The Arunachal Times goes online!

Ah! finally, now people staying out of the state can get in touch with the latest happening of the state, for the Arunachal Times has gone online.

When I came to know through wiian that the Arunachal Times has gone online, I couldn't resist myself from doing a short post on it. (Regular post wiil resume shortly). Unlike, it's previous online avatar, the new avatar has got a sleek look (see the snapshot below)

Here is the link to The Arunachal Times. Visit this site for the latest news on Arunachal Pradesh :)

The Arunachal Times goes online!

Ah! finally, now people staying out of the state can get in touch with the latest happening of the state, for the Arunachal Times has gone online.

When I came to know through wiian that the Arunachal Times has gone online, I couldn't resist myself from doing a short post on it. (Regular post wiil resume shortly). Unlike, it's previous online avatar, the new avatar has got a sleek look (see the snapshot below)

Here is the link to The Arunachal Times. Visit this site for the latest news on Arunachal Pradesh :)

ARUNACHAL UNDER THE SPELL OF ‘POWER-HOUSE OF INDIA’ SYNDROME: DO WE HAVE PLAN FOR FUTURE?

- G. Tallo

“Arunachal Pradesh is going to be the ‘power-house’ of India.” The people of Arunachal Pradesh, in general, love to repeat this statement with some pride. Trend is- one with better educational background and in good position use this statement more often. Our leaders use it the most times. Even leaders and dignitaries from New Delhi, whenever they visit Arunachal Pradesh, make it a point to incorporate this statement in their public speech or in their briefing to the press. A sure shot to impress the leaders and public of the state.

And, it is no surprise the Government of Arunachal Pradesh hurriedly made a wholesale deal of state’s hydropower potential.

When local people and students body of Dibang basin stage a protest against Dibang Multipurpose Project, braving scorching summer heat, at Itanagar, the July last, the onlookers looked confused. A friend of mine wondered why these people wanted to be roadblock when some developments are finally taking place in the state. He was, as most of us are, in a state of delirium. It was pleasing to our ear when Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh said, while laying foundation stone of the project during his recent tour to the state, that Dibang Multipurpose Project alone will earn revenue to the state in tune of Rs. 300 crore a year. We forget to enquire at what cost this paltry 12% share of power in form of water royalty the state will get.

I know the environment issue should not always come in the way of development. Then again, it should not be ignored altogether either. I learnt from some sources that the accuracy and validity of EIA (Environment Impact Assessment) and DPR (Detailed Project Report) of some projects like that of Subansiri Lower and Dibang Basin came under scanner of some experts. It is really a cause of worry. We cannot afford to overlook the flawed EIA and DPR. Besides, the projects in magnitude of that of Dibang Basin, Subansiri Lower and others bound to have an impact on the environment. And the consequences arising out of it is to be faced by the local populace. In event of mishap occurring to the dam due to technical reason or natural calamity like earthquake, again it is the local populace, who will suffer the brunt. Also we shall not forget, some years ago a sudden rise in water level of Siang river caused trail of destruction from Yinkiong to Pasighat. The water stored in mega dam can be even more devastating in case the dam collapsed.

My gut feeling is that the paltry 12% so-called free power to the state is not justifiable. The State government should have contended with utmost 2-3 mega projects for time being and reserve the rest for future which could have been executed by the state Power Department itself or executed in partnership in order that the state have greater stake of power share.

Going by the numbers of mega projects proposed to be executed by various PSUs and private players, it is quite probable that Arunachal Pradesh indeed would become ‘power-house’ of India in days to come. But, big question here is- if it is going to benefit the state and its people. And, do our leaderships have the vision and foresight to use the surplus power to the advantage of the state and its people?

Nyishi Day Celebration

To commemorate their three decade long struggle, initiated by NYA (Nyishi Youth Association) as early as 1978, for change of nomenclature from ‘Dafla’ to ‘Nyishi’, which bore fruit in the form of passing of bill in the parliament on 19^th of March, 2008, the Nyishi community is celebrating ‘Nyishi Day’ at Indira Gandhi Park, Itanagar today.

Arunachal Diary wishes Nyishi brethrens a Happy Nyishi Day.

ARUNACHAL UNDER THE SPELL OF ‘POWER-HOUSE OF INDIA’ SYNDROME: DO WE HAVE PLAN FOR FUTURE?

- G. Tallo

“Arunachal Pradesh is going to be the ‘power-house’ of India.” The people of Arunachal Pradesh, in general, love to repeat this statement with some pride. Trend is- one with better educational background and in good position use this statement more often. Our leaders use it the most times. Even leaders and dignitaries from New Delhi, whenever they visit Arunachal Pradesh, make it a point to incorporate this statement in their public speech or in their briefing to the press. A sure shot to impress the leaders and public of the state.

And, it is no surprise the Government of Arunachal Pradesh hurriedly made a wholesale deal of state’s hydropower potential.

