Nine Tigers Spotted at Pakke Tiger Reserve in Arunachal Pradesh During Latest Survey
HT Digital ITANAGAR, APR 12: The Pakke Wildlife Sanctuary and Tiger Reserve in Arunachal Pradesh has recorded the presence of nine tigers, according to Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) and Field Director Satyaprakash Singh. The sightings were confirmed through an extensive camera trap survey conducted by the Arunachal Pradesh Forest Department for the fiscal year 202324. []
Union Women and Child Development Minister on 3-day visit to Arunachal
HT Correspondent ITANAGAR, Apr 11: The Union minister for Women and Child Development Annpurna Devi, who arrived in Itanagar on Thursday, reviewed implementation of central schemes in presence of minister Dasanglu Pul and other senior officials of the department. The union minister is on a three-day visit to the state of Arunachal from April 10 []
Mahavir Jayanti celebrated with devotion at Parasnath Jain Temple
HT Correspondent ITANAGAR, April 10: The Jain community in Naharlagun gathered in devotion and unity to celebrate Mahavir Jayanti at the Shri Parasnath Digambar Jain Temple. The event, marking the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir, was observed with great enthusiasm and spiritual fervor. According to an official statement, the celebrations began with a grand religious []
Arunachal: Kongkin Farmers Build Boulder Bunds to Protect Fields from Siang Erosion
HT Digital ITANAGAR, APR 10: Displaying remarkable resilience and unity, farmers from the flood-prone wetland rice cultivation (WRC) fields of Kongkin Rikyu in Borguli village, part of the Mebo Sub-Division in East Siang district, have taken it upon themselves to combat the destructive forces of the Siang (Brahmaputra) River. For the past three days, over []
High-yielding exotic vegetable seeds distributed
HT Correspondent ITANAGAR, April 8: In a significant step towards promoting sustainable horticulture and enhancing the livelihood of local farmers, the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Tawang, Kanki Darrang, recently handed over high-yielding exotic vegetable seeds to the Chairperson of Tawang Green Farmer Producer Company Ltd, Nawang Chonzom. The initiative, aimed at supporting local farmers, included []
One time relaxation of upper age limit for candidates seeking govt jobs in Arunachal
HT Correspondent ITANAGAR, April 8: The Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Pema Khandu recently approved One Time Relaxation of the prescribed upper age limit for candidates for direct recruitment in govt posts. The move would enable candidates to be eligible and to apply for those categories of posts where the previous vacancy notifications (issued prior []
Heroin Seized from Arunachal Govt Office, Employee Arrested
A multi-tasking staff from the state horticulture department was arrested after 44.36 grams of heroin were recovered from a government office in Itanagar.
Arunachal Guv tells students about opportunities in Sainik Schools
ITANAGAR, April 7: Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen (Retd) K T Parnaik on Monday encouraged Sainik School aspirants from the remote districts of Kurung Kumey and Upper Subansiri to foster a spirit of participation, curiosity, hard work, and the essential habits of reading and writing. Interacting with students from Sarli in Kurung Kumey district, and []
Emphasis on high quality security, research based teaching and training
HT Correspondent ITANAGAR, April 5:The Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) Pasighat campus focused on providing high quality security, research based teaching and training to the aspirants students of the Arunachal Pradesh in particular and Northeastern region as a whole. RRU is a pioneering National Security and Police University of India under the Ministry of Home Affairs []
MLA Darang flags off exposure tour for GBs to Kaziranga
HT Correspondent ITANAGAR, April 5:The 38thEast Pasighat MLA Tapi Darang recently today flagged off an exposure tour for Kaziranga National Park, (Assam) here in which thirty Gaon Burahss and Gaon Buris (GBs) from Bosing & Bogong group of village are embarking on a journey to learn and experience various aspects of wildlife conservation, rural and []
Two held with heroin in Itanagar
Arunachal: 3rd District Level Narco Coordination meeting
HT Correspondent ITANAGAR, April 4: District Police, Upper Siang Yingkiong conducted 3rd District Level Narco Co-ordination (NCORD) meeting under the chairmanship of the Deputy Commissioner Upper Siang Talo Jerang at DCs conference Yingkiong on Friday. Presiding over the meeting DC cum- Chairman NCORD Talo Jerang reviewed the action taken by the members as per the []
Arunachal: Landslide in Anjaw District Disrupts Transport, Blocks Army Convoys
ITANAGAR: A huge landslide in the Mompani region of Anjaw district, Arunachal Pradesh, close to the Indo-China border, has halted road movement to a standstill. The landslide, which occurred on Wednesday, has hugely inconvenienced civilian traffic and suspended movement of army convoys along the border areas. As per officials, the landslide swept away about 10 []
