visited Padi, Chisi, Dali, Ego Camp, Old Dari, New Dari, Zirdo, Jime and Ichi villages, which suffered extensive damage to houses, roads, public infrastructure, agricultural and horticultural land, and other sources of livelihood. Officials from the Public Works Department, Power Department, Public Health Engineering Department, Water Resources Department, Rural Works Department, Agriculture, Horticulture, Fisheries and Veterinary departments also participated in the joint assessment. During the visit, Dirchi directed all concerned departments to conduct a comprehensive assessment of damage to roads, bridges, public infrastructure, private properties and agricultural assets to facilitate timely submission of proposals for relief, rehabilitation and restoration. She stressed that restoration of road connectivity and essential public services should be accorded top priority. The MLA also interacted with affected families, assessed their immediate needs and assured them of all possible government assistance. She extended financial assistance from her personal resources and distributed essential relief materials to the worst-affected households. Among the affected areas, Ichi village was found to be the worst hit. The recently completed 10-km Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) road connecting Dali and Ichi, which was awaiting inauguration, suffered nearly 90 per cent damage after being washed away at several locations, leaving the village completely cut off. Officials of the Power and Public Health Engineering departments informed the MLA that restoration of electricity and drinking water supply would be possible only after road connectivity is re-established to enable transportation of repair materials and equipment. Considering the urgency of the situation, Dirchi announced a personal contribution of ₹10 lakh for temporary restoration of the damaged road to facilitate early restoration of essential services and ensure uninterrupted relief operations. Expressing confidence in continued support from the state and central governments, the MLA said adequate relief and rehabilitation assistance would be extended to all affected areas at the earliest. She appealed to the public to remain vigilant during the monsoon, support affected families and cooperate with the administration in relief and restoration efforts. Dirchi is also scheduled to visit Disi village under Basar Circle on Saturday, along with heads of departments, to assess flood damage and review relief, rehabilitation and restoration measures in the affected area.    

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DMFT Council approves Rs 65 lakh development projects in L/Subansiri

ZIRO : The Governing Council of the District Mineral Foundation Trust (DMFT), Lower Subansiri, on Friday approved a series of infrastructure and development projects worth ₹65 lakh aimed at improving civic amenities and public infrastructure in mining-affected areas of the district. The meeting, held at the Golden Jubilee Conference Hall, was chaired by Lower Subansiri Deputy Commissioner and attended by Ziro-Hapoli MLA Hage Appa along with heads of various district departments. The Council approved the District Mineral Foundation Trust (DMFT) work plan for 2026 under the Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY). Most of the sanctioned works will be executed by the Water Resources Department (WRD), Ziro Division. Among the major projects approved are upgrades to the Padi Yubbe Outdoor Stadium, including installation of plastic gallery seats, painting and electrification works. The Council also sanctioned the construction of community toilets at Subu Ago (Doginanii) and Hill Top, Hapoli, with the latter to be taken up following site realignment. Other approved works include installation of cattle traps at Sikhebo and Hagio in Hari, construction of a siltation pit at Myolyang, and maintenance of classrooms and sanitation facilities at Upper Primary School (UPS) Sibe and Upper Primary School Pare Ami. The Council also approved procurement of computers, inverter backup systems and repair of uninterrupted power supply (UPS) units for government offices and educational institutions to strengthen administrative and educational infrastructure. The District Mineral Foundation Trust, constituted under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, implements development initiatives under the Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana in mining-affected areas. During the meeting, the Council reiterated its commitment to transparent utilisation of funds and called for timely and quality execution of all sanctioned projects. (DIPR)    

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Arunachal Bullet Club extends relief to flood-hit families in Keyi Panyor

YACHULI : The Arunachal Bullet Club (ABC) has extended relief assistance to families affected by the recent severe weather in Keyi Panyor district, providing financial support and essential supplies to aid their recovery. As part of the relief initiative carried out on Thursday, members of the club, in coordination with the Keyi Panyor district administration, distributed a total of ₹1.5 lakh in cash assistance to affected families to help them meet urgent expenses, including medical treatment, household repairs and other essential needs. To address challenges posed by continuing power outages and heavy rainfall, the club also distributed relief kits comprising solar lanterns, umbrellas, buckets and mugs. The club said the initiative was aimed not only at providing immediate assistance but also at expressing solidarity with the affected families during their recovery. Prior to the distribution, the organisation informed the Keyi Panyor Deputy Commissioner to ensure that the relief drive complemented the ongoing assistance being provided by the district administration. The ABC expressed gratitude to the district administration for its support and guidance, as well as to the volunteers who contributed to the successful execution of the relief drive. A community-based organisation of motorcycling enthusiasts in Arunachal Pradesh, the club regularly undertakes social welfare initiatives, including relief operations, community outreach programmes and public awareness campaigns across the state.    

