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YINGKIONG : The 21st District-level meeting of the Narcotics Coordination (NCORD) Committee was held at the Deputy Commissioner’s conference hall here on Friday to review anti-drug initiatives and discuss measures to strengthen the campaign against substance abuse in Upper Siang district. Chairing the meeting, Upper Siang Deputy Commissioner Talo Jerang stressed the need for a realistic, coordinated and sustained approach to achieving a drug-free district. He called on all stakeholders to intensify awareness campaigns, strengthen inter-departmental coordination and encourage greater community participation. The meeting also discussed the issue of poor network connectivity and its impact on public services and government functioning. Jerang directed the Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) Sub-Divisional Officer (Telecom) to restore non-functional services in affected areas at the earliest and upgrade network bandwidth wherever required to meet the growing communication needs of the public. To enhance community participation in the fight against drug abuse, the Deputy Commissioner instructed the concerned departments to prepare a list of non-governmental organisations (NGOs), self-help groups (SHGs), women’s groups and other community-based organisations for a separate meeting to formulate a comprehensive anti-drug awareness strategy. District Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr Karo Teng presented the status of the Drug De-Addiction Centre at Yingkiong and briefed the committee on upcoming government initiatives to strengthen rehabilitation and support services for individuals affected by substance abuse. The meeting also received suggestions from Deputy Superintendent of Police Gocham Sakter, Sikiing Koje Charitable Society Chairperson Dr Mity Jopir, Yingkiong Child Development Project Officer Nitnam Padun, District Horticulture Officer Oter Gao, BSNL Sub-Divisional Officer (Telecom) Prasad, Inspector (RI) Olom Apang and Adi Baane Kebang (ABK) representative Ogam Patuk. The participants emphasised the need for enhanced public awareness, stronger community engagement and a multi-stakeholder approach to effectively tackle the growing menace of drug abuse in the district. The meeting was attended by all members of the district-level NCORD Committee. (DIPR)        

RAIPUR : Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Friday met Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in New Delhi and sought special provisions under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY-IV) and adoption of Arunachal Pradesh model to improve road connectivity in remote and inaccessible areas of Bastar division, officials said. During the meeting with the Union Rural Development Minister, Sai said several villages in Bastar region are located in dense forests, hilly terrain and geographically challenging areas, but under PMGSY guidelines, only habitations within a 500-metre radius are treated as a single cluster, leaving many small and remote villages outside the ambit of the scheme. The chief minister urged the Centre to allow Bastar to follow the Arunachal Pradesh model, under which habitations located within a 10-km radius are considered a single cluster, enabling a larger number of remote villages to be connected by all-weather roads, an official statement said. “Bastar has been rapidly moving on the path of development after emerging from decades of Maoist violence, and improved road connectivity would play a crucial role in providing access to education, healthcare, agriculture, employment opportunities and government welfare schemes,” the statement quoted him as saying. Roads are not merely a means of transportation but the foundation of development, security and prosperity, he said while urging the Centre to accord priority to the proposal in view of Bastar’s unique geographical conditions. Chouhan assured Sai that the proposal would be examined positively, and said the Centre is committed to the development of remote and tribal regions such as Bastar and would take necessary action on the state’s request, the release said. The Union minister also praised the Chhattisgarh government’s rural development initiatives, including the VB-G RAM G scheme under which cremation grounds and toilets are being constructed, it said. Chouhan appreciated the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana in Chhattisgarh, noting that around 1,500 houses were being built every day, which he described as a significant achievement, it added. Chouhan expressed confidence that coordinated efforts by the Centre and the state government will accelerate development in Bastar and across Chhattisgarh. Deputy CM Vijay Sharma, who also holds Home portfolio, and the CM’s Principal Secretary Subodh Singh were present during the meeting. Sharma briefed Chouhan on the progress of rural development, expansion of basic infrastructure and various development initiatives, the statement added. (Source: PTI)    

ITANAGAR : Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat), Itanagar, under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, will organise the ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan’ at the North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology (NERIST), Nirjuli, on August 2. The programme, scheduled to begin at 10 am, is part of a nationwide campaign to mobilise youth against substance abuse and promote a healthy, responsible and drug-free lifestyle in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047. The event will feature a virtual address by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, connecting participants from more than 10,000 locations across the country. Participants will also take the Nasha Mukti Pledge, reaffirming their commitment to building a drug-free India through awareness, community participation and positive youth engagement. Cultural programmes will follow the pledge ceremony. The programme will be led by MY Bharat Arunachal Pradesh State Director Dr Salam D Singh and coordinated by MY Bharat Itanagar District Youth Officer Vineeta Chaudhary. Students, MY Bharat volunteers, National Service Scheme (NSS) volunteers, youth clubs, educational institutions and members of civil society are expected to participate in large numbers. Ahead of the event, MY Bharat officials appealed to young people to actively join the campaign and become ambassadors of a drug-free India, contributing towards a healthier and stronger nation.    

