State News

ROING, AUG 24: A one-day orientation and sensitisation programme on Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) for Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) members was organised at the DC’s Conference Hall of the Mini Secretariat here on Monday to strengthen grassroots participation in promoting the rights, safety, education and empowerment of the girl child. Around 50 PRI members and representatives from various government departments attended the programme. The sessions covered the BBBP initiative and the role of PRI members in promoting gender equality, preventing child marriage, strengthening child protection and encouraging girls’ education and re-enrolment of school dropouts. Participants were also sensitised to the services provided through the One Stop Centre and other child-protection mechanisms. The programme highlighted the role of PRI representatives in creating awareness at the community level, promoting girls’ education, preventing child marriage and facilitating coordination between communities and government departments. The orientation aimed to strengthen the commitment of PRI members towards creating a safer, inclusive and supportive environment for girls.

PANIDURIA, AUG 24: Assam Rifles, in a joint operation with Arunachal Pradesh Police, apprehended an active cadre of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah) [NSCN (IM)] from the general area of New Paniduria in Tirap district on August 23 based on specific intelligence inputs. The apprehended cadre was identified as Wangchan Wangsu, a self-styled Private of NSCN (IM), aged 31. Security forces recovered one pistol, one magazine and five live rounds of .32 mm ammunition from his possession. The operation also led to the recovery of Rs 5,450 in cash, three Aadhaar cards belonging to different individuals, one Voter ID card, a phone number list and one torch light with charger. Wangsu along with the recovered items was handed over to the concerned authorities for further investigation and necessary legal action. The operation highlights the coordinated efforts of Assam Rifles and Arunachal Pradesh Police in countering insurgent activities and maintaining peace and security in Tirap district.

TAWANG, AUG 24: Tawang Deputy Commissioner Namgyal Angmo on Monday convened a review-cum-coordination meeting with members of the Fact-Finding Committee constituted to survey and inspect drinking water sources supplying Tawang Township. The meeting reviewed the committee’s report and the action taken by concerned agencies to clean and protect areas where human and construction activities could potentially contaminate drinking water sources. The meeting was attended by Tawang Additional Deputy Commissioner Rinchin Leta, representatives of the Tawang Brigade and Border Roads Organisation (BRO), DDSE Tawang, Executive Engineer PHED, Monpa Mimang Tsogpa (MMT) Secretary Sangey Phuntso Nguimo, MMT Social Service Secretary Tsering Dhondup, Taxi Union president Tashi Dhondup, Homestay Owners Association president Lham Ngurup and other stakeholders. Reviewing the committee’s findings, the Deputy Commissioner sought inputs from MMT Social Service Secretary Tsering Dhondup based on his visits to the drinking water source areas. The meeting also discussed proper disposal of mud and other construction waste during road widening and other works. Angmo directed the Tawang Brigade to pursue establishment of a separate Material Recovery Facility (MRF) for the Army and stressed immediate construction of septic tanks and soak pits wherever required to prevent contamination of water sources. Emphasising responsible tourism and waste management, she directed the Taxi Union to ensure that vehicles carrying tourists bring back all waste generated during visits and prevent littering at tourist destinations. Taxi operators were also asked to compulsorily carry waste bins and oxygen cylinders. The District Administration, she said, would facilitate necessary training for taxi operators to strengthen safety and responsible tourism practices. MMT Secretary Sangey Phuntso Nguimo suggested installation of awareness and warning signboards against littering at appropriate locations, particularly near environmentally sensitive areas and drinking water sources. MMT Social Service Secretary Tsering Dhondup raised concerns over stray animals in market and township areas, citing their potential to cause traffic accidents. Army representatives suggested introducing monthly recognition for the cleanest colony to encourage community participation and improve cleanliness across Tawang Township. As part of the follow-up measures, a mass social service from Nagula to Chuje will be conducted on August 29. The cleanliness drive will be organised by MMT in collaboration with the District Administration, Tawang Brigade, BRO and Market Welfare Committees. The meeting underscored the need for coordinated efforts by government agencies, security forces, community organisations, transport operators and citizens to safeguard Tawang’s drinking water sources and promote effective waste management and responsible tourism. (DIPR)  

ANINI, AUG 24: Dibang Valley Deputy Commissioner Yashwant Meena chaired a meeting of the District Solid Waste Management Committee at the DC’s Conference Hall on Monday to review measures for strengthening solid waste management practices across the district. The meeting was attended by ZPC Sadhu Mihu, former ZPC Theko Tayu, BTMS, UD Executive Engineer Olom Apang, DFO Taluk Rime, District Medical Officer Dr Derin Likar, District Transport Officer Lamwang Aran, OC T Thingnok, JEs Ken Ngupok and Tasso Tailyang, and Anini Bazar Secretary Jeepa Mito. The committee discussed source segregation, door-to-door waste collection, wet-waste composting, transportation and scientific disposal, with particular focus on townships, markets, hotels, resorts, homestays and other commercial establishments. Emphasising the need for collective responsibility and coordinated action, Meena called upon departments, local bodies, business establishments and communities to work together to establish a robust and sustainable waste management system in the district. The meeting also deliberated on time-bound action plans, awareness initiatives, mapping of waste-generating establishments and better coordination among line departments and stakeholders for effective implementation of the Solid Waste Management Rules. The meeting reaffirmed the district administration’s commitment to promoting responsible waste management and building a cleaner, greener and more sustainable Dibang Valley. (DIPR)    

ZIRO, AUG 24: Lower Subansiri has maintained zero malaria cases since 2020, while Siiro health facility has secured the National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS) award, highlighting the district’s progress in public healthcare. The milestones were highlighted during the first-quarter District Health Society (DHS) Review Meeting-cum-District Task Force for Immunisation (DTFI) held at the Golden Jubilee Conference Hall of the District Secretariat here on Monday. The meeting brought together district administration, police, health and social welfare officials to review health programmes and identify key priorities. The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner Oli Perme APCS, Superintendent of Police Keni Bagra, District Medical Officer Dr Millo Kunya and Deputy Director (ICDS) Kago Maya. District Reproductive and Child Health Officer (DRCHO) Dr S Rigia moderated the proceedings. District Programme Officer (NVBDCP) Dr Kuru Tama highlighted the district’s malaria-free status and appreciated the Health and Wellness Officers and medical personnel for their sustained efforts in preventing transmission. The meeting also reviewed progress under the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), non-communicable disease control, National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP), blood services and Ayush initiatives. Officials discussed measures to address rising HIV cases reportedly linked to unsafe sex and sharing of syringes. With free anti-retroviral treatment now operational at the Ziro ART Centre, patients can access treatment locally. Other issues reviewed included climate-related health risks and an HPV awareness campaign targeting girls aged 14-15, with support from partner organisations including the Voluntary Health Association of India (VHAI). Dr Millo Kunya highlighted critical infrastructure and manpower requirements, including renovation of a defunct school compound to accommodate the Old Ziro Hospital administrative block, establishment of a dedicated Data Centre, provision of night-shift security at hospitals and installation of ambulance parking barricades. He also stressed the need for specialist doctors and adequate funding under the National Health Mission (NHM). Concluding the meeting, Deputy Commissioner Oli Perme directed strict monitoring of dog-bite cases and uninterrupted availability of Anti-Rabies Vaccine (ARV). Deputy Director (ICDS) Kago Maya called for stronger inter-departmental coordination and regular sharing of monthly health and nutrition data on women and children.