Union minister reviews CSSs in Nagaland

HT Correspondent DIMAPUR, Nov 19: Union minister of state for home Bandi Sanjay Kumar on Monday reviewed the implementation of centrally sponsored schemes (CSSs) in Nagaland. Kumar, who is on a two-day visit to the state, held the review meeting with the line departments implementing the schemes at the Nagaland civil secretariat in Kohima. After []

Nagaland:Japan to be country partner of Hornbill Festival

Dimapur:Besides Wales, Japan will be the next country partner for the upcoming 10-day Hornbill Festival at Kisama near Nagalands Kohima from December 1. Both the Nagaland government and the Japanese Embassy in India announced the collaboration after Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and his cabinet colleagues along with senior officials held a meeting with Deputy Chief [] The post Nagaland:Japan to be country partner of Hornbill Festival appeared first on NorthEast Now .

Cultural extravaganza in Dimapur, a prelude to Hornbill Fest

HT Correspondent DIMAPUR, Nov 16: Forerunners Nagaland, in collaboration with the Nagaland tourism department, will organise a one-day cultural confluence and extravaganza at the Agri Expo site in Dimapur on November 23, as a prelude to the celebrations of the 25thanniversary of the upcoming 10-day Hornbill Festival at Kisama, near Kohima, from December 1. Forerunners []

Nagaland: Cultural extravaganza in Dimapur; a prelude to Hornbill Fest

Last Updated on November 15, 2024 10: 57pm Dimapur:A cultural confluence and extravaganza is set to be held as a prelude to the Hornbill Festival at Kisama, near Kohima in Nagaland from December 1. Forerunners Nagaland, in collaboration with the Nagaland tourism department, will organise the one-day cultural extravaganza at the Agri Expo site in [] The post Nagaland: Cultural extravaganza in Dimapur; a prelude to Hornbill Fest appeared first on NorthEast Now .

Nagaland: Mobile medical unit launched for Zunheboto

Last Updated on November 14, 2024 11: 27pm Dimapur:Nagaland health and family welfare minister P Paiwang Konyak on Thursday flagged off the mobile medical unit for Zunheboto district at the directorate of health and family welfare in Kohima. In his address, Konyak said this initiative represents a collective resolve to bridge the healthcare gap and [] The post Nagaland: Mobile medical unit launched for Zunheboto appeared first on NorthEast Now .

2 Welsh artists to perform at Hornbill Festival 2024

HT Correspondent DIMAPUR, Nov 13: Two Welsh artists are set to perform at the upcoming Hornbill Festival at Naga Heritage Village at Kisama, 10 km from the state capital Kohima, in December. Folk singer-songwriters Gareth Bonello and Mari Mathias have been chosen to play to crowds at the festival. The 10-day festival from December 1, []

Nagaland Literature Festival observed in Kohima

Last Updated on November 13, 2024 8: 52pm Dimapur:Nagaland Literature Festival 2024, organised by Writers Collective Kohima, was observed under the theme Amplifying Our Indigenous Voices at the Capital Cultural Hall complex in Kohima on Wednesday. In his address, former Nagaland Chief Minister Shurhozelie Liezietsu, who was the special guest of the programme, said education [] The post Nagaland Literature Festival observed in Kohima appeared first on NorthEast Now .

Two Welsh artists to perform at Hornbill Festival 2024

Last Updated on November 13, 2024 6: 12pm Dimapur:Two Welsh artists are set to perform at the upcoming Hornbill Festival at the Naga Heritage Village in Kisama, 10 km from the state capital Kohima, this December. Folk singer-songwriters Gareth Bonello and Mari Mathias have been chosen to perform for crowds at the festival. The 10-day [] The post Two Welsh artists to perform at Hornbill Festival 2024 appeared first on NorthEast Now .