When local people and students body of Dibang basin stage a protest against Dibang Multipurpose Project, braving scorching summer heat, at Itanagar, the July last, the onlookers looked confused. A friend of mine wondered why these people wanted to be roadblock when some developments are finally taking place in the state. He was, as most of us are, in a state of delirium. It was pleasing to our ear when Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh said, while laying foundation stone of the project during his recent tour to the state, that Dibang Multipurpose Project alone will earn revenue to the state in tune of Rs. 300 crore a year. We forget to enquire at what cost this paltry 12% share of power in form of water royalty the state will get.

I know the environment issue should not always come in the way of development. Then again, it should not be ignored altogether either. I learnt from some sources that the accuracy and validity of EIA (Environment Impact Assessment) and DPR (Detailed Project Report) of some projects like that of Subansiri Lower and Dibang Basin came under scanner of some experts. It is really a cause of worry. We cannot afford to overlook the flawed EIA and DPR. Besides, the projects in magnitude of that of Dibang Basin, Subansiri Lower and others bound to have an impact on the environment. And the consequences arising out of it is to be faced by the local populace. In event of mishap occurring to the dam due to technical reason or natural calamity like earthquake, again it is the local populace, who will suffer the brunt. Also we shall not forget, some years ago a sudden rise in water level of Siang river caused trail of destruction from Yinkiong to Pasighat. The water stored in mega dam can be even more devastating in case the dam collapsed.

My gut feeling is that the paltry 12% so-called free power to the state is not justifiable. The State government should have contended with utmost 2-3 mega projects for time being and reserve the rest for future which could have been executed by the state Power Department itself or executed in partnership in order that the state have greater stake of power share.

Going by the numbers of mega projects proposed to be executed by various PSUs and private players, it is quite probable that Arunachal Pradesh indeed would become ‘power-house’ of India in days to come. But, big question here is- if it is going to benefit the state and its people. And, do our leaderships have the vision and foresight to use the surplus power to the advantage of the state and its people?

Nyishi Day Celebration

To commemorate their three decade long struggle, initiated by NYA (Nyishi Youth Association) as early as 1978, for change of nomenclature from ‘Dafla’ to ‘Nyishi’, which bore fruit in the form of passing of bill in the parliament on 19^th of March, 2008, the Nyishi community is celebrating ‘Nyishi Day’ at Indira Gandhi Park, Itanagar today.

Arunachal Diary wishes Nyishi brethrens a Happy Nyishi Day.

Khandu Government Celebrates 1 Year in Office-Was the Celebration Called for?

On 15^th of April, 2008, Khandu Government celebrated completion of 1 year in office in a grandiose manner. For the celebration, it was reported that elaborate arrangement were made at I.G. Park Itanagar. Seven huge pandals were erected, sitting arrangements for more than 20,000 peoples were made, 15 executive magistrates and large number of police personnels were deployed for the celebration; even in the wake of reported lawlessness of the Capital Complex. The Celebration Committee even gave open invitation to the local populace to be part of the celebration, in a local daily. Below is the transcript of Invitation published in the Arunachal Times:

Open Invitation

The State Government under the leadership of Shri Dorjee Khandu, Hon'ble Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, is celebrating the First Anniversary of his Govt. on 15^th April, 2008. The occasion will be celebrated at Indira Gandhi Park, Itanagar in a befitting manner.

His Excellency the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh Gen. (Rtd.) J. J. Singh will be the Chief Guest of the function. Shri Tarun Gogoi, Hon'ble Chief Mininster of Assam will also grace the occasion as the Guest of Honor. Shri Himanta Biswa Sharma, Hon'ble Minister (Health & Family Welfare etc.) Assam, will also attend the function as Special Guest.

Delegates from all over the State will participate in the celebration. There would also be extravaganza cultural programme at the venue. Arrangement for sitting for all participants has been made at I.G. Park, Itanagar. No entry passes and vehicle passes are required for attending the function. All categories of participants will be seated in boxes earmarked for them inside the pandals.

Entries to the I.G. Park function will be as:

Gate No.1 (Near Kingcup School): For VVIP, VIP & Senior Govt. Officers
Gate No.2 (C-Sector Gate): For General Public and Staff (without vehicles)
Gate No. 3 (D-Sector Gate): For Public and Officers/Staff (with vehicles)

The Celebration Committee of the Anniversary function invites one and all to attend the function at I.G. Park on 15^th April, 2008 at 0830 hrs.

sd/-
Chairman,
First Anniversary Celebration Committee,
Itanagar.

Now I wonder, was the celebration for completion of 1 year in office indeed called for, that too in such a grandiose manner? Wouldn't tossing of champagne among the politico peers sufficed for the celebration? How much did the celebration burnt hole in the pocket of exchequer? Or was the expenses for the celebration borne by Dorjee Khandu himself?

Khandu Government Celebrates 1 Year in Office-Was the Celebration Called for?