Tensions Rise at Assam-Arunachal Border After Machete Attack on Vendor
HT Digital ITANAGAR, APR 3: Tensions escalated at Banderdewa, the border town separating Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, following a violent attack on an Assamese fish vendor. The incident, which has sparked concerns over inter-state relations, occurred when a local man from Arunachal Pradesh allegedly assaulted the vendor with a machete (dao) after being denied free []
Mild quake shakes Arunachal Pradesh, no damage or casualties reported
Itanagar: A mild quake, measuring 3.5 on the Richter scale, shook Arunachal Pradeshs Shi Yomi district and adjoining areas Monday afternoon, officials said. Arunachal Pradesh state Disaster Management officials said that there has been no immediate report of loss of life or damage to property due to the tremor. As per the National Centre for []
Rajasthans legacy enriches our nation: Arunachal Guv
ITANAGAR, March 30: Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen (Retd) K T Parnaik on Sunday praised the people of Rajasthan for their contributions to Arunachal Pradeshs development and unwavering efforts in preserving and sharing their cultural heritage. Rajasthans history is not just the pride of the state but an integral part of Indias glorious heritage, defined []
Arunachal: Inter school speech competition
HT Correspondent ITANAGAR, March 29 : The Deepak Nabam Living Home (NGO) organised inter school speech competition on Saturday to enhance communication skill, build confidence and foster critical thinking and ultimately lead to self expression and leadership quality among the students and youths. The day long programme was held at DK conventional hall, IG Park []
AI-enabled cameras in all towns, cities to strengthen security in Arunachal
ITANAGAR, March 28: The Arunachal Pradesh government will install AI-enabled cameras in all towns and cities of the state in a phased manner to enhance public safety, Home Minister Mama Natung said. In an interview with PTI, he said the state government has already initiated the process of installing AI-enabled CCTV cameras at 22 check-gates []
Nirmala assures all possible assistance to help Arunachal realise its full potential
ITANAGAR, Mar 28: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman praised Arunachal Pradeshs development trajectory and assured continued central support to the frontier state. The progress happening in Arunachal Pradesh is truly commendable. The central government remains committed to supporting the states growth, ensuring that every city and town develops into a model of urban excellence, she said. Sitharaman also assured all possible assistance from the Finance Ministry to help Arunachal Pradesh realise its full potential. The Finance Minister gave this assurance [] The post Nirmala assures all possible assistance to help Arunachal realise its full potential appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
SIFF Opposes CAPF Deployment for Siang Upper Multipurpose Project Survey
HT Digital ITANAGAR, Mar 28: The Siang Indigenous Farmers Forum (SIFF) has strongly opposed the deployment of the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) for a survey related to the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) in the Siang Valley. In a letter dated March 21, SIFF executive members urged the hydropower joint secretary to immediately withdraw []
Arunachal Guv hails Bihar and Mizoram communities on foundation day
ITANAGAR, March 27: Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen (Retd) K T Parnaik on Thursday recognised the vital contributions of the people from Bihar and Mizoram in the states progress and expressed gratitude for their dedication in various sectors. Celebrating Bihar and Mizoram Diwas at Raj Bhavan, the governor, while extending heartfelt greetings to the people []
Violent Land Dispute in Kra Daadi District Leaves Eight Injured
HT Digital ITANAGAR, Mar 27: A land dispute in Neomi village, Kra Daadi district, escalated into violence on the morning of March 26, resulting in gunfire and leaving eight people injured. Among the victims, six sustained gunshot wounds, while two others suffered injuries caused by traditional weapons such as Dau and machetes. The clash erupted []
World TB day observed in RK Mission Hospital
HT Correspondent ITANAGAR, March 25: Along with rest of the world, the world Tuberculosis day was observed at RK Mission Hospital here recently in the state capital. The programme has been organized by District tuberculosis Naharlagun, RKM , conference hall with themes of yes we can end Tuberculosis. Speaking on the occasion District Tuberculosis officer, []
Arunachal: World Water Day 2025 celebrated
HT Correspondent ITANAGAR, March 23: The ICAR-National Research Centre on Yak (ICAR-NRCY), Dirang, in collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Tawang, celebrated World Water Day 2025 by organizing an awareness programme on the scientific rearing of highland animals for the tribal farmers of Tawang. The event, held in the Lembardung area, witnessed the participation of []
Carcass and skins of wild animals disposed in Arunachal