BASAR : A hands-on training programme on the Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules, 2026 was organised at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall here on Friday to promote scientific waste management practices among rural communities. Organised under the aegis of the Panchayat, Rural Development and Urban Development departments of Leparada district, the programme brought together residents and stakeholders from Basar and Sago circles. The training focused on sensitising participants to sustainable waste management practices, with particular emphasis on segregation and management of waste at source. Welcoming the participants, Circle Officer-cum-Member Secretary (Panchayat) Asunam Perme outlined the objectives of the programme and stressed the importance of adopting proper waste management practices in villages. Urban Development Assistant Engineer Tei Taba delivered a detailed presentation on the key provisions of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026, and their implementation at the grassroots level. A practical session on source segregation and waste management was conducted by Urban Development Junior Engineer Kenyir Basar, while Leparada District Panchayat Nodal Officer Bomli Basar highlighted the roles and responsibilities of Gram Panchayats and village communities in maintaining cleanliness and ensuring proper waste disposal. An interactive session was also held during which participants raised queries on various aspects of waste management, which were addressed by the resource persons. In his concluding remarks, Leparada Additional Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Panchayat Development Officer Tamo Riba urged all stakeholders to translate the knowledge gained during the training into practical action. He emphasised that effective waste management requires active participation from Gram Panchayats, government departments and local communities to build cleaner, healthier and more sustainable villages. The programme was attended by Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) members, government officials and representatives from Basar and Sago circles. Officials expressed confidence that the training would strengthen the capacity of Gram Panchayats and village communities to adopt source segregation, scientific waste management and responsible waste disposal practices.    

PASIGHAT : Deputy Forest Range Officer Takeng Samior retired from the Forest Department on Friday after rendering 39 years, eight months and 21 days of service. Samior joined the department as a Forest Guard in 1986 and steadily rose through the ranks through dedication and hard work. He was promoted as Forester (Van Daroga) in 2015 and as Deputy Forest Range Officer in 2024. During his career, he served in several parts of Arunachal Pradesh, including Anchal Ghat, Tirap and Pasighat Range. He spent 14 years in Pasighat Range and another 24 years in the Mobile Squad, where he contributed significantly to forest protection, wildlife conservation and enforcement activities. Apart from his official responsibilities, Samior actively participated in employee welfare organisations. He served as vice president of the Arunachal Pradesh Forest Subordinate Service Association during 1992-93, was associated with the All Arunachal Pradesh Forest Guards Union from 2010 to 2016, and served as Zonal Secretary of the All India Forest Officers’ Federation, North East Zone-II, from 2009 to 2018. He also headed the East Siang Circle Staff Association of Arunachal Pradesh as its president from 2015 to 2023. His achievements began during his training when he emerged as the topper of the 22nd Forest Training Batch in 1987, earning a silver medal. He also received a silver medal in Silviculture for his academic excellence. Recalling one of the most challenging moments of his career, Samior said he narrowly escaped death six times while performing his duties during the devastating Siang River floods of 1998 in Pasighat. He is also remembered for his humanitarian service. During his career, he voluntarily donated blood to save the life of a critically ill patient from Shi Yomi district despite official commitments. The donation left a permanent scar-like mark on his arm, which he regards as a symbol of service, sacrifice and humanity. Throughout his service, Samior advocated environmental conservation and sustainable forest management, stressing that protecting forests is a shared responsibility of both the government and the public. He also encouraged compensatory plantation whenever trees are felled. Advising young forest personnel, he said discipline, dedication, vigilance and a strong sense of duty are essential qualities for every Forest Guard, along with a genuine commitment to protecting forests and the environment. With his retirement, Samior brings to a close a distinguished career spanning nearly four decades, leaving behind a legacy of dedicated public service, leadership and commitment to forest conservation in Arunachal Pradesh.    

