73rd Republic Day celebrated across Arunachal Pradesh

‘State to invest Rs 4 lakh crore in next decade to boost electricity production’

Staff REPORTER

ITANAGAR, Jan 27: Arunachal Pradesh, often described as the ‘future powerhouse of the country’ for its immense hydropower generation potential which is estimated to be 58,000 MW, has been contemplating to invest Rs 4 lakh crore in next 10 years for augmenting its electricity production.

“Our State plans to spend Rs 4 lakh crore in next decade for increasing the electricity production,” said Governor Brig (Retd) Dr BD Mishra in his Republic Day address at IG Park here on Wednesday. Also present on the occasion was Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Dy Chief Minister Chowna Mein and other dignitaries.

The Governor, who earlier unfurled the tri-colour amid the downpour and took salute from the static parade due to Covid-19 pandemic, informed that the government has also sanctioned Rs 50 crore for setting up of 17 small hydro electric plants.

He added that with the 600 MW Kameng Hydro Electric Project already functional, the 2000 MW Lower Subansiri Project, located on Assam-Arunachal boundary, is under construction and its two Units of 500 MW each will be functional by August this year.

Work has also started on 132/33 KV transmission lines and 132/33 KV transmission substations. These have been funded by Government of India under comprehensive scheme for T&D distribution system, he informed.

Regarding the state’s battle against the ongoing pandemic, he said, for tackling Corona and its latest mutation ‘Omicron’, the state government has set up adequate number of Covid wards, ICU units and more than 1000 oxygen beds and sufficient number of oxygen generation plants. An additional 77 ICU beds, 10 Pediatric Care Units and 17 modern District Hospitals are also under construction.

Talking about the vexed Assam-Arunachal boundary row, the Governor said, “…Our Government is making sincere efforts to resolve the long pending interstate boundary dispute between the States of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. Under the guiding directions of Prime Minister and Union Home Minister, both the States are sincerely working for a permanent solution.

While mentioning that CM Khandu has met his Assam counterpart Himanta Biswa Sarma at Guwahati on January 24, the Governor said, “The boundary resolution talks are progressing in the right directions”. “I am confident that this boundary dispute shall get resolved in the near future,” he said.

While reiterating that the state’s first Greenfield airport at Hollongi near Itanagar will be ready by 15th of August this year, the Governor said, flights from Guwahati to Pasighat and Guwahati to Tezu will also be functional using ATR-72 aircrafts. Ministry of Civil Aviation has already accorded sanction for two Dornier DO-228 aircrafts for civil air traffic in our State.

He also said the e-Office is now being used by all the Govt departments and this program will be extended to the district level as well. He further informed that work has started for providing connectivity facility to 1683 villages by installing 980 4G mobile towers in border areas.

The Governor, in his address, highlighted the state government’s several achievements and other welfare initiatives.

On the occasion, Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar announced the names of winners of the State Awards (see list), comprising 11 Gold, 13 Silver medals and 25 commendation certificates.

He also announced the “Chief Minister’s Award for Cleanest Village” for the year 2021. The award-winning villages are: New Tupi under Khonsa block of Tirap, Kolung under Mariyang, Upper Siang, Silluk (Mebo, East Siang) Tusinggite (Dambuk-Paglam, Lower Dibang Valley), Singbir (Mechukha, Shi-Yomi), Thongleng (Tawang), Jirdin (Aalo East, West Siang), Bonai (Pangchau, Longding) and Mimey under Chongkham in Namsai district.

“These awards (that went to nine villages in equal number of districts) are meant for promoting the essence of healthy living through cleanliness to deter the incidence of illness and to promote sustenance of public amenities for overall growth of the State,” Kumar said.

At the Civil Secretariat here, the national flag was unfurled by Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar. In his brief speech, the CS appealed to all the Govt employees to re-dedicate themselves to the service of the people of Arunachal while upholding the values of the Indian Constitution.