HT Correspondent ITANAGAR, MARCH 21: The officers and officials of the Itanagar forest division and Itanagar wildlife sanctuary on Thursday disposed off carcass and skins of wild animals and hornbill beak The Ranga Forest officer (RFO) Tadar Raju informed that on March 19 (Wednesday) the items were seized from Gang Market area. It was found []
Preparation underway to celebrate Bihar Divas in Arunachal
HT Correspondent ITANAGAR, March 21: The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Arunachal Pradesh state unit Vice President Tarah Tarak has informed that the upcoming Bihar Sthapna Diwas 2025 is going to be celebrated in state under the theme of Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat. Briefing the media, Tarak who is also the convener of the event []
IMD Forecasts Heavy Rainfall in Arunachal Pradesh, Rising Temperatures in Northwest India
HT Digital ITANAGAR, Mar 17: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a warning of heavy rainfall at isolated places over Arunachal Pradesh as an indication of wet conditions over the north eastern state. Meanwhile, thunderstorm with gusty winds will strike Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram today. While the northeast prepares to face stormy conditions, []
APTUF organises mass meeting to discuss Eight Point Charter
HT Correspondent ITANAGAR, March 16: The Arunachal Pradesh Trade Union Federation (APTUF) on Saturday March 15 organised a mass meeting to discuss various issues including the Eight Point charter of demands and other issues confronting the casual and contingency labourers and workers community of the state. Representatives from various labour and workers unions and associations []
Arunachal: Locals urge highway department to restore damaged bridge and NH-415
ITANAGAR, March 16: The local residents of the capital complex and commuters of NH-415 from Hollongi to Itanagar have urged upon the Highway authority to immediately take up the reprising and maintenance and restoration of the damaged portion. The locals allege that due to flash flood, landslide and earth cutting, several parts of road have []
Arunachal: World Consumer Rights day observed
HT Correspondent ITANAGAR, March 15: The World Consumer Rights Day-2025 along with Consumer Awareness Program was held at Community Hall, Borum, Yupia Papum Pare district on Saturday. The programme was participated by General Public, Panchayat Body, School Management Committee Members, Students, Teaching Staffs and Officials from various departments. District Consumer Protection Officer (DCPO)-cum-Assistant Controller Legal []
46-Year-Old Anti-Conversion Law Making A Comeback, Arunachal Christians Protest
Thousands of people under the banner of the Arunachal Christian Forum held a peaceful protest near Itanagar against the implementation of the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act 1978, an anti-conversion law.
Opposed to Freedom of Religion Act, Christians in Arunachal warn of referendum rally
GUWAHATI: The protest against the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act (APFRA), 1978, is getting intensified with thousands of Christians holding a peaceful demonstration on Thursday, demanding its repeal. The Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF), the states largest Christian organisation, which is spearheading the protest, warned of a referendum rally. If APFRA is not repealed within this month, we will organise a referendum rally, ACF president Tarh Miri told this newspaper, adding that, If the Act is not repealed, it should be kept dormant like what it was. He alleged APFRA violates the freedom of accepting a faith and religious belief. Earlier, ACF Secretary General James Techi Tara warned that the enforcement of APFRA would create hatred among people. Changing faith is ones own choice, he said. The ACF claimed that over 1 lakh people had turned up at the rally which was organised at Naharlagun near the state capital Itanagar. The ACF had plans to organise it in Itanagar but authorities denied permission as the budget session of the state Assembly began on Thursday. While the Christians in the state stand opposed to APFRA, the indigenous faith believers, however, endorse it. They also took to the streets recently demanding its early implementation. They demonstrated their solidarity with the state government for its move to implement the Act by organising a Sadbhavna Pad Yatra at Doimukh. This Act was introduced in 1978 for the welfare of the indigenous tribal society. Despite repeated requests, it has not been implemented yet, lamented Pai Dawe, president of the Indigenous Faith and Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh. Earlier, the state government stated that APFRA would be implemented in deference to a directive of the Gauhati High Court. The court asked the government to finalise the Acts draft rules within six months from September 2024. Chief Minister Pema Khandu said the draft rules were not against any religion. The Act was introduced to safeguard the traditional religious practices of indigenous communities from external influence or coercion. However, it was never implemented. Indigenous faith believers, Christians and Buddhists are Arunachals three major communities.
