Indo-German project

Indo-German projectCorrespondent AGARTALA, June 12 – Aiming at uplifting socio-economic condition of rural people, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar on Friday flagged off a Rs 140-crore Indo-German project at Chandraipara Higher Secondary School at Ambassa in Dhalai district. The project Poverty Alleviation through Natural Resource Management (PATNRM), will be implemented in eight blocks under Dhalai and North Tripura district. The project is aimed to improve socio-economic condition of the people who depend on forest wealth. Value addition of forest wealth like bamboo and medicinal plants will be the focus of the project.

NHPC role irks public

GUWAHATI, June 12 – The 2000-MW Lower Subansiri Hydro Electric Project (LSHEP) proposed by the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) is facing stiff opposition from the people of the State because of the alleged non-transparent approach of the Power Corporation, if not for other reasons. The attitude of the NHPC authorities is such that they are not willing to talk to newsmen on any of the issues concerning the project. Even, on the allegations levelled against them by many the organizations and individuals of the State, particularly of Dhemaji district, they are not willing to clarify their position for reasons best known to them.

Meanwhile, preparations are on to form an ‘Aikya Mancha’ of the organizations and individuals of Dhemaji and Lakhimpur districts and Majuli sub-division of Jorhat district to ensure shelving of the Lower Subansiri Project. The decision to form the ‘Aikya Mancha’ (joint platform) was adopted at a public meeting organised by the Gogamukh local unit of the Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad (AJYCP).

The Lakhimpur and Dhemaji district units of the AJYCP were authorized to organize the ‘Aikya Mancha’ at the earliest, Ratul Bargohain, president of the Dhemaji district unit of the AJYCP said. The meeting also decided to move court on the issue, he told this correspondent at Dhemaji a few days back.

Opposing the dam, the AJYCP Dhemaji district unit also organized a mass sit-in demonstration at Gogamukh on June 5.

On the other hand, the Dhemaji district unit of the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) also organized a 72-hour road blockade from 5 am of June 6, to prevent movement of fuel carrying vehicles to the Gerukamukh site of the Hydel Project on the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border.

The agitation of the AASU members is but a product of the alleged continuation of dam construction activities by the NHPC authorities in contravention of the expert committee suggestion to keep such activities at bay till its final report is submitted.

The AASU however, is not against the hydel project. What it is opposed to is the defiant attitude of the NHPC authorities, said Chittaranjan Basumatary and Jyotish Koch, president and general secretary respectively of the All Dhemaji District Studdents’ Union (ADDSU).

The ADDSU has also threatened to block the road leading to NHPC’s Gerukamukh site and also an economic blockade programme against the NHPC authorities if their (NHPC’s) defiant attitude continues.

The expert committee was formed at a Tripartite meeting attended by representatives of State Government, NHPC and AASU.

Ratul Bargohain alleged that the NHPC authorities also misled the people by stating in their environmental impact assessment (EIA) report that there was no wildlife at the LSHEP site. In fact, there exists an elephant corridor in the area. Other wild animals too have their habitats there, said Bargohain.

He also maintained that the 405-MW Ranganadi Hydro Electric Project, which is comparatively much smaller than the 2000-MW LSHEP, has taught the people of Assam a good lesson on the adverse impacts of the hydel projects on the environment and livelihood of the people.

On top of these, a Gogamukh-based environment group People’s Movement for Subansiri Brahmaputra Valley (PMSBV) has been organizing mass demonstrations and rallies against the LSHEP for the past several years. It has also joined hands with other organizations to spread the agitation to other areas. It is also receiving support from some major environment groups of the country and abroad.

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Mamata seeks report on Rlys in State

NEW DELHI, June 12 – Railway Minister, Mamata Banerjee has asked Minister of State for Railways, E Ahmed to review the progress of railway works in Assam and submit a report. The responsibility is part of the work allocation distributed to the two Minister of State (MoS).

E Ahmed would now take stock of progress of works in seven States including Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Chhatisgarh, Bihar, Jharkhand and Uttranchal. His responsibilities also include passenger amenities and public grievances, among others.

The dismal train services in the North-East including passenger amenities and the slow progress of work in North Cachar Hills, where the Broad Gauge Conversion work has almost come to a halt, the slack progress of work on the Bogibeel-rail-cum-road project is some of the major issues that is likely to keep the new minister busy.

Rice production in State declining

GUWAHATI, June 12 – The Agriculture Depar-tment is embarking on a long-term initiative with thrust on technological intervention, irrigation, and storage and market linkage to boost the State’s agriculture sector. Talking to The Assam Tribune, Agriculture Minister Pramila Rani Brahma today said that the dwindling trend of rice production since 2000-01 made it imperative to resort to technological interventions in the form of high-yielding and hybrid seeds, water supply through power pumps and soil health mapping besides facilitating storage and market linkage.