Off-campus write shop on development strategy held in Kohima

HT Correspondent DIMAPUR, Nov 12: The National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRDPR)-North Eastern Regional Centre (NERC) conducted an off-campus write shop on development strategy for the northeastern states, its priority areas, concerns, and the way forward at the State institute of Rural Development in Kohima on Tuesday. Representatives from 15 departments of []

Workshop on development strategy for NE states in Kohima

Nagaland: Off-campus write shop on development strategy for North East held

Last Updated on November 12, 2024 5: 51pm Dimapur: The National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRDPR)-North Eastern Regional Centre (NERC) conducted an off-campus write shop on development strategy for the northeastern states, its priority areas, concerns, and the way forward at the State Institute of Rural Development in Kohima, Nagaland on Tuesday. [] The post Nagaland: Off-campus write shop on development strategy for North East held appeared first on NorthEast Now .

Heroes of Battle of Kohima remembered

DIMAPUR, Nov 11: The Remembrance Day was observed at Kohima War Cemetery on Monday to remember those fallen heroes who sacrificed their lives in the Battle of Kohima, which was fought between the Japanese and British/Indian forces from April 4 to June 10, 1944. Seventy-nine years ago, the people witnessed one of the fiercest battles []

Gauhati High Court disposes of PIL for improving facilities in Nagaland schools

The Gauhati High Courts Kohima Bench has recently disposed of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) petition seeking directions to the Union of India and the State of Nagaland to address various issues affecting Government Middle Schools (GMS) in Mon Town, Nagaland. The petitioners, Chingai Nyamto Wangsha and Dr. Lemwang Chuwanglim, sought relief regarding the appointment [] The post Gauhati High Court disposes of PIL for improving facilities in Nagaland schools appeared first on India Legal .

16th Finance Commission urges states to boost self-reliance in revenue

KOHIMA, Nov 6: Chairman of 16th Finance Commission, Arvind Panagariya, encouraged the states to raise as much of their own revenue as possible to be fiscal self-reliant. This statement was released on Tuesday where he asserted the usual devolution of grants that is done to the state will continue. The Commission generally does encourage []

Army major saves 2 boys from drowning in Nagaland

GUWAHATI: An Army major is being hailed for rescuing two children from drowning in the Dhansiri River in Nagaland. Two boys, aged 5 and 6 years, were playing near the riverbank when they accidentally fell into the deep and muddy water. They attempted to stay afloat but the currents swept them downstream. Incidentally, Major Vishavdeep Singh Attri was passing by the area when he heard the cries of a woman and the two boys for help. Disregarding his personal safety, the officer sprang into action. Being a trained swimmer, he dove into the river and fought against the currents, slush and vegetation to reach the struggling children and managed to bring both boys safely to the shore by displaying extraordinary bravery and determination, a defence statement said. The officer is posted at the Rangapahar Military Station, the armys 3 Corps headquarters, in the Dimapur district. The statement said the boys suffered no serious injuries and were reunited with their grateful families. Local residents and eyewitnesses lauded Major Attri for his heroism and presence of mind, which prevented a potential tragedy, the statement further stated. The officer could not be reached for comment. The army hailed his courageous and selfless act. Heroism knows no bounds! Kudos to the brave #IndianArmy officer, Major Vishavdeep Singh Attri, of @Spearcorps, who selflessly saved 2 boys from drowning in the Dhansiri river, Dimapur, #Nagaland, disregarding his personal safety, PRO Defence, Manipur, Nagaland and South Arunachal posted on X. Heroism knows no bounds! Kudos to the brave #IndianArmy officer, Major Vishavdeep Singh Attri, of @Spearcorps , who selflessly saved 2 boys from drowning in the Dhansari river, Dimapur, #Nagaland today, disregarding his personal safety. @SpokespersonMoD @adgpi @easterncomd pic.twitter.com/zSzCMX2xNY PRO Defence, Manipur, Nagaland & South Arunachal (@prodefkohima) October 27, 2024

Nagaland Governor honours rehab centre for exemplary service

HT Correspondent DIMAPUR, Oct 27: Nagaland Governor La Ganesan felicitated the Shalom Rehabilitation Centre, Chmoukedima for its exemplary service to the people of Nagaland and the northeast. The governor honoured the centre during the screening of Mann Ki Baat, the monthly radio programme hosted by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Raj Bhavan in Kohima []