Bhagwat emphasises need to balance cultural heritage with modern aspirations
ITANAGAR, Mar 2 : RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Sunday emphasised the need to balance cultural heritage with modern aspirations. Bhagwat, who visited the Donyi Polo Nyedar Namlo a revered prayer centre of the Nyishi community at Naharlagun near Itanagar, spoke on the role of spiritual practices in promoting societal harmony and nation-building. The Namlo, located near the banks of the Pachin river, is dedicated to the worship of the sun (Donyi) and the moon (Polo), holding deep spiritual [] The post Bhagwat emphasises need to balance cultural heritage with modern aspirations appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Arunachal indigenous faith group rallies for anti-conversion law
The demonstration at Doimukh followed a meeting of indigenous faith believers with RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat in the States capital Itanagar
Arunachal Pradesh: Indigenous faith believers take out rally in support of Freedom of Religion Act
GUWAHATI: Days after Christians in Arunachal Pradesh staged a hunger strike opposing the state governments move to implement the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act (APFRA), 1978, the states indigenous faith believers took out a rally on Saturday demanding early implementation of the Act. During the Sadbhavna Pad Yatra organised by the Indigenous Faith and Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh (IFCSAP) at Doimukh, the participants shouted slogans demanding early implementation of the anti-conversion law. IFCSAP vice president Pai Dawe told media that through this rally, the indigenous faith believers demonstrated their solidarity with the government for early implementation of the Act. This Act was introduced in 1978 for the welfare of the indigenous tribal society. Despite repeated requests, it has not been implemented yet, Dawe said. Stating that the Act was passed in the Assembly within four months of its maiden session and it subsequently got the Presidential assent, he lamented that successive governments gave lip service by committing to stand for the welfare of tribals. He said the Act, once implemented, would protect the tribals culture, tradition and belief system. A participant said the Act was introduced to protect indigenous people from becoming extinct. If it is implemented, we will be able to preserve and maintain our culture, tradition and rituals. Our people are increasingly converting to other religions. This Act will control conversion. Thats the reason why we support it, he said. On February 17, the Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF) had staged an eight-hour hunger strike in Itanagar to oppose the Act. Thousands of Christians, including some MLAs, participated. ACF president Tarh Miri claimed APFRA violates the freedom of accepting a faith and religious belief. We oppose this Act. Anti-conversion law is enforced in 11 states. This is only against Christianity, he alleged. ACF secretary general James Techi Tara had stated the enforcement of APFRA would create hatred among people. Changing faith is ones own choice, he stated. Earlier, the state government said APFRA would be implemented in deference to a directive of the Gauhati High Court. The court asked the government to finalise the Acts draft rules within six months from September 2024. Chief Minister Pema Khandu has already said that the draft rules are not against any religion.
Frontier Highway game changer for Arunachals border development: Rijiju
ITANAGAR, Feb 20: Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Thursday asserted that the multi-crore Frontier Highway project will be a game changer for the border areas of Arunachal Pradesh. Speaking at the 39th Statehood Day celebrations here, Rijiju said this is the highest allocation ever made by the Centre for a single project in the country. The Frontier Highway is going to be the largest road project in the history of India. It is going to be around 1,400 kilometres long, [] The post Frontier Highway game changer for Arunachals border development: Rijiju appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
In a 1st, Assam House session outside Guwahati
GUWAHATI: Assam made history on Monday by holding an Assembly session outside the states seat of power Guwahati, for the first time. Ministers and MLAs woke up early as they took a bus ride to the Bodo heartland Kokrajhar, 210 km away from Guwahati, to be a part of history. Excitement was writ large on their faces. Businesses on the inaugural day of the Budget session were conducted at the secretariat of the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) with Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya delivering the customary speech. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma tabled the report of Justice (Retd) Biplab Sarma regarding irregularities committed in the Combined Competitive Examinations of 2013 and 2014 before the Assembly. He termed the session historic. The session from Tuesday will be held at the Assembly building in Guwahati. Minister Pijush Hazarika highlighted the journey of the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) from restlessness to peace and development. Fifteen years ago, there was a situation in BTR where people demanded a separate state. Now, they dont want it. They welcomed us for the Assembly session. This is new Assam and new Bharat, Hazarika said. He also said that PM Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah had been instrumental in developing BTR and establishing peace in the region. Two days ago, Modi stated the NDA governments at the Centre and Assam had been working tirelessly to empower the Bodo community and fulfil Bodo aspirations. He said these works would continue with even greater vigour. I fondly recall my own visit to Kokrajhar where I witnessed the vibrant Bodo culture, the PM had stated. Protest against Freedom of Religion Act in Arunachal Thousands turned up at an Itanagar ground on Monday as the Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF) staged an eight-hour hunger strike in protest against the state governments move to implement the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act (APFRA), 1978. The participants held posters with messages like We demand the repeal of APFRA and Do not turn us against one another.