Total rice production (ahu, sali and summer paddies) in the State plummeted to 29.16 lakh MT in 2006-07 and marginally increased to 33.19 lakh MT in 2007-08. It was 39.98 lakh MT (2000-01), 38.54 lakh MT (2001-02), 37.38 lakh MT (2002-03), 38.81 lakh MT (2003-04), 34.70 lakh MT (2004-05) and 35.52 lakh MT (2005-06). The anticipated yield for 2008-09 is 41 lakh MT.

“We are trying to popularise high-yielding and hybrid varieties – the latter for the first time – among the farmers through filed demonstrations. Arize-6444, PAC-832 and KRH are three of the hybrid seeds being demonstrated covering an area of 5,920 hectares,” Brahma said, adding that crop diversification was another thrust area.

Rainfall, on which the State’s agriculture is largely dependent, has shown a continuous deficit trend since 2005 (-6.7 per cent), followed by 2006 (-28 pc), 2007 (-14.6 pc) and 2008 (-15.8 pc).

“We fear that there could be 22 per cent to 30 per cent decrease in summer paddy yield this year owing to water scarcity. The diesel-operated water pumps have not been cost-effective and so we are going to introduce power pumps, with 4,000 sets to be distributed soon under the National Food Security Mission and Rashtriya Krishi Vikash Yojana,” she said.

Brahma said that the situation had been complicated by poor coverage of cropland under irrigation schemes. Officially a meagre 28 per cent of the State’s agricultural land is stated to be under irrigation and the actual coverage could be much less with many irrigation schemes remaining defunct.

Reasoning that the Agriculture Department alone would not be able to mitigate the water woes, Brahma said that the department was keen to bring more areas under water supply by utilizing the available sources of surface water in coordination with the Irrigation Department.

“Assam has a large network of water bodies including rivers, rivulets, lakes, etc., and rather than depending on a depleting ground water level, we should go for utilizing the available surface water,” she said.

Another new initiative of the department is the Rs 2-crore soil health mapping project undertaken by the National Bureau of Soil Survey covering 13 districts. “Once we know the nutrient status of different croplands, we can opt for crops which are best suited for a particular area,” she said, adding that soil-testing kits had also been distributed among the farmers.

Revealing that 19 cold storages had been set up with a total capacity of 80,000 MT, Brahma said that 50 per cent transport subsidy was also being provided to farmers in interior areas. She claimed that there had been no distress sale of vegetables this year.

For the first time, the minister said, the Food Corporation of India (FCI) has procured 4,100 MT rice from the State, which it would be supplying to BPL families under government schemes. “This marks a new beginning, as the FCI had earlier been reluctant to procure our rice due to its high moisture content,” she added.

Soruce:http://www.assamtribune.com/scripts/details.asp?id=jun1309/at01

Where and What is North East India

States constituting the North East-India
Assam
Arunachal Pradesh
Meghalaya
Mizoram
Manipur
Nagaland
Sikkim
Tripura

Area: 2,55168 sq km
Population: 40 million. Brahmaputra valley land (of Assam) is the most populated, and houses almost half of population of North-East India.

Religion: Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, Christianity.

Currency: Indian Rupee (INR).

Languages Spoken
Hindi, English, Assamese, Garo, Jaintia, Khasi, Bengali, Mizo, Manipuri, Nagamese, Lepcha, Limboo, Bhutia (Sikkimese), Bhutia (Tibetan), and several other local dialects.

Culture and People
The North-East India is home to varied number of tribal groups (almost 166). Each tribes has their own distinct culture, which gives them a unique cultural identity. Numerous of art forms and festivals of the region are intrinsic part of its rich culture and tradition. Many of festivals like Bihu, Jhum Cultivation, Ke Pemblang, Nongkrem, Durga Puja and Karchi Puja are some of the most important festivals, which are mirror to rich socio-cultural life of North-East India.

Dance forms like Garia, Bizu, Hai Hak and Manipuri are essential part of cultural and religious celebration of North-eastern tribes. Performed in groups, music and dance forms of North-east are fine feast for travelers to watch.

North East India Cuisine
Though North-East India is very rich in its food culture, but it differs vastly from rest of the country in its taste as well as flavours. Each of states have almost same fooding behaviour. Normally, inhabitants of the region are non-vegetarian, and fond of spice. Bamboo Shoots and dishes prepared from Ducks are in vogue in the region.

In some part of North-East India, animals are considered to be good diet. In Nagaland, most of the dogs have fallen prey to local tribes. In Tripura and Assam, fish are the favourite dish. While in Assam, various forms of rice are consumed. Recipes like Assam Laksa Stock, Koat Pitha, Bamboo Shoot Fry, Fish Fried Rice, Grilled Shrimps and Poora Mach are some of the most famous cuisine of North-East India.