The 73rd Republic Day was also celebrated in all district headquarters and other administrative centers across the State with patriotic fervour.

At Yupia, unfurling the national flag, Papum Pare Deputy Commissioner Minga Sherpa said, “This day reminds us of the responsibility we have taken upon ourselves to build a society free from social discrimination and religious prejudices and secure to all our citizens justice, liberty, equality and to promote among them all, fraternity.”

He said that while our country is celebrating Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, it is a special year for us as we celebrate the Golden Jubilee of our birth as ‘Arunachal Pradesh’, a rising star from the east.

The DC informed that the outdoor stadium at Yupia is ready for inauguration and said it is a proud moment for us that Yupia has been selected as the venue for the celebration of the valedictory function of Golden Jubilee of Arunachal Pradesh on February 20 next.

The DC also gave away ‘certificate of appreciation’ to the Lal Ane Trekking expedition team which included Eversters Tagit Sorang and Tame Bagang, commendation certificate to tourism promoter John Panye, appointment letters and red coat to newly-inducted GBs, while ADC Tabang Bodung and the SDPO distributed prizes to cultural troupes and winners of literary competition, respectively. The main attractions of the day were guard of honour by ITBP, cultural items, exhibition stalls by various departments and SHGs, tree plantations and vaccination drive by Health department at the venue.

At the general ground, Sakiang under Mengio, EAC Tana Bapu unfurled the national flag. During the ceremony, he also felicitated meritorious officers with commendation certificates.

At Khonsa, unfurling the national tricolor, Tirap DC Taro Mize, in his address to the people said, “Let us make Tirap district a peaceful and conducive place to live in. Let us see that Tirap is free from any law and order problem.

“…Drug menace and other narcotic substances prevailing in Tirap is an impending challenge for the youths of Tirap district. All public and elite citizens need to support the Tirap Police who are persistently trying to eradicate this social menace,” the DC said, adding that the Govt of Arunachal Pradesh is working to reduce this menace from further spreading.

The DC, while citing the ‘alarming’ Covid situation in the district, appealed the people to follow Covid protocols and take both doses of Covid vaccine, besides asking all those who have taken 2nd dose and completed nine months to take precaution (booster) dose to keep oneself safe from Covid virus.

At Deomali, the tricolor was unfurled by ADC Duyu Rebya, at Lazu by in-charge EAC DK Thungdok, while at Borduria the national flag was hoisted by CO Lim Modi, at Dadam by CO Pik Tayom, at Soha by CO Balban Kamlo and at Bari-Basip CO HQs by Gram Panchayat Chairperson Nokpan Kuma.

At Tawang, Deputy Commissioner KN Damo unfurled the national flag at the general parade ground in presence of local MLA Tsering Tashi and Commander of Tawang Brigade Brigadier NM Bendigeri.

The APP jawans, NCC cadets from Govt Hr Sec School, Tawang and Dorjee Khandu Govt College, Tawang participated in the R-Day parade. Band display by school children and Indian Army were the special attraction of the day, besides beautiful cultural programmes by Snow Lion Welfare Association of Shyo and Monpa Institute of Performing Arts.

At Bomdila’s Buddha Stadium, unfurling the national tri-colour, West Kameng DC Karma Leki remembered the freedom fighters who fought for India’s independence. “To control the growing number of COVID-19 positive cases in the district, this year's Republic Day celebration is muted, but the spirit is high as ever,” he said.

The DC urged all eligible people to take both doses of the vaccine and maintain Covid appropriate behaviour to control the spread of COVID-19.

Pasighat: East Siang also joined the rest of the country in celebrating the 73rd Republic Day. DC Tayi Taggu unfurled the tri-colour at the premises of Siang Guest House.

In his address, the DC greeted the mammoth gathering and conveyed his profound gratitude to the father of Indian Constitution Dr B R Ambedkar for making India a vibrant and prosperous nation. He also extended thankfulness to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for steering the nation towards the path of progress and to Chief Minister Pema Khandu for rapid strides made under his leadership.