Movement of heavy motor vehicles restricted

HT Correspondent DIMAPUR, Oct 26: In a traffic advisory on Saturday, movement of heavy motor vehicles beyond three axles on the Chathe (Patkai) river bridge at Chumoukedima on National Highway between Dimapur and Kohima has been restricted. Dimapur commissioner of police Kevithuto Sophie said Movement of heavy motor vehicles from the Chathe river bridge towards []

Nagaland Govt in Hot Seat: High Court Demands Action on Unpaid PWD Wages

HT Digital Friday, October 25: The Kohima Bench of the Gauhati High Court recently issued a directive to the Nagaland Government concerning unpaid wages and administrative delays affecting Public Works Department (PWD) employee Zanbenth Ngullie. In response to a petition filed by Ngullie, Justice Sema of the High Court instructed the Registry to serve notice []

Utilise tribal bodies to lodge kidnapping complaints: Nagaland DGP

KOHIMA, Oct 21: Nagaland Director General of Police (DGP) Rupin Sharma on Monday appealed to the people to utilise the tribal bodies and civil society groups of the state to lodge police complaints over cases of kidnapping for ransom by underground outfits. Speaking on the sidelines of an official programme here, he said that incidents []

Indian Navy launches Motorcycle Expedition across northeastern states

Visakhapatnam: The Indian Navy has officially launched a Motorcycle Expedition across the northeastern states, running from October 14 to 30, 2024. This initiative, organized by the Eastern Naval Command, aims to enhance maritime awareness and engage with local youth and civil society in the region. The expedition follows previous successful outreach efforts in the Northeast in 2022 and in Leh/Ladakh in 2023. The current expedition will traverse approximately 2,500 kilometers, covering key cities in Meghalaya, Assam, and Arunachal Pradesh. A total of 40 personnel from the Indian Navy, including officers, sailors, and their family members, are participating in this 15-day journey. The route includes notable stops in cities such as Guwahati, Shillong, Aizawl, Imphal, and Kohima, with riders navigating through high-altitude passes like Sela and BumLa. Key objectives of the expedition include showcasing the Indian Navy's capabilities, conducting awareness drives at schools and colleges about career opportunities within the Navy, particularly highlighting the Agnipath Scheme, promoting Nari Shakti by involving women officers and spouses in the initiative and engaging with naval veterans and Veer Naris (widows of soldiers) in the region.

Talks between NSCN-IM and Centre likely to take place in October 1st week

Talks between the Centre and NSCN-IM are expected to resume in early October in New Delhi. A consultative meeting in Kohima urged Naga groups to unite and present a single document for an early solution. The stalemate persists over NSCN-IM's demand for a separate flag and constitution.

AFSPA extended in parts of Arunachal, Nagaland for 6 more months

Itanagar/Kohima: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has extended the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in certain districts of Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland for another six months with effect from October 1, officials said on Thursday, September 26. An MHA notification said that the AFSPA has been extended for another six months in Tirap, Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Demand for new interlocutor is another ploy to delay political solution: Naga groups