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Hapoli Forest Division marks 77th Van Mahotsav with plantation drives

ZIRO : The Hapoli Forest Division on Friday celebrated the 77th Van Mahotsav with a series of tree plantation drives and awareness programmes across Lower Subansiri district, reaffirming its commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable forest management. The week-long celebrations were organised across Hapoli, Talley Valley, Boasimla, Yachuli, Tale Wildlife Sanctuary and Raga forest ranges, drawing participation from public representatives, village leaders, students and local communities. As part of the programme, the Forest Department carried out plantation drives while conducting awareness campaigns to highlight the importance of forests in maintaining ecological balance and conserving the rich biodiversity of Arunachal Pradesh. A spokesperson for the Hapoli Forest Division said the enthusiastic participation of local communities was the highlight of the celebrations. “By actively engaging village communities and the younger generation, we are fostering a shared sense of responsibility to protect our forests and biodiversity for future generations,” the spokesperson said. The Forest Division said the successful observance of the 77th Van Mahotsav reflected the growing partnership between the department and local communities in promoting sustainable development and environmental stewardship. It also expressed gratitude to all stakeholders and participants for contributing to the success of the programme.    

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Recovering Warriors, Adi Artists raise ₹1.39 lakh for Keyi Panyor flood victims

YAZALI : A grassroots relief initiative led by Recovering Warriors, a support group of recovering addiction survivors from Oyan, has raised ₹89,100 for families affected by the recent flash floods in Keyi Panyor district. The three-day donation drive was spearheaded by former Oyan Zilla Parishad Member Bimol Lego and Oyan Gaon Burah Bobita Bori, who mobilised residents, traders and commuters to contribute towards relief and rehabilitation efforts. In a further show of solidarity, the Adi Artists Association (AAA), East Siang district, contributed an additional ₹50,000, taking the total contribution to ₹1,39,100. According to the East Siang Deputy Commissioner, the amount contributed by the association has been deposited directly into the bank account of the Keyi Panyor Deputy Commissioner at Yachuli for immediate utilisation in relief and rehabilitation measures. The organisers said the response reflected the spirit of unity, resilience and collective responsibility shown by the people during times of crisis. They said that as individuals striving to rebuild their own lives, members of Recovering Warriors felt a strong responsibility to support families struggling to recover from the devastation caused by the floods. The organisers added that the entire amount collected through the two initiatives would be utilised to provide essential assistance to flood-affected families in Keyi Panyor district.    

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DC reviews PMJVK, BDP projects in West Kameng

BOMDILA : West Kameng Deputy Commissioner Dr Dilip Kumar on Friday reviewed the progress of 12 ongoing development projects being implemented across the district under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK) and the Buddhist Development Plan (BDP). At a meeting held in the Deputy Commissioner’s chamber, the financial and physical progress of the projects was assessed. The executing departments were directed to ensure timely completion of the works while maintaining quality standards. Earlier, the Deputy Commissioner also chaired a meeting of the District Task Force (DTF) on the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) programme for 2026-27. He urged all departments to coordinate with the Forest and Panchayati Raj departments for plantation activities and encouraged line departments to adopt innovative approaches to make the implementation of the scheme more effective. Dr Kumar also advised all departments to route official information and reports on government programmes through the District Information and Public Relations Office (DIPRO) for wider dissemination. Highlighting the need for innovation, he asked the Police Department to expand initiatives such as the Choo-Man-Tar mobile application, developed by West Kameng Police with support under the BBBP scheme. The application educates children on good touch and bad touch through interactive games. Deputy Director of Women and Child Development R.T. Deru made a presentation outlining the roles and responsibilities of various line departments in implementing the BBBP programme. In-charge District Information and Public Relations Officer Lobom Tamin urged departments to keep the DIPRO office informed of all BBBP-related official events to facilitate proper media coverage. The meeting unanimously approved the Annual Action Plan for the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao programme for 2026-27.    

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AAPSU extends over Rs 25 lakh relief to cloudburst-hit families

YAZALI : The All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) on Thursday distributed relief assistance worth more than ₹25 lakh to families affected by the recent cloudburst at Possa and NEEPCO Colony in Yazali, in one of the largest relief initiatives undertaken by the apex students’ body in response to a disaster. The relief outreach was led by AAPSU President Meje Taku, along with General Secretary Mato Bui, executive members, and representatives of district students’ unions from across the state. Local MLA Toko Tatung, Zilla Parishad Chairperson (ZPC) Nabam Piju, Zilla Parishad Members (ZPMs), senior leaders, and well-wishers also joined the delegation during the outreach. During the visit, AAPSU President Meje Taku, on behalf of the union, extended deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in the tragedy, and expressed heartfelt solidarity with all those affected by the disaster. As part of the financial assistance, AAPSU provided ₹1,00,000 to each bereaved family that lost a loved one in the tragedy, ₹70,000 to every family whose house was completely destroyed, and ₹50,000 to each family that suffered partial damage. Alongside the cash assistance, the union distributed essential relief materials, including food items, vegetables, clothing, drinking water, and other daily necessities. The relief funds were mobilised through a state-wide voluntary donation drive conducted by AAPSU. A verified list of affected families, along with the corresponding financial aid, was formally handed over to ZPC Nabam Piju for direct and transparent distribution among the beneficiaries. After completing the allocation for affected families, AAPSU contributed the remaining balance of ₹8,40,000 to the HMLA Relief Care fund to support broader rehabilitation efforts in the area. The AAPSU delegation also took stock of the extent of destruction in the affected areas, including disruption to electricity, water supply, ration supplies, medical facilities, and other basic essentials. The union stated that it would take up these issues with the concerned authorities at the state level to ensure prompt restoration of services for the affected population. Speaking on the occasion, AAPSU President Meje Taku assured the affected families that the union would continue to stand by them through the recovery process. He appealed to the Government of Arunachal Pradesh to intensify efforts on relief, rehabilitation, and long-term recovery for those impacted by the calamity. Local leaders present at the event lauded AAPSU’s initiative, describing it as a reflection of the strength, compassion, and leadership potential of the state’s youth and student community during times of crisis.    