On the occasion, commendation certificates were handed over to the awardees of various departments for their dedicated & sincere services by local MLA Kaling Moyong, DC, SP Sumit Kumar Jha, Commandant 5th IRBn Aishwarya Sharma and District & Sessions Judge East Siang Budi Habung. Certificate of Cleanest Village of the district was also bestowed to Siluk village under Mebo sub-division for the year 2021.

At Ruksin and Mebo sub-divisions, ADC T Jonnom and ADC Ainstein Koyu unfurled the national flags at their respective HQs.

At Aalo, West Siang DC Penga Tato unfurled the ceremonial flag. In his address, the DC appealed to the people of all walks of life to strive hard to contribute their best for the growth and development of the district, the state and the nation.

The inauguration of exhibition stalls, band display by 4 Jakli Regiment from Aalo Military Station and cultural display were other highlights of the day. The DC also felicitated the young medal-winning sportspersons of the district in the recent State level competition.

At Daporijo, the national flag was unfurled by Upper Subansiri DC Mika Nyori in the presence of MLA Tanya Soki and other dignitaries, while at the ADC HQs Nacho, Tourism, Transport and Civil Aviation Minister Nakap Nalo hoisted the tri-colour.

During the R-Day celebration, the DC awarded cash rewards of Rs 10,000 and 5,000 along with certificates and trophies each to the winners of the cleanest colonies of Daporijo and Dumporijo towns.

At Dipa village (Lower Siang), a historic place where the tri-colour was hoisted for the first time in the Land of Rising Sun in 1947, the Chief Minister’s Advisor Tai Tagak unfurled the national flag on the occasion of R-Day.

While addressing the gathering, Tagak applauded the sacrifice of indigenous freedom fighters of the land Moje Riba and Moji Riba and urged every citizen of the State to uphold their spirit. These fighters are the living example of our own people who strongly stood up against the colonel rule in our land.

Tagak, who is also the member of the State Core Committee of unsung heroes spoke at length about the Tai Khamti revolt of 1839, Abor-Anglo wars and the Wancho-British war of 1875 and other incidents against the British government by the indigenous people of Arunachal Pradesh.

At Yingkiong, Upper Siang DC Shashvat Saurabh unfurled the national flag in the presence of Health and Family Welfare Minister Alo Libang and other dignitaries. The celebration saw a colourful march past by contingents of APP, NCC, Scouts and school children. Due to Covid protocol, no cultural programs were held but ‘certificates of appreciation’ and prizes were distributed and appointment orders to GBs were also handed out.

At Anini, the 73rd Republic Day was celebrated amidst chilly and drizzly weather. Dibang Valley DC Pagli Sora unfurled the national flag in presence of GBs, head of offices, Indian Army, PRI members and students. Besides addressing the crowd on the occasion, the DC felicitated more than a dozen frontline workers for their proactive role in fighting Covid-19. DRCHO Dr K Jopir received the commendation certificate on behalf of the workers.

At Longding, the national flag was unfurled by Dakli Gara, DC in-charge on behalf of regular DC Bani Lego, who is quarantining after being tested Covid positive recently.  

On the occasion, commendation certificates were distributed to Ozakho village representatives for becoming the first village in Londging for achieving 100% Covid-19 vaccination coverage of all individuals above 18 years and for 100% enrollment under Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY). 

At Koloriang, Kurung Kumey DC Nighee Bengia unfurled the national flag followed by playing of national anthem and guard of honour by police contingent following Covid-19 protocols. During the day-long programme, various games and sports and cultural events were organized and the winners distributed attractive prizes.

At Palin, Kra Daadi DC Higio Tala hoisted the tri-colour, at Pania by ADC Charu Nili and at Yangte circle headquarters by Techi Tabang. Commendation certificates were given to several persons for their distinguished services in diverse fields.