KOHIMA: The working committee of Naga National Political Group (NNPG) claimed that the demand for a new interlocutor at a consultative meeting convened by the state government to solve the decades-old Naga political issue was nothing but another ploy to intentionally subvert and delay political solution. The working committee of the NNPG is composed of at least seven Naga groups. The pre-mediated and pre-drafted resolution of the Political Affairs Committee (PAC) demanding appointment of new interlocutor at the political level is nothing but another ploy to intentionally subvert and delay political solution, the working committee of NNPGs said on Tuesday in reference to the resolution adopted on September 12 consultative meeting on Naga Political Issue convened by the state government's PAC. Rather than resolving to urge the Government of India to expedite a solution on the basis of the concluded talks, demanding for new interlocutors is nothing new but as expected to sabotage the solution and to drag the Naga political process back to square one, it said. The working committee of NNPGs entered into negotiations with the Centre in 2017 and inked the Agreed Position in November the same year. Three Naga groups come together for talks with Centre for solution to decades-old Naga Political Issue It is common knowledge to the central government, the Nagaland government PAC, the negotiating entities and the Naga people at large that the Naga political dialogue has officially been concluded on October 31, 2019, the working committee of NNPG said in a statement Tuesday. The working committee of NNPG also said that it must be understood that former Interlocutor R N Ravi was fully empowered by the PMO with the cabinet status, however, with the completion of interlocution phase A K Mishra has now been tasked by the Centre as its representative to fast-track solution and therefore the need for new interlocutor do not arise at all. The Centre and the Naga political groups entered into a ceasefire in 1997, and held separate talks with different groups for a solution to the decades-old political problem. After almost 70 rounds of talks, the Centre entered into a Framework Agreement with NSCN-IM in 2015, and also signed the Agreed Position with the Working Committee of Naga National Political Groups (WC NNPGs) in 2017. In October 2019, the then interlocutor of the Centre for Naga peace talks and Nagaland Governor R N Ravi declared that talks had concluded. However, the Centre has not accepted the NSCN-IM's persistent demand for a separate flag and constitution for the Nagas. PM did nothing for 9 years to find out solution for Naga political issue: Rahul Gandhi

India conducts successful field firing trials of its new indigenous light tank 'Zorawar'

NEW DELHI: India's ambitious project to manufacture indigenous light tanks achieved a milestone on Friday with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), successfully conducting the preliminary automotive trials of the Indian light Tank, Zorawar. In the initial phase, the tank's firing performance was rigorously evaluated and it achieved the required accuracy on designated targets, said the Ministry of Defence. Describing it a highly versatile platform capable of deployment in high-altitude areas, the MoD added, During the field trials conducted in the desert terrain, the Light Tank demonstrated exceptional performance, efficiently meeting all the intended objectives. As per the sources accuracy is the most significant parameter for the modern tanks which in technical terms is also described as the FRHP (First Round Hit Probability) to suit the modern battles, requiring to hit the enemy first. Zorawar has been successfully developed by the Combat Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (CVRDE), a unit of the DRDO, in collaboration with Larsen & Toubro Ltd. Numerous Indian industries, including Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), contributed to the development of various sub-systems, showcasing the strength of indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities within the country. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded DRDO, the Indian Army, and all associated industry partners for the successful trials of the Indian Light Tank. He described the achievement as a significant milestone towards India's goal of self-reliance in critical defence systems and technologies. As reported earlier by TNIE, 'Zorawar,' India's ambitious indigenous project to design and develop Light Weight Tanks (LWT) for sector-specific operational requirements is expected to be ready for deployment in about four years, from the start of its design phase. The tank is named after Zorawar Singh Kahluria, the famed Military General of Dogra King Gulab Singh who was adept at mountain warfare. The prototype of the tank underwent trials in July this year. After that, as per the sources, the development phase will take 18 months to two years. The production will take another year. A total of 354 light tanks are to be produced of which the DRDO will manufacture 59. The rest will be manufactured under the Make 1 Category. Zorawar will weigh around 25 tonnes, armed with niche technologies to include Artificial Intelligence, drone integration, active protection system and a high degree of situational awareness, a source said. The Defence Acquisition Council accorded its approval for the Rs 16,000 crore project for lightweight tanks in December 2022. The Projects under the 'Make-I' category will involve government funding of up to 90 per cent under the Defence Procurement Policy (2016). With this, the aim of the government is to push the Make in India initiative. This will foster indigenous capabilities through the design and development of required defence equipment/products/systems by the both public and private sectors. A lightweight agile platform with a high power-to-weight ratio with substantial firepower, protection, and surveillance-and-communication capabilities is essential to provide the Indian Army with the versatility to execute operations in varying terrain against diverse threats and equipment profiles of adversaries. An Armoured Fighting Vehicle-Indian Light Tank offering capability for multiple employment options along with niche technologies is, therefore, an operational imperative, said the source. Indian Light Tank is required to address sector-specific operational requirements. The Indigenous Indian Light Tank aptly named 'Zorawar' will be designed to operate from High Altitude Area, the marginal terrain to the Island territories and will be highly transportable for rapid deployment to meet any operational situation, said the defence source. The need for light tanks was felt during the standoff in Eastern Ladakh where the Chinese PLA was able to induct a large number of technologically modern tanks which were a mix of medium and light tanks with a high-power-to-weight ratio. Commonly there are three categories of tanks: Light, medium and heavy tanks. The Army's MBT Arjun weighs around 60 tons, T-90 around 48 tons and T-70 around 45 tons. The Indian Army had to induct a considerable number of T-72 and T-90 tanks in operational areas, gaining tactical surprise over the adversary and thereby forcing the adversary on the back foot. The Army has experience of successfully employing Light Tanks as Force Multipliers in all previous battle engagements in the past viz. Stuart Tanks of 254 Indian Tank Brigade in Battle of Kohima in World War II, at Naushera, Jhangar, Rajauri and most successfully at Zojila in the Indo-Pak war 1947-48.