On 15^th of April, 2008, Khandu Government celebrated completion of 1 year in office in a grandiose manner. For the celebration, it was reported that elaborate arrangement were made at I.G. Park Itanagar. Seven huge pandals were erected, sitting arrangements for more than 20,000 peoples were made, 15 executive magistrates and large number of police personnels were deployed for the celebration; even in the wake of reported lawlessness of the Capital Complex. The Celebration Committee even gave open invitation to the local populace to be part of the celebration, in a local daily. Below is the transcript of Invitation published in the Arunachal Times:

Open Invitation

The State Government under the leadership of Shri Dorjee Khandu, Hon'ble Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, is celebrating the First Anniversary of his Govt. on 15^th April, 2008. The occasion will be celebrated at Indira Gandhi Park, Itanagar in a befitting manner.

His Excellency the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh Gen. (Rtd.) J. J. Singh will be the Chief Guest of the function. Shri Tarun Gogoi, Hon'ble Chief Mininster of Assam will also grace the occasion as the Guest of Honor. Shri Himanta Biswa Sharma, Hon'ble Minister (Health & Family Welfare etc.) Assam, will also attend the function as Special Guest.

Delegates from all over the State will participate in the celebration. There would also be extravaganza cultural programme at the venue. Arrangement for sitting for all participants has been made at I.G. Park, Itanagar. No entry passes and vehicle passes are required for attending the function. All categories of participants will be seated in boxes earmarked for them inside the pandals.

Entries to the I.G. Park function will be as:

Gate No.1 (Near Kingcup School): For VVIP, VIP & Senior Govt. Officers
Gate No.2 (C-Sector Gate): For General Public and Staff (without vehicles)
Gate No. 3 (D-Sector Gate): For Public and Officers/Staff (with vehicles)

The Celebration Committee of the Anniversary function invites one and all to attend the function at I.G. Park on 15^th April, 2008 at 0830 hrs.

sd/-
Chairman,
First Anniversary Celebration Committee,
Itanagar.

Now I wonder, was the celebration for completion of 1 year in office indeed called for, that too in such a grandiose manner? Wouldn't tossing of champagne among the politico peers sufficed for the celebration? How much did the celebration burnt hole in the pocket of exchequer? Or was the expenses for the celebration borne by Dorjee Khandu himself?

Out of Hibernation…

It feels good to be back blogging after such a long hiatus. But when I returned, I found the blog quite different than as was left prior to my hibernation. I did not expect that. So much venom spewed all over.

Over these past days when I was dormant, I had been called insensible, dumbwit, ar** h***, ga****, gaoliya blah….blah … blah... I was accused of having taken 'anti-Nyishi stance', of being trying to disrupt public order, of impersonating as Nishi Son and commenting anonymously and even warned of legal proceedings.

Phew!.. are you perturbed? No, I’m not. In fact, I am amused by the intelligence shown by the people :). I am amused that I would be taking the identity of Nishi Son or the anonymous to reply to the comments. C’mon guys, though I’ve said that I’m chicken not to disclose my name right now, I’m not that chicken hearted to assume other identities to reply to the comments. So, to make things clearer, I’ve stopped allowing anonymous comments to my blog (taking cue from arunachali) and you might have noticed that. Now you can only post comments if you have Google or Blogger ID or if you have an Open ID. Having blocked anonymous comments, I only fear that Arunachal Diary may lose some sensible and mature commentators like Buru, ATG etc. Hope they would keep commenting.

At this juncture let me make myself clear that the purpose of this blog is NOT repeat NOT to create communal rift between various communities of Arunachal Pradesh nor to promote particular anti-community feeling but to raise issues related to Arunachal Pradesh. More on why this blog exist can be found at About page. Also, the views and ideas expressed by the respective commentators are their own and this blog may not necessarily subscribe to their views or ideas.

Out of Hibernation…

It feels good to be back blogging after such a long hiatus. But when I returned, I found the blog quite different than as was left prior to my hibernation. I did not expect that. So much venom spewed all over.

Over these past days when I was dormant, I had been called insensible, dumbwit, ar** h***, ga****, gaoliya blah….blah … blah... I was accused of having taken 'anti-Nyishi stance', of being trying to disrupt public order, of impersonating as Nishi Son and commenting anonymously and even warned of legal proceedings.

Phew!.. are you perturbed? No, I’m not. In fact, I am amused by the intelligence shown by the people :). I am amused that I would be taking the identity of Nishi Son or the anonymous to reply to the comments. C’mon guys, though I’ve said that I’m chicken not to disclose my name right now, I’m not that chicken hearted to assume other identities to reply to the comments. So, to make things clearer, I’ve stopped allowing anonymous comments to my blog (taking cue from arunachali) and you might have noticed that. Now you can only post comments if you have Google or Blogger ID or if you have an Open ID. Having blocked anonymous comments, I only fear that Arunachal Diary may lose some sensible and mature commentators like Buru, ATG etc. Hope they would keep commenting.

At this juncture let me make myself clear that the purpose of this blog is NOT repeat NOT to create communal rift between various communities of Arunachal Pradesh nor to promote particular anti-community feeling but to raise issues related to Arunachal Pradesh. More on why this blog exist can be found at About page. Also, the views and ideas expressed by the respective commentators are their own and this blog may not necessarily subscribe to their views or ideas.