Arunachal church body stages hunger strike to oppose Freedom of Religion Act
GUWAHATI: Thousands turned up at a ground in Itanagar on Monday as the Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF) staged an eight-hour hunger strike in protest against the state governments move to implement the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act (APFRA), 1978. Some MLAs were among the participants. The participants held posters which had messages such as we demand the repeal of APFRA, do not turn us against one another, there is no honour in enforcing APFRA. ACF president Tarh Miri claimed that APFRA violates the freedom of accepting faith and religious belief. We oppose this Act. Anti-conversion law is enforced in 11 states. This is only against Christianity, he alleged. ACF secretary general James Techi Tara said the enforcement of APFRA would create hatred among people. Changing faith is ones own choice. Forced conversion is restricted in the Indian Constitution. Show me one instance where a complaint was lodged against forced conversion. We want nothing less than the repeal of the Act, Tara said. Earlier, the state government said APFRA would be implemented in deference to a directive of the Gauhati High Court. The court asked the government to finalise the Acts draft rules within six months from September 2024. Chief Minister Pema Khandu said the rules, being framed as per a directive of the High Court, were not against any religion. The government has been asked to frame the rules to give some more protection to indigenous (faiths), Khandu said. He said he would ask the states department of indigenous affairs minister and the home minister to deliberate the matter together with all stakeholders. The ACF, however, slammed him for his alleged double standard.We dont entertain his statement. In 2018, he himself had announced that he will repeal this draconian law. But in 2024, he announced that it will be implemented. This is his double-standard, ACF president Tarh Miri told TNIE . The Act was introduced in 1978 to safeguard the traditional religious practices of indigenous communities from external influence or coercion.
GST fraud racket busted: Fake invoices worth Rs 658.55 crore unearthed
Central GST Itanagar Commissionerate has uncovered a racket issuing fake invoices worth Rs 658.55 Crores without supplying goods, leading to a loss of nearly Rs 100 Crores to the government. Two masterminds, Ashutosh Kumar Jha and Bipin Kumar Jha, have been arrested, and forensic analysis is underway.
Rise and Shine in Arunachal 2025 Calendar launched in Itanagar
The Department of Tourism, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, in partnership with Miss India Organisation, Times Group, has launched the Rise and Shine in Arunachal Pradesh 2025 Calendar. The calendar, billed as a tribute to the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the Northeastern state, was unveiled on Saturday at an event at the Dorjee Khandu [] The post Rise and Shine in Arunachal 2025 Calendar launched in Itanagar appeared first on The Shillong Times .
A 10-Year-Old Dies in a Tragic Road Mishap on Her Way to School
Hyderabad: A 10-year-old Class V student who was on the way to school on her fathers two-wheeler died on the spot after a lorry hit their vehicle at Sitanagar on the Shaikpet-Manikonda road. The incident took place at 8.10 am, Filimnagar sub-inspector A. Ganesh Goud said. Her father, a social media manager with an electronic media firm, who survived with injuries said the lorry was being driven in a rash manner and hit their two-wheeler from the rear. We fell on the road and my daughter came under the wheels of the lorry, he said. The 10-tyre multi-axle lorry was carrying a cargo of sugar. The father fell towards the right side and the victim fell on the left side and came under the lorrys wheels. By the time the driver realised and applied brakes, it was too late, said G. Giri who runs a kiosk near the accident spot. The victim, the only daughter of the family, had gone to a taekwondo class at 6 am from her residence in Shaikpet and returned by 7.40. She changed and got ready for school, a family member of the victim said. She was very active and always stood first in her school, the relative said. The victims parents were married around 18 years back and migrated to the city from Suryapet, the family member said. The victim was well-mannered and punctual. It's a great loss, the victims school mate told Deccan Chronicle . Police arrested driver Yasin Quereshi, seized the lorry and registered a case of death due to rash and negligent driving. The victims body was handed over to the family after a post-mortem examination at the Osmania General Hospital.