Nagaland: Permission denied for proposed Gau Dhwaj Sthapana Bharat Yatra in Kohima

The Nagaland cabinet has denied permission for the Gau Dhwaj Sthapana Bharat Yatra in Kohima, citing public order concerns. The decision was influenced by opposition from civil society organizations and political parties, as well as Article 371A, which protects Naga religious and social practices. The Yatra aimed to promote a nationwide ban on cow slaughter.

Nagaland govt decides to enforce ILP in Dimapur

Kohima: The Nagaland government on Wednesday decided to enforce the Inner Line Permit (ILP) in the Dimapur, Chumoukedima, and Niuland districts of the state. The decision was taken at the state cabinet meeting held here during the day under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, state government spokesperson and minister Temjen Imna Along told newsmen here. ILP was not applicable to Dimapur district which was bifurcated into three districts - Dimapur, Chumoukedima, and Niuland in 2021. Dimapur and Niuland districts share an inter-state border with Assam. To visit Nagaland ILP is required by those people who are not indigenous people of the state. In Dimapur district, there will be three categories of non-Naga residents under which no ILP will be required for categories I and II, he said. Informing that Category-I relates to those individuals who were settled in Dimapur prior to the December 1, 1963, formation of Nagaland, he said that the department would work towards providing these individuals with smart card facility with the option to avail permanent residence certificate (PRC) and domicile certificate. Category II relates to those individuals who were settled in Dimapur between December 1, 1963, and November 21, 1979, and these individuals will be provided permanent residence certificates with the option to avail of domicile certificates, he said. Category III relates to those individuals who were settled in Dimapur on and beyond November 22, 1979, he said. Along informed that the government would strengthen the digital system for issuance of ILP so that people requiring the permit will not have to come through middle-man or go to offices. Certain categories such as students, teachers, technical personnel, and businessmen who are investing in the state should be provided ILP for a longer duration of 2-5 years at a time, the minister said. Nagaland restricts the entry of non-Nagas into the state under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR) Act of 1873, which aims to protect the identity and existence of the indigenous people. The Inner Line Permit (ILP) makes it obligatory for anyone, both an Indian citizen and a foreigner, who is not an indigenous inhabitant of Nagaland, to obtain an ILP to enter the state of Nagaland for a limited period. However, following the political crisis in neighbouring Bangladesh, various tribal bodies and civil society organizations in the state are demanding an extension of the ILP in the three districts to restrain the influx of illegal immigrants into the state. The Naga Students' Federation (NSF) on September 4 had set a deadline of 14 days for the government to enforce ILP in the three districts while cautioning that any delay in enforcing these measures would be seen as a failure to protect the Naga people and an abdication of the government's duty.

