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ITANAGAR : The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has activated Intra-Circle Roaming (ICR) in Keyi Panyor, Lower Subansiri, Upper Subansiri and West Siang districts till June 28 to ensure uninterrupted telecom connectivity amid widespread disruptions caused by heavy rainfall, cloudbursts and landslides. According to a Press Information Bureau (PIB) statement, the DoT triggered its emergency response mechanism and directed all telecom service providers to enable ICR in the four affected districts for an initial period of three days, recognising the critical role of communication services during disaster situations. The decision follows extensive damage to telecom infrastructure across several areas. Flash floods reportedly inundated the NEEPCO exchange at Posa in Yazali, rendering it non-functional, while multiple landslides between Potin and Yazali damaged nearly 12 kilometres of Optical Fibre Cable (OFC), severely affecting communication services. Continuous rainfall, landslides and disruption of commercial power supply have further complicated restoration efforts. The damage to OFC infrastructure at Hoz also affected connectivity in Sagalee, Lemmi, Kampu and Seppa. Restoration teams have been deployed and are working to re-establish services through the Sopo-Hoz Maan route. Under the ICR arrangement, subscribers of any participating telecom operator will be able to automatically connect to an available network when their home network is temporarily unavailable. The facility will also benefit visitors from other parts of the country travelling through the affected districts. The measure is expected to strengthen communication access for residents, disaster response teams, healthcare workers and government agencies involved in relief and rescue operations. The DoT said it is closely monitoring the situation through its field units and coordinating with telecom service providers for the speedy restoration of services in the affected areas.  

ITANAGAR : The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) on Thursday organised the State Credit Seminar (SCS) for 2026-27 at the DK State Convention Centre in Itanagar, unveiling its State Focus Paper that assesses the state’s priority sector credit potential at ₹3,723.49 crore for the financial year. The seminar brought together senior bankers and officials from various state government departments to discuss credit opportunities across key sectors, infrastructure requirements and institutional support needed to enhance credit flow and economic development. According to NABARD’s assessment, the total credit potential comprises ₹442.27 crore under crop loans, ₹628.90 crore under agriculture term loans, ₹2,519.42 crore for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and ₹132.90 crore under other priority sectors. Addressing the seminar, Reserve Bank of India General Manager Abhijit Majumdar explained the credit planning process at block, district and state levels and highlighted the role of the Lead Bank Scheme in channelising credit to priority sectors. He noted that while banks in Arunachal Pradesh had made significant strides in MSME financing, credit flow to agriculture remained inadequate. Majumdar urged banks to strengthen agricultural lending in line with national and state priorities, while also expanding digital banking services and outreach in remote and unbanked areas. He described NABARD’s State Focus Paper as an important reference document for credit and development planning. NABARD General Manager SV Ranga Rao observed that despite a higher agricultural credit target set by the Department of Financial Services, Government of India, the state’s assessed agricultural credit potential for 2026-27 stood at ₹1,071.17 crore, taking into account the challenges faced by banks in extending farm-sector credit. He stressed the need for greater collaboration among banks, government departments and other stakeholders in preparing Potential Linked Credit Plans (PLPs), which help identify sector-specific opportunities, infrastructure gaps and constraints affecting credit flow. Rao suggested that “agriculture and digital banking” should be the key focus areas during the year, alongside continued support for MSMEs. He also encouraged banks to utilise assistance available under NABARD’s Financial Inclusion Fund. Earlier, NABARD Deputy General Manager Vivek Anand made a detailed presentation on sector-wise credit potential and the institution’s developmental initiatives in the state. Key thrust areas identified in the State Focus Paper include micro-irrigation, warehousing, cold storage infrastructure, rural tourism, medicinal and aromatic plants, farmer producer organisations (FPOs), food processing, self-employment initiatives, start-ups, innovation and cooperative development.    

ITANAGAR : Governor Lt Gen K.T. Parnaik (Retd) has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in the flash flood that struck Keyi Panyor district and conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families. The Governor also expressed concern for those still missing and prayed for their safe recovery. He wished the injured a speedy and complete recovery and extended his solidarity to all families affected by the disaster. Calling for heightened preparedness during the monsoon season, Parnaik directed district administrations and all concerned departments to remain on high alert and take proactive measures to mitigate risks. He urged officials to identify vulnerable locations, closely monitor weather conditions and ensure timely dissemination of advisories to residents of flood-prone and landslide-prone areas. The Governor further instructed the state administration, disaster management authorities and the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) to work in close coordination to keep critical road networks open and free from landslide debris. Maintaining uninterrupted connectivity, particularly in remote and border areas, is vital for the movement of rescue teams, emergency services, essential supplies and the public during the monsoon months, he said.    

DAPORIJO : A meeting-cum-orientation of the District Task Force for Immunization (DTFI) on the Intensified Pulse Polio Immunization Programme (IPPI) was held at the office chamber of Upper Subansiri Deputy Commissioner Tasso Gambo in Daporijo on Thursday. The meeting, chaired by Gambo in his capacity as Chairman of the DTFI, was attended by health officials, representatives of partner organisations and functionaries from various departments involved in the immunisation programme. Participants included the District Medical Officer, District Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) Officer, Deputy Director of School Education, Deputy Director of Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), District Information and Public Relations Officer, District Surveillance Officer under the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), paediatricians, medical officers, representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Voluntary Health Association of India (VHAI), Zilla Parishad members and other stakeholders. During the meeting, officials were oriented on the Intensified Pulse Polio Immunization Programme to strengthen preparedness and ensure effective implementation of the campaign across the district. Discussions focused on achieving maximum coverage, strengthening routine immunisation, enhancing community awareness and ensuring that every eligible child is reached. Addressing the participants, Tasso Gambo stressed the importance of coordinated efforts among all departments and stakeholders to ensure the success of the immunisation drive. He urged frontline workers and concerned officials to discharge their responsibilities with dedication so that no eligible child is left out of the vaccination programme. Health officials highlighted the need to sustain high immunisation coverage to protect children from vaccine-preventable diseases and emphasised the importance of active community participation in the campaign. The meeting concluded with a collective commitment from all stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the Intensified Pulse Polio Immunization Programme across Upper Subansiri district.    