ITANAGAR : The Brahma Kumaris, Itanagar, will launch the state-level ’10 Crore Addiction-Free Pledge Mega Campaign’ on August 2 as part of the nationwide vision of ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat, Nasha Mukt Arunachal’. The programme will be held at 10.30 am at the Brahma Kumaris RajYoga Centre near Delhi Public School, Jollang. Home Minister Mama Natung will attend the event as the chief guest, while Director General of Police Shiv Darshan Singh Jamwal will be the guest of honour. Senior government officials, police officers, social workers, educators, youth representatives, community leaders and members of civil society are also expected to participate. The campaign is being organised under the nationwide All India Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan and Mission SPANDAN with the objective of strengthening public awareness against substance abuse and promoting a healthier, safer and addiction-free society. According to the organisers, the initiative is supported by Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed between the Brahma Kumaris and the Ministry of Home Affairs as well as the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, to promote coordinated efforts in awareness, prevention, community mobilisation, rehabilitation and social reintegration. The campaign aims to encourage citizens to take a pledge for an addiction-free life and become ambassadors of positive change within their families and communities. Highlighting the organisation’s approach, the Brahma Kumaris said the fight against addiction requires not only enforcement but also self-awareness, emotional resilience, value-based education, family support, positive peer influence and spiritual empowerment. Through RajYoga Meditation, the organisation seeks to promote positive thinking, self-discipline and inner strength. Special emphasis will be placed on motivating the youth of Arunachal Pradesh to adopt a healthy, purposeful and addiction-free lifestyle. The organisation has invited the public to participate in the state-level launch and join the pledge for a drug-free India and a healthier, addiction-free Arunachal Pradesh.    

BOLENG : A four-day training and orientation programme on water management and the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) concluded at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office here on Friday, with more than 240 participants from different sectors attending the sessions. Organised from July 28 to 31, the programme brought together teachers, Child Development Project Officers (CDPOs), Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs), health assistants, Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), Anganwadi workers and departmental officers and staff. The initiative aimed to enhance awareness of sustainable water resource management and familiarise participants with the objectives and expected developmental benefits of SUMP. Siang Deputy Commissioner Tayi Taggu attended all four sessions and interacted with participants throughout the programme. Addressing the concluding session, he emphasised the importance of sustainable water management and informed, transparent public participation in the proposed project. Siang District Planning Officer Tapik Komut served as a key resource person during all four sessions. He highlighted the importance of community awareness and, along with officials of the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC), spoke on water conservation and river basin management. NHPC Group Senior Manager Tabom Taggu delivered detailed presentations on river management, water conservation, SUMP and its expected benefits. He also interacted with participants and responded to queries during the sessions. Other resource persons included Department of Hydro Power Development Assistant Engineer (Civil) Tanom Tatak, who participated in the teachers’ session on July 28, and Siang District Medical Officer Dr Johny Darang, who addressed the July 30 session for ANMs, health assistants and ASHA workers. The programme began with a session for around 60 teachers on July 28, followed by an orientation for about 60 CDPOs and Anganwadi workers on July 29. Around 50 ANMs, health assistants and ASHA workers attended the third session on July 30, while the concluding session for nearly 70 departmental officers and staff was held on July 31. Seven informational videos on SUMP and water management were screened during the programme. Participants were also provided with Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and Benefits of the Project (BOP) booklets to improve their understanding of the proposed project. Officials said the four-day awareness programme highlighted the importance of SUMP in water resource management, regional infrastructure and long-term sustainable development, while strengthening transparency and community engagement in the proposed project.  

NAHARLAGUN : Capital Police Naharlagun on Friday held a promotion pipping ceremony for Inspector Torun Mai, who has been promoted to the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP). The ceremony was held in the chamber of the Itanagar Capital Region Naharlagun Superintendent of Police, where the officer was formally adorned with his new rank. The new rank was pinned by Itanagar Capital Region Naharlagun Superintendent of Police Dr Nyelam Nega and Itanagar Capital Region Naharlagun Additional Superintendent of Police Chukhu Nanu Bui in the presence of Naharlagun Sub-Divisional Police Officer Rishi Longdo, the Reserve Inspector (P) and other police personnel. Congratulating the newly promoted officer, Dr Nyelam Nega expressed confidence that DySP Torun Mai would continue to discharge his responsibilities with dedication, integrity and professionalism. Capital Police Naharlagun also extended its congratulations to DySP Torun Mai and wished him continued success in his new assignment.