21-cities-see-40-reduction-in-major-pollutants-which-are-they

By Mohit Sharma A reduction of 40 per cent in PM 10 pollutants has been witnessed in 21 cities, including Varanasi, as per the latest environment ministry data. Particulate Matter (PM 10), a major air pollutant, are particles with a diameter of 10 micrometres or less which are small enough to pass through the throat and nose and enter the lungs and can cause various illnesses. While reviewing the Clean Air Action Plans being implemented in 131 cities, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav said that 21 cities have shown a 40 per cent reduction in PM 10 levels as compared to 2017-18 and 51 cities have achieved 20 per cent reduction in the proliferation of harmful pollutant into the air. Major causes of PM 10 are dust from unsealed roads, smoke from fires, sea salt, vehicular exhausts, pollution from industries, incomplete combustion, cooking and chemical reactions in the atmosphere. According to the data, the cities that performed better and achieved 40 per cent reduction include Varanasi, Dehradun, Dhanbad, Firozabad, Moradabad, Kohima, Kanpur, Greater Mumbai, Rishikesh, Kadapa etc. The cities that fared worst in terms of achieving the targets include Meerut, Hubli-Dharwad, Ujjain, Nagpur, Madurai, Chennai, Ludhiana, Pune etc. that saw recorded an improvement up to only 10 percent in the PM 10 levels. In Delhi, where the annual concentrations of PM10 have increased significantly over the last two decades making the national capital the second-most polluted capital city in the world, the reduction in PM 10 levels was between 10 to 20 per cent as per the data revealed by the Centre. Other cities that fall in this category include Thane, Howrah, Jhansi, Devanagree, Patiala, Jaipur, Alwar, Latur etc. This comes a week after the Delhi environment minister Gopal Rai in a letter to the presidents of Delhi units of the BJP and Congress, requested for positive suggestions to help reduce the citys pollution for incorporation into the Winter Action Plan. Rai cited a report of the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) and claimed that only 31 per cent of the pollution in the capital is caused locally while the rest comes from NCR, referring to stubble burning in neighbouring Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. Air pollution in Delhi, especially in the months of October-November, has long been a point of contention between the Aam Aadmi Party-led Delhi government and the opposition parties, especially the BJP. Yadav who chaired the 4th meeting of the Apex Committee of National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) on the occasion of Swachh Vayu Diwas (International Day of Clean Air for blue skies) on Sunday said that a performance-based grant of Rs. 19,612 crore has been allocated to 131 cities for implementation of city action plans from 2019-20 to 2025-26. Out of this, Rs. 11,211 crore has been provided so far to achieve the targets of 40 reduction and National Ambient Air Quality Standards by 2025-26. The minister also highlighted the creation of 3776 hectares of Nagar Van/Vatikas under Nagar Van Yojana in 64 cities. He also commended the extensive tree plantation drives conducted in 131 cities under Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam, a global campaign launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

