ZIRO, Jun 5: In a significant step towards promoting sustainable waste management and environmental conservation, residents of Ziro gathered in large numbers on Friday for a special Gram Sabha meeting dedicated to Solid Waste Management (SWM).
The session brought together local residents, village leaders, administrative officials and technical experts to deliberate on strategies aimed at protecting the valley’s fragile ecology through community-driven waste management initiatives.
Addressing the gathering, District Panchayat Development Officer (DPDO) District Hage Tarung emphasized that maintaining cleanliness should not be viewed solely as a government responsibility but as a collective civic duty. He urged every household to actively participate in efforts to keep Ziro clean and environmentally sustainable.
Assistant Commissioner-cum-Member Secretary Radhe Tatung presented a roadmap for upcoming village-level sanitation projects and highlighted the importance of close coordination between local monitoring committees and government departments. He stressed that effective waste segregation and transparent disposal mechanisms would be crucial to the success of the initiatives.
Adding to the discussion, Dulley Pai called for stronger grassroots participation in conservation efforts. He encouraged locals to take ownership of their surroundings by actively joining village cleanliness drives and eliminating the single-use plastics from their daily lives.
The meeting also featured an interactive session during which residents raised concerns and shared suggestions regarding waste management. Discussions focused on improving garbage collection systems, addressing the growing influx of plastic waste and strengthening community participation in environmental protection.
Administrative officials welcomed the feedback and assured that public suggestions would be considered while implementing future policies and programmes.
The Gram Sabha concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Hage Jailyang, a Panchayat representative, who expressed gratitude to technical experts, department heads and residents for their active participation. He noted that the overwhelming response reflected the community’s commitment to building a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable future for Ziro.
PEDUNG: A Special Gram Sabha was convened at Pedung village in West Kameng district today to commemorate World Environment Day 2026, bringing together government officials, armed forces personnel, PR members, village elders, and local residents in a collective commitment towards environmental conservation and sustainable development.
The programme was graced by Dr Dilip Kumar, Deputy Commissioner West Kameng, as chief guest. Among other distinguished attendees included Col Parikshit Das, Commanding Officer, 2 Arunachal Scouts; Ashok Tajo, District Panchayat Development Officer (DPDO); Phuntso Tashi, AC & town magistrate; heads of various government departments, Gram Panchayat Chairperson, PR leaders, Gaon Burahs, and a large number of villagers from Pedung.
Addressing the gathering, the DC highlighted the significance of World Environment Day as a global movement to raise awareness and inspire action for the protection of the environment. He stressed the need for active community participation in preserving forests, water resources, and biodiversity, particularly in ecologically sensitive regions such as West Kameng. He called upon the villagers to adopt sustainable practices and contribute towards building a greener and cleaner future.
Dr. Kumar also emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in combating environmental challenges such as deforestation, climate change, solid waste generation, and loss of biodiversity. He encouraged every household to actively participate in tree plantation and environmental stewardship initiatives, underscoring conservation efforts must begin at the grassroots level.
Speaking on the occasion, Col Das reiterated the commitment of the Indian Army towards environmental protection and community engagement. He highlighted the importance of maintaining ecological balance, and encouraged citizens to contribute towards conservation efforts through responsible and sustainable practices.
During the Gram Sabha, discussions were held on environmental protection, sustainable natural resource management, afforestation, solid waste management, and the role of local communities in safeguarding the environment.
The programme was followed by a plantation drive at Pedung village as a symbolic gesture of the commitment to environmental conservation. The initiative was undertaken in line with the national campaign ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’, encouraging citizens to plant and nurture trees in honour of their mothers.
The event concluded with a collective pledge by all participants to protect the environment, promote sustainable development and work together towards creating a greener and healthier future for generations to come.
YUPIA: As part of World Environment Day 2026 celebration, Special Gram Sabhas were conducted across various administrative circles of Papum Pare district on Friday following directives issued by the Office of the District Panchayat Development Officer (DPDO), Yupia.
The Gram Sabhas were conducted in Mengio, Banderdewa, Batt Ganga, Doimukh, Parang, Toru, and Leporiang with active participation from Panchayat representatives, village elders, youths, women groups, and members of the public.
The initiative was undertaken in coordination with Panchayat functionaries at the village level, with the objective of promoting environmental awareness and encouraging community participation in conservation activities.
According to an official communication issued by District Panchayat Development Officer Tame Yajum, the Gram Sabhas focused on key issues including environmental protection, cleanliness, solid waste management, plastic reduction, water conservation, and sanitation.
During the programmes, participants deliberated on sustainable environmental practices and the importance of collective responsibility in protecting natural resources and maintaining cleanliness in villages and public spaces.
As part of the observance, cleanliness drives, and plantation programmes were organized in several locations. (DIPRO)