State News

ITANAGAR :  Security concerns have surfaced along the India-China border in Upper Subansiri district after residents of Taksing circle alleged that China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has encroached upon their ancestral land by establishing military camps, constructing roads and bridges, and stepping up patrolling in the area. The allegations were made by the Nah Welfare Society (NWS), which has submitted a representation to the deputy commissioner of Upper Subansiri, seeking intervention into the matter. According to the representation, PLA activities across the border near Taksing have increased significantly over the past 10 to 15 years with the alleged objective of occupying more territory. The society claimed that areas such as Oying in the Asaphila region, Paniar in the Chujarta area, Marpan (Marnafe), Portrang Lake and Tingdingtang have been occupied by the PLA. It alleged that these locations, traditionally used by villagers for hunting, yak grazing, collection of medicinal plants and forest produce, now house Chinese military camps connected by roads. The NWS further alleged that Chinese military outposts have advanced up to Marpan, while road construction has almost reached the Yumichu River, where PLA troops are said to patrol regularly near a hanging bridge at Long Opi, around two kilometres from Taksing. It also claimed that PLA patrols have been reported near Pakte Longpak, about four kilometres from Yaja village, and alleged that China has expanded its territorial claims towards Damudi. The society said villagers have lost access to several traditional grazing grounds, including Portrang Lake, Kejula Pass and Ojumeda, forcing them to watch their livestock from a distance while avoiding the attention of security forces on either side of the border. The NWS alleged that repeated representations on the issue had been made to the Indian Army as well as during visits by Governor K T Parnaik, Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, but no concrete action has followed. The society, however, expressed confidence in the Indian Army, stating that it has safeguarded the frontier for years. It claimed that while Army personnel continue to patrol the area, some camps have been shifted downhill due to increased PLA activity, and soldiers have conveyed that any action would require directions from higher authorities. There was no immediate response from the Indian Army or the state government to the allegations.        

ITANAGAR : Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Sunday expressed gratitude to the residents of Watong village in Anjaw district for extending their support to the proposed 1200 MW Kalai-II Hydro Electric Project on the Lohit river. Following an interaction with villagers in the presence of Ministers Dasanglu Pul and Mama Natung, Khandu said the people of Watong have wholeheartedly welcomed and given their consent for the ambitious hydropower project, paving the way for its implementation. The Chief Minister thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for sanctioning the project, describing it as a landmark initiative that would significantly contribute to Arunachal Pradesh’s economic growth, energy security and employment generation. The 1200 MW Kalai-II Hydro Electric Project on the Lohit River in Anjaw district received approval from the union Cabinet on April 8, with an estimated investment of Rs 14,105.83 crore. The project will be implemented through a joint venture between the THDC India Limited and the Government of Arunachal Pradesh. It is expected to be completed within 78 months and is projected to generate approximately 4,852.95 million units (MU) of electricity annually. The Kalai-II project is among the major hydropower initiatives planned in the State and is expected to boost infrastructure development, create employment opportunities and strengthen Arunachal Pradesh’s role in India’s renewable energy sector. (Source: UNI)          

ITANAGAR :  The NETRA Foundation, in collaboration with Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU), organised a 10-day National Orientation Programme on Northeast India Development under the theme “Know Your Northeast”, bringing together academicians, policymakers, researchers and development practitioners from across the country. The online programme, held from June 15 to 26, witnessed participation from 105 delegates representing central and state universities, research institutions, government departments, civil society organisations and other institutions, the organisers said. Inaugurating the programme, RGU vice-chancellor Prof S K Nayak said Northeast India possesses immense potential in terms of natural resources, cultural diversity, strategic importance and human capital. He urged young scholars to undertake evidence-based research to promote sustainable and inclusive development in the region. RGU Registrar Dr N T Rikam reaffirmed the university’s commitment to promoting research and academic collaborations focusing on Northeast India, while former North Eastern Council health adviser Dr Bamin Tada stressed the need for interdisciplinary engagement to address the region’s developmental challenges. NETRA president Dr Kanak Haloi said the initiative aimed to build informed perspectives on Northeast India and reflected the organisation’s commitment to academic excellence and regional development. Over the course of the programme, experts from leading institutions delivered lectures on issues including education and skill development, agriculture and rural economy, investment, employment, tourism, gender, entrepreneurship, border management, health, infrastructure, climate change, natural resource management, handloom and handicrafts, human development and sustainable development goals. The sessions were addressed by faculty members and experts from institutions including Rajiv Gandhi University, North-Eastern Hill University, Nagaland University, Sikkim University, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, National Academy of RUDSETI and other academic organisations. NETRA secretary Prof Jayanta Choudhury said the programme reflected the organisation’s vision of promoting research, knowledge-sharing and policy dialogue for the sustainable development of Northeast India. He expressed hope that it would encourage young researchers and development professionals to contribute to the region’s inclusive growth. The programme concluded with an interactive valedictory session, during which participants shared their experiences and were awarded e-certificates upon successful completion.    