21 Cities Under NCAP Cut PM10 Pollution by Over 40 pc Since 2017-18, Shows CPCB Data

New Delhi: Ninety-five of the 131 cities covered under the National Clean Air Programme have shown an improvement in air quality, with 21 reducing PM10 pollution by more than 40 per cent compared to 2017-18 levels, CPCB data shows.The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) also said that only 18 of the 131 National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) cities adhered to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for PM10, set at 60 micrograms per cubic metre. The 21 cities and urban agglomerations that achieved more than 40 per cent reduction in PM10 pollution are Varanasi, Dhanbad, Byrnihat, Bareilly, Firozabad, Dehradun, Tuticorin, Nalagarh, Moradabad, Khurja, Trichy, Kohima, Lucknow, Kanpur, Kadapa, Sivasagar, Sunder Nagar, Agra, Greater Mumbai, Rishikesh and Parwanoo. Fourteen cities, -- Ahmedabad, Ghaziabad, Rajkot, Jalandhar, Raebareli, Amritsar, Kolkata, Jammu, Silchar, Vijayawada, Naya Nangal, Dimapur, Baddi and Jodhpur -- reduced PM10 pollution by 30-40 per cent, compared to 2017-18 levels. Khanna, Durgapur, Kurnool, Dera Baba Nanak, Vadodara, Allahabad, Asansol, Hyderabad, Gorakhpur, Ranchi, Bengaluru, Akola, Ananthapur, Durg Bhilainagar, Surat and Noida recorded a 20-30 per cent reduction in PM10 levels during the same period, the data showed. A 10-20 per cent reduction in PM10 pollution was recorded in 21 cities -- Delhi, Howrah, Thane, Latur, Nellore, Gajraula, Alwar, Chittur, Kala Amb, Mandi Gobindgarh, Amravati, Patiala, Jaipur, Ongole, Chandrapur, Nashik, Jhansi, Sangli, Kota, Devanagere and Rajahmundry. India launched the NCAP in 2019 with a target to reduce particulate pollution by 20-30 per cent by 2024, using 2017 as the base year. The target was later revised to a 40 per cent reduction by 2026, using 2019-20 as the base year. In practice, only PM10 concentration is being considered for performance assessment. Surat was on Saturday ranked as the top major city in India for air quality improvements, followed by Jabalpur and Agra. The Union environment ministry presented the National Clean Air City Awards during the Swachh Vayu Survekshan - 2024, held at a national workshop celebrating the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies in Jaipur. While Surat, Jabalpur and Agra secured the top three positions among cities with populations of more than 10 lakh, Firozabad (Uttar Pradesh), Amravati (Maharashtra) and Jhansi (Uttar Pradesh) were recognised as the best among cities with populations between three and 10 lakh. Raebareli (Uttar Pradesh), Nalgonda (Telangana) and Nalagarh (Himachal Pradesh) topped the list among cities with populations under three lakh. Swachh Vayu Survekshan is an initiative by the environment ministry to rank cities based on the implementation of activities approved under the city action plan and air quality in cities covered under NCAP. These cities were awarded for significant improvements in air quality through various best practices to reduce air pollution. Key activities included paving roads, promoting mechanical sweeping, bioremediation of legacy waste, solid waste management, converting reclaimed land from dump sites into green spaces, greenbelt development, intelligent traffic management systems, and Miyawaki afforestation.

21 cities under NCAP cut PM10 pollution by over 40% since 2017-18: CPCB

Ninety-five of the 131 cities covered under the National Clean Air Programme have shown an improvement in air quality, with 21 reducing PM10 pollution by more than 40 per cent compared to 2017-18 levels, CPCB data shows. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) also said that only 18 of the 131 National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) cities adhered to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for PM10, set at 60 micrograms per cubic metre. The 21 cities and urban agglomerations that achieved more than 40 per cent reduction in PM10 pollution are Varanasi, Dhanbad, Byrnihat, Bareilly, Firozabad, Dehradun, Tuticorin, Nalagarh, Moradabad, Khurja, Trichy, Kohima, Lucknow, Kanpur, Kadapa, Sivasagar, Sunder Nagar, Agra, Greater Mumbai, Rishikesh and Parwanoo. Fourteen cities, -- Ahmedabad, Ghaziabad, Rajkot, Jalandhar, Raebareli, Amritsar, Kolkata, Jammu, Silchar, Vijayawada, Naya Nangal, Dimapur, Baddi and Jodhpur -- reduced PM10 pollution by 30-40 per cent, compared to 2017-18 ...

Naga students ask state govt to implement Inner Line Permit in 3 districts within 14 days