At Raga, the tri-colour was unfurled by Kamle DC Adong Pertin. While addressing the gathering, he remembered the freedom fighters and all the great souls involved in the framing of the Constitution of our country. He also highlighted the major achievements of Govt departments of the district.

The Itanagar Permanent Bench of Gauhati High Court also celebrated 73rd Republic Day at Naharlagun with its Judge Justice Nani Tagia hoisting the national flag in presence of Bar members, officers and staff of the Registry.

Reports of R-Day celebrations were also received from Rajiv Gandhi Govt Polytechnic, Itanagar and Kendriya Vidyalaya, Pasighat.

List of State awardees

Gold Medal: Sunny K Singh, ADC Miao (Changlang), Rohit Rajbir Singh, SP, SIT (PHQ), Dr Hemant Tiwari, SP, SIC (Vigilance), Mihin Gambo, SP Changlang, Col Amit Kumar Das, Commandant, 6 Assam Rifles, Dr Yater Ringu Darang, Medical Superintendent, Bakin Pertin General Hospital & Training Centre, Pasighat, retired engineer AK Paul, Executive Engineer (Power), Namsai, Pranjit Sharma, DRC Guwahati, Subedar M Shajahan, Comptroller (Governor’s Secretariat), Inspector Phassang Simi, OC, Itanagar PS, and Inspector Krishna Mohan Das, OC, Kharsang PS, Changlang.

Silver Medal: Dr DW Thongon, SP Namsai, Col Tigmanshu Verma, Commanding Officer, 112 Engineer Regiment, C/o 99 APO, Tawang, Gyamar Karo, EE (Education Dept), Radhe Raja, EE, PHE & WS, Namsai, Commander Praveen Kumar Pola, Principal, Sainik School, East Siang, DySP Dekio Gumja, SDPO Naharlagun, SI Jano Aran, OC, Miao PS, AE Bhupen Khamyang and JE Dhruba Jyoti Borah of PHE & WS, Namsai, Genom Yirang, head teacher, Govt UPS Ngopok, East Siang, Darge Tsering, HGB, Chander village, Thembang (Dirang, West Kameng), Chakra Das, casual mate, PWD, Raj Bhavan, and Hage Matin, SSA, APSSB, Itanagar.

Commendation certificate: Constable Sikandar Ray (ADGP Cell, PHQ), BEO Kento Ngomdir (DDSE office, Aalo), Lady Inspector Tome Modi (PTC Banderdewa), SI Radhe Payang (OPS Branch, PHQ), SI Ganesh Das (Computer Cell, PHQ), JE Lunawati Mounglang (Chongkham Section, PHE & WS, Namsai), Jumdo Ete (PGT, GHSS Aalo), EE (CIV) Anant Kumar Singh (HQ 91 RCC, GREF, Lower Dahung, West Kameng), Rosabel Pao, PRT (Govt UPS, Oyan, East Siang), ASI Limar Sora of Aalo PS, lady ASI Bipi Doke Tali (Naharlagun PS), lady constable Meenang Mamai of PHQ, Itanagar, constable Biplob Dey (CCTNS, PHQ), Gawang Sumpa (UDC, IPR Branch, DC Office, Khonsa), Pratul Chandra Barman, Station Officer (Directorate of Fire & Emergency Services), Gelluk Minga, leading fireman (OC, Sub Fire Station, Dumporijo), Sikhet Tang Singpho, HGB, Bordumsa, Thungman Jugli, HGB, New Rongran village (Changlang), constable Tana Johan, 1st IRBn, SP (Security), Taho Mibang, PRT, GHSS, Rumgong (Siang), Goter Duchi, project officer cum nodal officer, e-Office (IT & Communications), Tony Lego, SSA, Vigilance Branch, AP Civil Secretariat, Dorjee Wangchu Dinglow, SSA, APSSB, Koj Doilyang, PA (APSSB), and Bishu Bhattacharjee, ASO, Home (B) Branch, AP Civil Secretariat.