ITANAGAR : A joint Indian Air Force (IAF)-Civil Aviation air operation was carried out on Thursday to support ongoing relief and rescue efforts in flash flood-affected areas of Keyi Panyor district, particularly the Posa region which was severely impacted by the disaster on June 24. As part of the continuing air support operations launched immediately after the flash floods, the IAF deployed helicopters to airlift additional State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) personnel and rescue materials to the affected area. In a separate sortie, the mortal remains of Nirmala Gupta, who lost her life in the flash flood, were also airlifted. The Department of Civil Aviation, with support from state-leased Sky One and Global Vectra Helicorp Limited (GVHL) helicopters, transported additional SDRF personnel, critically injured individuals and stranded tourists from the affected region. Officials informed that three sorties were utilised to airlift trained and equipped SDRF teams to Keyi Panyor district to strengthen rescue and relief operations on the ground. The combined mission, involving five sorties in total, also facilitated the evacuation of stranded persons from inaccessible locations. Keyi Panyor MLA Toko Tatung, who had been closely monitoring the situation and coordinating rescue efforts on the ground, was among those airlifted to the disaster-hit area. The Department of Civil Aviation expressed gratitude to the Indian Air Force, SDRF personnel, flight crews, Donyi Polo Airport authorities, Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (TRIHMS), district administrations and police teams of Keyi Panyor, Lower Subansiri and Papum Pare, as well as the Fire and Emergency Services and Health Department, for their coordinated support in the operation. According to officials, the mission was conducted under the close monitoring and guidance of the Chief Minister’s Office, the offices of the Civil Aviation Minister and Disaster Management Minister, the Chief Secretary’s Office and other concerned departments. The Departments of Disaster Management and Civil Aviation jointly stated that favourable weather conditions and a brief window of clear skies enabled the successful execution of the air mission, significantly aiding ongoing efforts to mitigate the impact of the disaster and support affected communities.    

SUNPURA : The Lohit district administration on Thursday organised a Jan Kalyan Shivir (JKS) at Government Secondary School, Yealing under Sunpura Circle, aimed at bringing essential government services and welfare schemes directly to the people. The outreach programme was organised as part of the nationwide observance marking 12 years of governance, development and public welfare under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Tezu-Sunpura MLA Dr Mohesh Chai attended the programme as the chief guest. He was accompanied by Lohit in-charge Deputy Commissioner, Lohit Superintendent of Police, Zilla Parishad Members from Tezu and Sunpura, local panchayat leaders and heads of various government departments. Addressing the gathering, Dr Chai urged residents to take full advantage of the services and welfare schemes being offered through the camp. He said such initiatives help bridge the gap between the administration and the public by ensuring easier access to government services and faster grievance redressal. Highlighting the objectives of the Jan Kalyan Shivir, the MLA said the programme reflects the government’s commitment to public welfare and inclusive development. He noted that several flagship schemes of the Central Government, including Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G), Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) and Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, have significantly benefited women, economically weaker sections and farmers across the country. Dr Chai also spoke on women’s empowerment and political participation, citing the growing role of women in local governance through reservation in Panchayati Raj institutions. He further appreciated the transparency introduced in recruitment processes through the Arunachal Pradesh Staff Selection Board (APSSB), which has provided a fair platform for recruitment to Group C and Group D posts. The camp witnessed a large public turnout, with hundreds of beneficiaries availing on-the-spot services, enrolment facilities and information related to various Central and State Government welfare schemes. (DIPR)

  ITANAGAR : To mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the Police Headquarters (PHQ) Motor Transport (MT) Branch organised an awareness programme and rally at Chimpu on Thursday. Students and faculty members of Amarjyoti Government Primary School, Chimpu, participated in the campaign aimed at promoting awareness about the harmful effects of drug abuse and the need for collective action against illicit trafficking. The programme was conducted under the supervision of Police Motor Transport Superintendent of Police Thinley Namge and attended by Amarjyoti Government Primary School Headmaster-in-Charge H. Tekwa, teachers, Motor Transport Officer Inspector R. Dakpa, Reserve Inspector M Mibang, MT Branch personnel and other participants. State Mental Hospital Midpu Psychiatric Social Worker and mental health professional Dagrik Gara served as the resource person and highlighted the adverse impact of substance abuse on brain chemistry, mental health and physical well-being. He also sensitised participants on the long-term consequences of addiction and the importance of early intervention. Addressing the gathering, Namge emphasised the significance of the observance in strengthening efforts towards a drug-free society. He spoke on the legal consequences of drug trafficking and substance abuse under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and urged young people to play an active role in community-based anti-drug initiatives. He also informed participants about mechanisms for reporting illicit activities, including the Arunachal Pradesh Police WhatsApp Helpline (9362812717) and the 24×7 MANAS Mental Health Helpline (1933). The programme concluded with the administration of an anti-drug pledge, reaffirming the participants’ commitment to combating drug abuse and promoting a healthy and responsible lifestyle.