Kohima: The Naga Students' Federation (NSF) has asked the state government to implement an Inner Line Permit (ILP) in three districts of Nagaland Dimapur, Chmoukedima, and Niuland within 14 days. The federation is deeply anguished to note that despite having submitted several representations to the state government, the last communique having been made on February 28, no decisive action has been taken, NSF president Medovi Rhi and assistant general secretary Kenilo Kent said in a statement here on Thursday. This demand was made in response to what the NSF described as a 'grave alarm' over the worsening crisis in Bangladesh, which has led to regional unrest and represents a threat to the Naga homeland. The demographic shift we are witnessing is not merely a number on a chart; it represents the dilution of Naga culture, our way of life, and our future as an indigenous people. We will not stand idle as our homeland is turned into a refuge for illegal immigrants, NSF said. The NSF maintained that any delay in enforcing ILP would be seen as a failure to protect the Naga people and an abdication of the government's duty. Reiterating that the Naga homeland must be safeguarded from illegal immigration at all costs, the NSF asserted to continue to monitor the situation closely and that it is prepared to take up any course of action if the government fails to implement ILP in the three districts. Nagaland restricts the entry of non-Nagas into the state under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR) Act of 1873, which aims to protect the identity and existence of the indigenous people. According to this Regulation, anyone who is not an indigenous inhabitant of Nagaland must obtain an Inner Line Permit (ILP) from the Government of Nagaland to enter the state for a limited period. ILP was not applicable for the Dimapur district which was bifurcated into three districts Dimapur, Chumoukedima, and Niuland in 2021. Dimapur and Niuland districts share an inter-state border with Assam.

Landslides on NH-29 Kill 6, Disrupt Nagaland Traffic

Six dead, several injured in Nagaland as landslides disrupt NH-29, stranding vehicles and affecting traffic between Dimapur and Kohima

Casualties feared as massive mudslides, landslides hit Nagaland

GUWAHATI: Route connectivity between Nagalands Dimapur and Kohima via National Highway 29 has been snapped following major mudslides and landslides which were triggered by incessant rainfall. While there are no official figures so far on casualties if any, the local media reported that one to five persons were killed. The incidents occurred on Tuesday night and in the wee hours of Wednesday at multiple places. In viral videos, large stretches of the highway were seen blocked. A number of vehicles were stranded. Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said the authorities were assessing the situation. Im deeply concerned by large-scale destruction on NH-29 caused by incessant rainfall. Authorities are on-site assessing the situation & helping those affected. The State Govt will continue to pursue with the GoI & @nhidcl for immediate measures & restore normalcy at the earliest, he posted on X. I'm deeply concerned by large scale destruction on NH-29 caused by incessant rainfall. Authorities are on-site assessing the situation & helping those affected. The State Govt will continue to pursue with the GoI & @nhidcl for immediate measures & restore normalcy at the earliest Neiphiu Rio (@Neiphiu_Rio) September 4, 2024 The office of the commissioner of police, Dimapur issued an advisory for commuters. In view of the massive mudslide at Pherima, landslide at Tseipama/ Piphema and another major landslide on NH 29 (Pagala Pahar/New Chumoukedima) which has washed away an entire section of the road, all vehicular traffic between Kohima and Dimapur on NH-29 is blocked as it is not possible to ply on this stretch of road, the advisory said. It added, Alternate route via Pimla-Mhainamtsi for commuting between Kohima and Dimapur is also not advised due to the above mud slide/landslides. The Niuland-Kohima via Zhadima road can be used by light motor vehicles only. No heavy vehicles shall be allowed to ply on this route. It requested citizens to take extreme precautions during this weather condition and plan their travels accordingly. National Highway 29 leads up to Manipur and the state depends heavily on this arterial road for supplies.

National Highway-29 cut off as heavy rain pounds Nagaland

The massive landslide on the national highway has cut off the link to the States capital Kohima, officials said.

Naga communities protest against illegal taxation by Naga Political Groups

In Kohima, thousands protested against multiple taxation by Naga militant groups. Organized by Angami Youth Organisation, the rally addressed threats to local contractors. The group demanded legal action and abrogation of ceasefire agreements for violations. Authorities have filed an FIR and are coordinating with the Ceasefire Supervisory Board to ensure compliance.

Nagaland govt imposes ban on single-use plastic products from Aug 1

Kohima: The Nagaland government imposed a complete ban on single-use plastic products in the state with effect from August 1, an official release said on Friday. The move comes following a meeting over the issue with officials concerned and with a view to eradicating the serious environmental and ecological challenges posed by rampant use of Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .