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YACHULI : In a major initiative aimed at strengthening healthcare support for senior citizens, the Keyi Panyor district administration on Tuesday organised a comprehensive capacity-building and training programme for rollout of Project SHRAVAN — Screening for Healthy, Resilient and Active Vriddha Jeevan. The training session was chaired by Keyi Panyor Deputy Commissioner Shweta Nagarkoti Mehta and attended by Medical Officers, ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers and block-level officials. The programme aimed to equip frontline healthcare workers with technical skills, operational protocols and risk-assessment tools required for implementation of the pilot phase of the project in selected villages. Addressing the participants, the DC thanked the visiting technical team from Itanagar for extending support in designing and conducting the training modules. Explaining the significance of the initiative, the DC said the name “SHRAVAN” was chosen not only as an acronym for Screening for Healthy, Resilient and Active Vriddha Jeevan, but also as a reflection of the values associated with Shravan Kumar, symbolising care and responsibility towards the elderly. “Our ASHA workers, Medical Officers and field teams are the true ‘Shravans’ of this district. Caring for village elders is not merely an administrative duty but also a moral responsibility,” Nagarkoti said. During the technical sessions, participants were trained on village-wise line listing and collection of baseline data, including mobility status, chronic illnesses, medication history and caregiver details of elderly residents. Frontline workers were also trained in implementing a tri-colour risk grading system categorising senior citizens into Green (low risk), Orange (moderate risk) and Red (high risk) groups based on key health indicators such as blood pressure, blood sugar, haemoglobin and oxygen saturation levels. The grading system will determine the frequency of follow-up healthcare services. The training also included live demonstrations on assisted teleconsultation to enable field teams to coordinate with doctors at Yachuli and Primary Health Centres (PHCs) through digital platforms for timely medical consultation in remote areas. The district administration informed that the pilot phase of Project SHRAVAN will begin shortly in selected villages before being expanded across the district following assessment of the registration and referral mechanisms. (DIPR)          

LIKABALI : Lower Siang Deputy Commissioner Gobi Nyicyor chaired the monthly meeting of the Narcotics Coordination (NCORD) committee at Likabali on Monday. The meeting reviewed activities undertaken by the district police administration and other stakeholders engaged in anti-drug initiatives in the district. Emphasising the need for coordinated efforts, the DC urged all departments and agencies concerned to formulate effective strategies to curb the growing drug menace in the district. He stressed the importance of teamwork among stakeholders to dismantle drug supply and trafficking networks and strengthen facilities at rehabilitation centres. “The monthly meeting should pave the way for pragmatic results rather than being a mere routine exercise,” Nyicyor said. (DIPR)

  ITANAGAR : The National Commission for Women (NCW), New Delhi in collaboration with the Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Women (APSCW), will organise a one-day “Jan Sunvai – Rashtriya Mahila Aayog Aapke Dwaar” in Itanagar on May 29. The hearing programme will be held at the Deputy Commissioner’s Camp Office near IG Park from 11 am onwards. According to a statement issued by APSCW Member Secretary Yakar Dawe, NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar, who will be on a four-day visit to Itanagar and Ziro in Lower Subansiri district from May 27 to 30, will attend the Jan Sunvai along with delegates from the NCW and the State Commission for Women. The programme aims to hear and redress grievances of women. Aggrieved women may file walk-in complaints or seek counselling during the hearing. The public has also been encouraged to attend the Jan Sunvai with relevant documents to facilitate speedy and effective resolution of grievances.

ITANAGAR : The Capital district administration (DA) and District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) have intensified emergency safety and mitigation measures following continuous rainfall and the growing threat of landslides behind Siddhartha Vihar Hall in Itanagar. A joint inspection team led by Capital Deputy Commissioner Toko Babu visited the affected area to assess the situation and review immediate preventive measures. The team included Art & Culture Director Ibom Tao, Itanagar Superintendent of Police Jummar Basar, Range Forest Officer Techi Khili, DIPRO in-charge Rechi Lugnya Likha, District Disaster Management Officer Moromi Dodum, and officials of Capital Division-A, including the Assistant Engineer and Junior Engineer. In view of the imminent threat posed by the landslide-prone zone, notices under Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, read with Section 30 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, were served on May 24 to residents living below and near Siddhartha Vihar Hall, directing them to vacate vulnerable locations within 24 hours and shift to safer places. As part of the mitigation measures, authorities have initiated trimming and removal of vulnerable trees around the area to minimise risks caused by unstable soil conditions and continuous rainfall. Temporary slope protection measures, including the installation of tarpaulin and geo-sheets over exposed and erosion-prone slopes, have also been undertaken to reduce rainwater infiltration, prevent soil erosion and minimise further weakening of the slopes. Meanwhile, relief camps have been identified and kept ready at Government Upper Primary School (GUPS), ESS Sector in Itanagar; Community Hall, Borum and Community Hall, G-Sector in Naharlagun; and Nikum Niya Hall in Banderdewa. The DDMA stated that continuous monitoring of the affected area is underway and appealed to residents to cooperate with authorities and prioritise safety by relocating to safer places. It also warned that non-compliance with evacuation directives may invite legal action under Section 51(b) of the Disaster Management Act, 2005.    

Maksam Tayeng PASIGHAT :  A formal complaint has been lodged with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) alleging custodial torture of Arunachal Pradesh anti-drug activist Gumin Mize at Bihpuria Police Station in Assam’s Lakhimpur district. The complaint was filed by Buteng Tayeng of Namsai, seeking an independent inquiry into the alleged incident and strict action against those found responsible. According to the petition, Mize was allegedly subjected to physical assault, verbal abuse and denial of proper medical examination while in police custody. The complaint further alleged that he sustained serious injuries during detention. Photographs purportedly showing bruises on Mize’s body, which have circulated widely on social media, have triggered strong reactions across Arunachal Pradesh. Several civil society organisations, student bodies and anti-drug groups have condemned the alleged incident and demanded justice, accountability and transparent monitoring of the investigation process. Gumin Mize, known for his anti-drug awareness campaigns and activism, has reportedly received widespread support from local residents and various organisations following the allegations. The incident has also reignited concerns over custodial violence and protection of human rights in the region, with protesters urging both Assam and Arunachal Pradesh authorities to ensure a fair and impartial probe. No official statement had been issued by the concerned police authorities at the time of filing this report.      

ITANAGAR : The Arunachal Pradesh government has officially declared the Arunachal Pineapple Festival Bagra (Pineapple Expo) as an annual state event, marking a major boost for the horticulture sector and pineapple growers of West Siang district. Welcoming the decision, the All Bagra Welfare Society (ABWS), led by chairman and president Er Dumar Bagra, expressed gratitude to Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu and the state Cabinet for granting state-level recognition to the festival. In a statement, the society described the move as a significant step towards strengthening the local economy and promoting the interests of pineapple growers, farmers, self-help groups and rural entrepreneurs associated with the horticulture and allied sectors. The festival, launched in 2024 as an agro-based initiative to promote the region’s naturally sweet pineapples, has rapidly evolved into a platform showcasing agricultural potential, community participation and Galo cultural hospitality. The society stated that Bagra circle, known for producing high-quality pineapples with exceptional sweetness and nutritional value, has the potential to emerge as a major pineapple-producing hub capable of attracting exporters, food technologists and tourists. The ABWS also appreciated 30-Aalo West MLA Topin Ete for his support and efforts in securing state-level recognition for the festival. According to the society, the annual event will provide a platform to promote the region’s cultural heritage, tourism potential and organic agricultural produce at a wider level. The society further assured the state government of its full cooperation to ensure the successful conduct of the festival in the coming years.