AP civil supplies minister conducts ward inspection in Tenali
Vijayawada :Food and civil supplies minister, Nadendla Manohar, conducted a ward inspection in Tenali on Monday, addressing long-standing civic issues and promising sweeping reforms. The inspection revealed several infrastructure gaps left by the previous administration, including an incomplete housing project worth `530 crore meant for poor beneficiaries, the minister claimed. During his visit to the municipal high school, the minister interacted with students and teachers. He said immediate action will be taken to level the school's boundary wall, which had been in disrepair. We have uncovered several instances where welfare pensions were arbitrarily canceled by the previous government. An investigation is under way, and we will ensure justice for all legitimate beneficiaries, he said. The minister announced several new initiatives for Aitanagar, including a park near the water tank, at a cost of `1.30 crore. This would open by summer. The other plans are for the modernization of existing parks and development of new walking tracks, renovation of the pond adjacent to Aitanagar school and a three-year programme to integrate Anganwadi students into government municipal schools On women's empowerment, he outlined plans to strengthen the savings societies and create income-generating opportunities. Our government is committed to transparent governance and inclusive development, he stated. The inspection highlighted issues with previous housing projects, wherein some units were completed without basic amenities while others remained only on paper despite land allocation. The minister promised that these irregularities would be set right.
4 tourists fall in frozen Sela Lake in Arunachal while attempting to walk
Itanagar: Four tourists fell into the frozen Sela Lake in Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh, while attempting to walk on its icy surface, an official said on Monday. However, they were safely pulled out of the icy water, the district official said. At Sela Pass in Arunachal Pradesh. My advice to tourists: Walk on the Frozen Lakes with experienced people, drive carefully on slippery snow roads and be aware of snow avalanche. Temperatures is freezing so wear warm clothes and enjoy. Your safety is important. pic.twitter.com/UWz8xOzd57 Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) January 5, 2025 The incident took place at the scenic lake, located at an altitude of 14,000 feet on Sunday, when the four tourists from Assam, including one woman, ventured onto the frozen surface despite clear risks. Fortunately, their companions acted quickly, pulling them out of the icy water and preventing a tragedy, the official said. The incident occurred around 10 am when the tourists ventured onto the frozen surface of the lake. There was no casualty reported and all of them are fit and fine, additional deputy commissioner (ADC) Hakraso Kri said. Local authorities had previously issued warnings against such activities. In December last year, Tawang Deputy Commissioner Kanki Darang had advised visitors to avoid walking on high-altitude frozen lakes, including Sela Lake, Shongetser Lake, PT Tso Lake, and the lakes around Bumla Pass. For the local community, these lakes hold deep cultural and spiritual significance. According to tradition, tampering with or polluting these sacred water bodies is believed to invite misfortune. Meanwhile, Union Parliamentary Affairs minister Kiren Rijiju who hails from the state has cautioned tourists to remain careful while walking in such frozen lakes. Enjoy mountains but be careful of snow avalance, icy roads and ice lakes, Rijiju said in a post on X. At Sela Pass in Arunachal Pradesh. My advice to tourists: Walk on the frozen lakes with experienced people, drive carefully on slippery snow roads and be aware of snow avalanche. Temperatures is freezing so wear warm clothes and enjoy. Your safety is important, he added.