ITANAGAR :  An awareness programme on Mithun health management and fodder plantation was organised at two locations in East Siang district on Sunday to promote scientific and sustainable Mithun farming. The programme was organised jointly by the Jomlo Mongku Mithun Farmer Federation and the ICAR-National Research Centre on Mithun under the initiative of Dr Girish Patil and Tadang Tamut, according to an official statement. The programme commenced at Ayeng village with the establishment of a model semi-intensive Mithun farm, where farmers were sensitised on improved health management practices, scientific rearing techniques and the importance of fodder plantation to ensure year-round nutrition for the livestock. A major highlight of the event was the field trial of a solar-powered GPS-GSM ear-tag tracking device for free-range Mithuns. The waterproof device, equipped with a solar rechargeable battery, enables farmers to monitor and locate animals even in dense forest areas. Officials said the technology is expected to help trace sick, injured or missing Mithuns, thereby reducing losses and improving overall herd management. The awareness programme later continued at the Pakur Semi-Intensive Mithun Farm, where experts interacted with farmers on disease prevention, vaccination, feeding management and the need for greater scientific intervention in Mithun husbandry. The organisers said the initiative aims to strengthen sustainable Mithun farming by combining modern technology with scientific knowledge, while supporting the long-term conservation and development of the state’s iconic bovine species.

ITANAGAR : In a major relief for flood-hit areas of Arunachal Pradesh, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has restored the crucial Kimin–Potin road within 36 hours after torrential rains, flash floods and landslides caused widespread devastation in Arunachal Pradesh’s Keyi Panyor and Papum Pare districts. According to the Guwahati-based Defence PRO, incessant monsoon rainfall triggered multiple landslides and major formation breaches along the 45-km stretch, washing away portions of the road and burying several sections under mud, boulders and uprooted trees. The disruption completely halted vehicular movement and severed connectivity to important locations including Potin, Yazali, Yachuli, Joram and Ziro. The road closure severely affected the transportation of essential commodities, movement of emergency response teams and access to critical healthcare services, including the Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Sciences. With National Highway-13 also rendered inaccessible due to flood damage, restoration of the Kimin–Potin road became vital for ongoing rescue and relief operations. Responding to a request from the civil administration, the BRO’s 756 Border Roads Task Force mobilised nearly 80 personnel along with heavy earth-moving equipment to undertake the restoration work. Despite continuous rainfall, unstable slopes and recurring landslides, teams worked round the clock to clear debris, rebuild damaged embankments and reopen the road. The route was restored for vehicular traffic at midnight, re-establishing connectivity and facilitating the movement of relief materials, emergency services and the public. BRO officials informed that work is also underway to upgrade the Kimin–Potin road to double-lane specifications, which is expected to improve the route’s long-term reliability, resilience and carrying capacity. The swift restoration underscores BRO’s crucial role in maintaining connectivity in remote and challenging terrain and supporting civil authorities during natural disasters and emergencies.  

CM reviews rescue ops, restoration works ITANAGAR : The toll in the heavy rain-triggered flash floods in Keyi Panyor district rose to two on Saturday after the body of another woman was retrieved from under the debris in the NEEPCO Colony, an official said. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) also warned of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall across several parts of the state from Sunday. The deceased has been identified as 30-year-old Ballari Marak alias Olyn Synkly of Meghalaya’s Ri-Bhoi district, Keyi Panyor District Disaster Management Officer (DDMO) Beru Dulam said. Marak was among five persons who went missing after a flash flood, triggered by a cloudburst and incessant rainfall, struck the district on Wednesday morning. With the latest recovery, two people have been confirmed dead, while three others remain missing. The body of a 35-year-old woman was found on Wednesday. Search operations entered the fourth day on Saturday, with rescue teams launching raft operations from the dam side of the Panyor Lower Hydroelectric Project to trace the missing persons swept away from the NEEPCO Colony. State Disaster Management Secretary Dani Sulu said the operation is being carried out jointly by personnel of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), district police and local volunteers. To strengthen the operation, an Indian Air Force helicopter and a state Civil Aviation helicopter have been deployed to airlift additional SDRF personnel and rescue equipment to the affected area. The flash flood devastated the NEEPCO Colony at Poosa, damaging houses, disrupting road connectivity and triggering landslides at several locations. According to preliminary estimates, around 30 houses were completely damaged or washed away at the NEEPCO Colony, while another 10 houses were destroyed and 14 partially damaged in the Possa and Pitapool areas. A total of 128 households has been affected in the district. A relief camp has been set up on the NEEPCO campus, where 60 displaced people are currently taking shelter. Meanwhile, restoration of road connectivity is progressing in Keyi Panyor and Papum Pare districts. The Potin-Kimin road has been reopened for light vehicles, while the Hoj-Sagalee stretch has also been restored, officials said. The Yachuli-Pistana-Ambam-Selsango-Parang-Sagalee-Hoj-Itanagar route has likewise been opened for light vehicular traffic. The IMD has, meanwhile, forecast heavy to extremely heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning in several districts from Sunday. A ‘red’ warning (take action) has been issued for parts of Lower Siang, West Siang and East Siang districts on Sunday, while ‘orange’ alert (be prepared) has been sounded for several adjoining districts. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected to continue over parts of central and eastern Arunachal on Monday, with ‘orange’ warning in place for Lower Dibang Valley and adjoining areas. Although rainfall intensity is likely to decrease from Tuesday, isolated heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected to persist across several districts before conditions improve further on Wednesday and Thursday. The weather office has advised people living in vulnerable areas to remain alert for landslides, flash floods and waterlogging during the forecast period. (Source: PTI/DIPR) Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Saturday held a virtual review meeting to assess the flash flood situation in Keyi Panyor district with the Deputy Commissioners of Kurung Kumey, Kra Daadi, Lower Subansiri, Keyi Panyor and Kamle. The meeting was attended by the Chief Secretary, the Director General of Police and officials of the concerned departments. According to the Chief Minister, the meeting reviewed the ongoing relief and rescue operations, road restoration, medical response and the availability of essential supplies, while also discussing measures to ensure timely assistance and the early restoration of normalcy in the affected areas. “The Government remains committed to extending all possible support to the affected communities,” Khandu said in a post on his social media page.