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ITANAGAR : Incessant rain triggered flash floods in Keyi Panyor district on Wednesday, leaving one dead and four others missing, injuring 17 others and damaging at least 18 residential units, while landslides disrupted road connectivity and stranded travellers, officials said. The body of Nirmala Gupta (35), a teacher at Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya (VKV) on NEEPCO campus at Yazali, was found during search and rescue operations following the devastating flash floods, Keyi Panyor Superintendent of Police Angad Mehta said. The search and rescue operations were suspended for the day, and would resume at the break of dawn on Thursday, Mehta said. Gupta was among the five persons who went missing from NEEPCO project colony near Poosa under Yazali circle. The remaining missing persons were identified as Elesh Marak (13), Balari Marak (30), Tao Anjina (46) and Sourav Kumar, State Disaster Management secretary Dani Sulu said. Of the 17 injured, three were in a critical condition and were evacuated to Ziro in Lower Subansiri district for treatment, Sulu said. An under-construction retaining wall collapsed due to the heavy downpour, leading to waterlogging in low-lying residential areas in and around the colony, he said, adding at least 18 residential units were damaged in the incident. District police and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) personnel rescued one Bishu Sinha from Yazali reservoir, while a scientist of the Geological Survey of India (GSI) was rescued from a stretch of National Highway 13 affected by the calamity, police said. The administration has directed the additional deputy commissioner, deputy superintendent of police and circle officer concerned to rush to the affected site for assessment and coordination of rescue operations. “A team of SDRF has been deployed, while the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been alerted and is moving towards the area to assist in relief and rescue efforts,” Sulu said. An IAF helicopter dropped SDRF personnel and a rubber boat near Pitapool, and all available reserve personnel and vehicles in Yazali area have been mobilised, while ex-servicemen have also been called in to support emergency operations, he said. The state Civil Aviation Department had requested the IAF to undertake rescue operations and airlift SDRF men and material from Itanagar to Keyi Panyor, Sulu said. “The IAF air support team, despite difficult weather conditions, reached Hollongi and took off for Pitapool to drop the SDRF team and materials. Further air support exercises have been planned for succeeding requirements,” he said. The North Eastern Electric Power Corporation (NEEPCO) has begun releasing water from the reservoir of the Panyor Lower Hydropower Project as a precautionary measure, and power generation at the project has been temporarily suspended, the secretary said. Heavy rainfall also disrupted road connectivity in the district, with three stretches of NH-13 near Potin and Hoj blocked by landslides, leaving several people stranded, he said. As many as six districts — Keyi Panyor, Kra Daadi, Kurung Kumey, Lower Subansiri, Kamle and Upper Subansiri — have been cut off due to monsoon-related disruptions triggered by heavy rainfall, SP Angad Mehta said in a statement. Major landslides occurred along the Kimin-Ziro route, while damage assessment is underway, he said. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has intensified restoration efforts, and connectivity through the Kimin route is expected to be restored by Thursday afternoon, Mehta added. Landslides have also been reported on the Itanagar-Hoj-Yazali stretch of NH-13. The road connecting Mepsoro and the Hoj Highway Junction has been completely cut off due to massive landslides at several locations, disrupting vehicular movement. Restoration work is being carried out on a war footing, though officials said it was too early to estimate when the road would be reopened. Travellers from East Kameng, Pakke Kessang, West Kameng and Tawang districts were advised to avoid the route until further notice. Arunachal Pradesh has been witnessing heavy rainfall over the past several days, resulting in landslides, flash floods and damage to infrastructure across several districts. Disaster management authorities have urged people living in vulnerable areas and along riverbanks to remain alert and avoid unnecessary travel. (Source: PTI/DIPR; Photos: PTI/The Indian Express)  