Arunachal to frame rules to implement the Act to curbs religious conversion
Mr Khandu made this announcement recently in a programme organised by the Indigenous Faith and Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh (IFCSAP) in Itanagar on Friday, Mr Khandu said that the Act would play a significant role in preserving Arunachals indigenous faith and cultures
ITANAGAR: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu said the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP), estimated to cost Rs 1.13 lakh crore, was being planned by the Centre not just for generating electricity but to maintain the natural flow of the river all year round and mitigate risks of flooding if China released excess water. Khandu's remarks came in the wake of China approving the construction of the world's largest dam , at a cost of USD 137 billion, on the Brahmaputra river in Tibet close to the Indian border. The dam is to be built at a huge gorge in the Himalayan reaches where the Brahmaputra river makes a huge U-turn to flow into Arunachal Pradesh and then to Bangladesh. The SUMP, with an estimated installed capacity of 11,000 mw, is not just about generating power, but also about maintaining the natural flow of the Siang river and mitigating potential flood risks from water releases by China, Khandu told PTI in an interview. Describing SUMP as a project of national importance, he said hydropower generation is only the secondary goal of it. The real objective of the project is to save the Siang river and the communities that have depended on it for generations, he said. The survey for preparing the pre-feasibility report of the projects is yet to be done amid stiff opposition from locals who are concerned about displacement, loss of livelihoods, and environmental impact of the mega dam. Warning of severe consequences if China's project moves ahead without safeguards, Khandu said the neighbouring country's plans to divert water from the Brahmaputra into its arid regions could drastically reduce the flow of the Siang river during winters. In such a scenario, the volume of water could decrease so much that one might be able to cross the mighty river on foot, he claimed. The proposed Siang project would create a reservoir capable of storing 9 billion cubic meters of water. This would ensure the river maintains a consistent flow, even during dry seasons. Additionally, the reservoir would act as a buffer in case of sudden water releases from upstream Chinese dams, potentially averting catastrophic flooding in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Bangladesh, he said. Acknowledging the ongoing bilateral discussions between India and China, the CM cautioned against complacency. China is unpredictable and can do anything, Khandu said, underscoring the need for India to remain vigilant. We cannot take chances when it comes to national security and the welfare of our people, he said. The Chinese government approved the construction of the hydropower project in the lower reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo river, the Tibetan name for the Brahmaputra. It is expected to generate more than 300 billion kWh of electricity each year enough to meet the annual needs of over 300 million people. The total investment in the dam could exceed one trillion yuan (USD 137 billion), which would dwarf any other single infrastructure project on the planet, including China's own Three Gorges Dam, regarded as the largest in the world. On the concerns of the locals, Khandu said the government would conduct extensive surveys before finalising the plans. Only after these studies, we will know the exact location of the dam, its height, and the submergence area, he said, adding that a public hearing will be held to listen to people's concerns . The CM said India was a democratic country, and it does not believe in forcing things on its people. However, he criticised activists, accusing them of spreading misinformation among villagers about the project . He claimed that these activists were instigating people without providing accurate information about the project's benefits. I urge people to come forward and get their confusions addressed through dialogue, he said. Khandu also spoke about the state's broader hydropower development plans. He said the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) recently sanctioned Rs 1,750 crore for the 186 mw Tato-I Hydro Electric Project and Rs 1,939 crore for the 240 mw Heo Hydro Electric Project in the Shi Yomi district. The CM said the state has signed agreements with NHPC, NEEPCO, THDCIL, and SJVN to develop 13 hydropower projects with a combined capacity of over 11,000 mw. Once completed, these projects are expected to generate substantial revenue for the state. The Centre has also approved a significant equity support scheme to boost hydropower development in the Northeast, he said. Under this initiative, Rs 4,136 crore has been allocated to northeastern states to develop hydroelectric projects with a cumulative capacity of 15,000 mw by 2032. This initiative will transform the hydroelectric landscape of Arunachal Pradesh and the northeast region, Khandu said, adding the Centre has also agreed to increase the Local Area Development Fund (LADF) contribution from power projects to over 2 per cent. We are taking steps to ensure that Arunachal Pradesh becomes a powerhouse for the nation while protecting the interests of our people and environment, he added.
Siang Project Not Just For Generating Power But Mitigating Flood Risks Posed By China: Arunachal CM
ITANAGAR, Dec 29: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu said the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP), estimated to cost Rs 1.13 lakh crore, was being planned by the Centre not just for generating electricity but to maintain the natural flow of the river all year round and mitigate risks of flooding if China released excess water. Khandus remarks came in the wake of China approving the construction of the worlds largest dam, at a cost of USD 137 billion, on [] The post Siang Project Not Just For Generating Power But Mitigating Flood Risks Posed By China: Arunachal CM appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