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East Siang Police concludes internship prog for JNC students

PASIGHAT : The East Siang District Police, in collaboration with Jawaharlal Nehru College (JNC), Pasighat, has successfully concluded a three-week Police Internship Programme for 42 students of the college. The internship, conducted from June 16 to July 6 under the supervision of East Siang Superintendent of Police Pankaj Lamba, aimed to provide students with first-hand exposure to policing and the criminal justice system while promoting legal awareness, civic responsibility, transparency and stronger police-public relations. The programme also complemented the district police’s ongoing ‘Know Your Police Station: Youth Engagement Programme’, which seeks to strengthen interaction between the police and young people through experiential learning. During the internship, the students were introduced to the day-to-day functioning of police stations, including registration of First Information Reports (FIRs), investigation procedures, maintenance of police records and the use of the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS). They also interacted with investigating officers and other police personnel to gain insights into policing, crime prevention, investigation and public service delivery. The interns attended interactive sessions on road safety, traffic management, disaster preparedness, fire safety, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), first aid, women and child protection laws, victim-centric policing and the functioning of the Women Police Station. Demonstrations by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and Fire and Emergency Services familiarised them with emergency response, rescue operations and disaster management. The students also visited various branches of the Office of the Superintendent of Police, including the Establishment, Accounts and Wireless (WT) branches, where they learned about police administration, financial management, communication systems and the use of technology in policing. Speaking on the successful completion of the programme, East Siang Superintendent of Police Pankaj Lamba said meaningful engagement with students is essential for building trust between the police and the community. He said such initiatives provide young people with a better understanding of policing, encourage responsible citizenship and promote greater public participation in creating a safe and law-abiding society. The East Siang District Police thanked the principal, faculty members and students of Jawaharlal Nehru College for their cooperation and enthusiastic participation. It said the successful completion of the internship marked another step in its efforts to promote transparency, legal awareness and community-oriented policing through sustained engagement with educational institutions, adding that similar programmes would be organised in future. (DIPR)    

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Namsai commemorates Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee’s 125th birth anniversary

NAMSAI : The Namsai district administration, in collaboration with the Department of Art and Culture, commemorated the 125th birth anniversary of Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee with a programme held at the District Library here on Friday. The programme began with a floral tribute to the eminent leader, remembering his vision, legacy and contribution to the nation. District Art and Culture Officer (DACO) Milingta Namchoom delivered the welcome address, highlighting Dr Mukherjee’s life and struggles while urging students to emulate his dedication to education, patriotism and public service. Resource person Michak Riram spoke on Dr Mukherjee’s belief that education is the foundation of national progress and highlighted the values of dedication, courage and commitment to society that guided his life. Another resource person, Bikram Chetry, recalled Dr Mukherjee’s sacrifices during the country’s Partition and described him as a pioneer of the spirit of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. He encouraged students to cultivate unity, courage and a strong sense of service to the nation. Students of Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya and Kendriya Vidyalaya, Namsai, actively participated in the programme by sharing their reflections on the values and ideals inspired by Dr Mukherjee’s life. Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya Principal Shamokan P also attended the programme. The event concluded with enthusiastic participation from students and officials, reaffirming Dr Mukherjee’s enduring legacy and inspiring the younger generation to uphold the ideals of education, patriotism and national service. (DIPR)        

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SGF reaches out to flash flood victims

ITANAGAR : The State Scout & Guide Fellowship (SGF), Arunachal Pradesh, has extended financial assistance to families affected by the recent flash floods in the NEEPCO Colony area of Keyi Panyor district. The initiative was undertaken under the guidance of Secondary Education Director Tanyang Tatak, who is also the President-in-Chief of the State SGF, Arunachal Pradesh. The relief initiative was coordinated by State Training Commissioner (Guides) Bharat Scouts and Guides Arunachal Pradesh and State SGF Adviser Kempi Pakam, in association with State SGF Coordinator Taje Mara, State SGF Secretary Yorbik Nyokir Doyom and Papum Pare Guild Secretary Tassar Meera. The financial assistance was formally handed over to Yachuli MLA Toko Tatung on Thursday for distribution among the affected families. In a statement, the Fellowship said that although the contribution was modest, it reflected the organisation’s commitment to compassion, solidarity and selfless service. It also expressed solidarity with the affected families and wished them strength, safety and a speedy recovery.