ITANAGAR : Governor Lt Gen KT Parnaik (Retd) on Wednesday advised an impartial inquiry into the alleged “rowdyism, threats, coercion and intimidation” faced by the Director of the North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology (NERIST), describing the incident as a matter of serious concern that must be addressed firmly. The issue came up during a meeting between the Governor and Arunachal Pradesh Home, Indigenous Affairs, Inter-State Border Affairs and Public Health Engineering Department Minister Mama Natung at Lok Bhavan. Expressing anguish over the recent developments at NERIST, the Governor said the incident had set a bad example for the youth and must be corrected. He noted that NERIST, one of the premier technical and higher educational institutions in the North East, should remain a safe, secure and conducive environment for learning. Parnaik emphasised that all stakeholders share the responsibility of protecting the sanctity, reputation and academic atmosphere of educational institutions. He said the management and administration of such institutions should be guided by merit, integrity, dignity, discipline, transparency and accountability. The Governor further stressed that any act undermining the functioning, credibility or harmony of educational institutions must be dealt with firmly and in accordance with the law to reinforce public confidence in the State’s educational ecosystem. During the meeting, the two leaders also reviewed the prevailing law and order situation in the State, with particular focus on the NERIST incident. Natung assured the Governor that the State Government was treating the matter with utmost seriousness and would conduct a thorough investigation. He said appropriate action would be taken against those found responsible and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining law and order and ensuring a secure environment for students, teachers and staff across Arunachal Pradesh.  

HAWAI : Anjaw Deputy Commissioner Millo Kojin emphasised the importance of strong civil-military coordination for balanced development and security in border areas while chairing the second Civil-Military Fusion Meeting held at Hawai on Wednesday. The meeting brought together officials of the district administration and the Indian Army to review issues related to border area development, public welfare, infrastructure, security and community participation. Addressing the gathering, Kojin lauded the Indian Army for its continued support towards civilian welfare, infrastructure development and community-oriented initiatives in the district. He said civil-military cooperation is particularly crucial in a strategically sensitive district like Anjaw, where developmental needs and security concerns must progress hand in hand. The DC assured full cooperation from the district administration in addressing local issues, including land matters, waste management, public awareness programmes, infrastructure development and preparations for the forthcoming Walong Day celebration. He also stressed the need for greater community participation to ensure that developmental initiatives benefit residents of remote border villages. Speaking at the meeting, 82 Mountain Brigade Brigadier Jaspreet Singh highlighted the strategic significance of the region and reiterated the need for close coordination between civil and military authorities. He informed that the Indian Army had spent Rs 1 crore under Project Sadbhavana on civilian welfare initiatives, including support for the Walong Day Celebration in 2025, and announced plans to enhance the allocation to Rs 1.5 crore for community-oriented projects. The Army also sought the administration’s support in creating public awareness to prevent civilians from crossing sensitive areas such as Bipin Rawat Gate and Dichu Nallah without prior intimation to military authorities. The meeting reviewed progress on action points from the first Civil-Military Fusion Meeting held in 2025. Officials informed that repair, widening and blacktopping of the road connecting the highway to the Surgical Centre would be taken up during the current working season, with funds already sanctioned for the project. Discussions were also held on land-related issues affecting infrastructure projects, extension of power supply to Wacha, strengthening banking facilities in Walong, procurement of vegetables from local farmers, solid waste management and the progress of the Community Radio Station at Walong under Project Sadbhavana. Concern was expressed over low participation of local youth in the Agniveer recruitment process, with the Army urging educational institutions and the district administration to undertake awareness campaigns to encourage greater enrolment. Preparations for the forthcoming Walong Day celebration were also reviewed, including participation of cultural troupes and the showcasing of traditional costumes, dances and cultural heritage. The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from both the district administration and the Indian Army to work together for infrastructure development, public welfare, security and youth empowerment in the border region.  

ITANAGAR : Animal Husbandry, Veterinary & Dairy Development Minister Gabriel D. Wangsu on Wednesday underscored the importance of accurate data collection, youth participation and infrastructure development for the sustainable growth of the livestock sector during the District Veterinary Officers’ (DVOs) Conference-cum-Chintan Baithak held at DK Convention Hall here. The conference, organised by the Department of Animal Husbandry, Veterinary & Dairy Development (AHV&DD), was attended by Minister’s Advisor and MLA Talem Taboh, AHV&DD Secretary YVVJ Rajshekhar, Director Dr Danjan Longri, Joint Directors Dr Taba Heli and Dr Talo Taggu, besides DVOs and nodal officers from across the state. In his address, Wangsu highlighted the vast potential of the animal husbandry sector as a major source of employment generation and directed officers to take livestock census activities seriously. He said accurate ground-level data is essential for effective planning and implementation, while incorrect reporting often leads to policy and execution gaps. The Minister emphasised the need to identify genuine and trained farmers so that government assistance reaches deserving beneficiaries. He also called for continuous handholding and monitoring of trained youths even after completion of skill development programmes. Highlighting infrastructure as a priority area, Wangsu observed that excessive expenditure on repairing old structures often results in inefficient utilisation of resources. He assured officers that efforts would be made to secure adequate funding for new infrastructure and announced that high-performing districts would receive priority support. Referring to dairy farming as an emerging livelihood opportunity in the state, he stressed the need for awareness generation and motivation among tribal communities. He also encouraged trained youths and progressive farmers to form Dairy Cooperative Societies (DCS), describing them as key drivers for expanding dairy-based livelihoods. Wangsu further emphasised the importance of fodder development and informed the gathering that the state government would soon formulate a fodder policy. He directed officers to earmark adequate land for fodder cultivation to support the long-term growth of the livestock sector. Calling for innovative and practical approaches, the Minister advised officers to focus on need-based infrastructure development and identify areas lacking suitable land for veterinary establishments. He also stressed stronger inter-departmental coordination and assured full support in addressing departmental challenges. Earlier, AHV&DD Secretary YVVJ Rajshekhar presented an overview of the department’s achievements, challenges and priorities in the livestock sector. He emphasised the preparation of modern and practical Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) and urged officers to work closely with district administrations to address cases of encroachment on departmental land. During the deliberations, MLA Talem Taboh lauded the department’s achievements and expressed concern over encroachment of departmental properties. He suggested effective utilisation of available land resources and proposed the formation of committees headed by respective Additional Deputy Commissioners to address land-related issues. He also recommended linking youths trained under the “Catch Them Young” initiative with government support schemes, including the Atmanirbhar Yojana. The conference also featured district-wise presentations by DVOs and nodal officers, followed by an extensive discussion on operational challenges, infrastructure gaps and strategies for strengthening the animal husbandry sector in the state.  

AALO : Sports & Youth Affairs, Legislative Affairs and SJETA Minister Kento Jini on Wednesday inspected the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) Centre at Rokken Kabu in West Siang district and directed the authorities to resume the collection and transportation of dry waste from Aalo Township from June 25. The Minister, accompanied by West Siang Deputy Commissioner Mindo Loyi and officials from various departments, reviewed the functioning of the facility and the overall waste management system serving Aalo Township. The MRF Centre was made operational following the initiative of Minister Kento Jini to address long-standing challenges in garbage management in the township. Dry waste generated in Aalo is transported through Patum Bridge and the Pessing area under Jomlo Circle in Siang district, where it is processed and managed in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) prescribed by the Urban Development Department. However, transportation of waste has recently been disrupted due to objections raised by some residents of the Pessing area, who have reportedly prevented Urban Development Department vehicles from passing through the route. Taking note of the issue, the Minister directed the Urban Development Department, Aalo, to ensure the immediate resumption of waste collection and transportation for the smooth functioning of the MRF Centre. He also instructed the Power Department to provide adequate and uninterrupted electricity supply to the facility. Jini further requested Siang district authorities to issue necessary administrative directions to prevent any obstruction to vehicles engaged in waste transportation. Stating that all prescribed SOPs are being followed, he appealed to residents of the Pessing area to cooperate with the waste management initiative and avoid creating hindrances to the movement of departmental vehicles. Among those present during the inspection were Urban Development Department Executive Engineer Hali Welly, BJP West Siang District President Lige Lollen, officials of the Power Department and officers of the Urban Development Department.  

KHONSA : Environment and Forest Minister Wangki Lowang on Wednesday inaugurated “The Tirap Police Gym” at Khonsa, marking a significant step towards promoting physical fitness and the overall well-being of police personnel in the district. The programme was attended by Khonsa East MLA Wanglam Sawin, Khonsa Additional Deputy Commissioner Namneet Singh, Tirap Superintendent of Police Aditya IPS, and officers from the district administration and police department. Speaking on the occasion, Lowang said the gym would help foster a culture of fitness, discipline and operational readiness among police personnel, thereby enhancing their efficiency and capacity to serve the public. He lauded the initiative of Tirap Superintendent of Police Aditya in establishing the facility for the welfare of the police force. Following the inauguration, the Minister, accompanied by MLA Wanglam Sawin and Additional Deputy Commissioner Namneet Singh, inspected the ongoing construction of Nehru Stadium at Khonsa. Reviewing the progress of the project, Lowang directed the executing agency to ensure its timely completion while maintaining the highest quality standards in accordance with the Detailed Project Report (DPR). He said the stadium would emerge as an important sports infrastructure asset for the youth and people of the district once completed. The visit underscored the government’s commitment to strengthening public infrastructure while promoting the welfare of security personnel and creating better opportunities for youth development through sports.