Attractions to Ponder
Shrouded by mighty Himalayan hills, the entire North-East region is believed to be one of the most beautiful region in South Asia in terms of fetching immense opportunities of ecotourism. The dense forests lying in foothills of Himalayan hills are stunning in their natural beauty, and are home to many of wildlife parks including Manas National Park and Kaziranga National Park, which are natural World Heritage Site. Besides, numerous of lovely waterfalls and caves are another beautiful attraction of the wonderful land of North-East India.

Activities you can enroll into
Regarded as one of the best geographical regions to enjoy eco adventurous in the entire South Asia, North-East Asia is indeed paradise for nature lovers. Well off natural heritage including line of Himalayan hills, pervasive dense forests, lovely waterfalls and caves let tourist indulge into a number of activities. The best one can pick up while o touring to North-East region is eco adventure activities like Trekking, White Water Rafting, Mountaineering, Wildlife Explorations and Para-Gliding.

Paradise for travelers
Termed aptly as hidden treasure of India, North-East India is one of the most significant region of South-Asia in terms of availability of eco tourism opportunities. As the whole region is abode to majestic Himalayan hills, beautiful valleys and dense forests, the opportunity of nature based tourism is immense. Abundance of eco activities like Trekking, Rafting, Nature Walk, Jungle Exploration and Wildlife Viewing indulge tourists predominantly in discovering the exquisite natural heritage of the region.

Soruce:http://www.north-east-india.com/information/what_where.html

Displaced Zemes taking refuge in Manipur

IMPHAL, June 8 – The number of displaced Zeme villagers mostly women and children who have been taking shelter in Tousem areas in Manipur’s Tamenglong district have increased following renewed violence in North Cachar Hills district of Assam.

NC Hills continue to be ravaged by violence with the reports of killing of five villagers, besides injuries to eight others and burning down of nearly 60 villages on Wednesday.

People are still fleeing from NC Hills and their number have crossed 800, Jacinta Lazarus, Deputy Commissioner, Tamenglong district told The Assam Tribune.

Since the outbreak of violence in March last, initially over 500 displaced Zeliangrong villagers have arrived and taken shelter at Tousem. However, the number of displaced persons have increased due to fresh violence in NC Hills.

The Manipur Chief Secretary held a meeting with his Assam counterpart to take up necessary steps and provide relief materials, DC said and added that she had also been contacting her Assam counterpart from time to time. A SDO will be going to Tousem to oversee the situation soon, she added. No official team had so far visited the displaced villagers at Tousem area.

Meanwhile, Tousem villagers are worried about the future of the displaced villagers as they are providing food and shelter. “How long can we bear such burden as we don’t get any relief materials from the government,” Agnes Malanglei, in-charge of the Relief Committee said and added that the time has come for the Assam Government to bring normalcy in the NC Hills for the resettlement of the displaced villagers.

According to Agnes, 288 villagers are taking shelter at Tousem, 145 at Aben and 200 at Mandeu villages. Though some of the villagers returned to NC Hills but renewed violence had forced them to come back to Tousem.

On Wednesday, a team of United NGO Mission distributed relief materials to the displaced people.

50 pc tea land remains vacant in Tripura

AGARTALA, June 8 – In a bid to ensure optimum utilisation of land, Tripura Government has constituted a high-level committee to ascertain the actual area under tea cultivation and vacant land in the tea estate areas.

Preliminary reports suggest, of the total 13,371.77 hectares of land meant for tea plantation, more than 50 per cent land remains unutilised. Only 6,611.08 hectares of land is covered with tea plantation in 58 tea estates across the State.

The government is on the move to outline its future plan for revival of tea industry after getting final report from the panel, said Industries Minister Jitendra Chowdhury.

Addressing an interactive session with tea estate owners at Prajna Bhavan here on Thursday, Chowdhury strongly advocated for optimum utilisation of land allotted for tea plantation.

There are reports of huge land lying unused in different tea estates. This should not happen to ensure optimum utilisation of land as expansion of tea industry, he said.

Chowdhury also made it clear that absolute control of tea estate owners over the allotted lands should not be permitted as demanded by them.

Sudip Kumar Roy, Principal Secretary of Industries and Commerce tried to address all the proposals put forward by tea estate owners.

On the desertion of tea labourers due to NREGA, Roy exhorted the tea estate owners to offer best possible financial package to stop the tendency.

It has been observed that a sizable number of tea labourers have started deserting the tea gardens to get job under the national flagship programme NREGA causing acute shortage of manpower in tea gardens.

On the shortage of fertilizer, Roy said if any garden owner comes forward with a concrete proposal to bring fertilizer directly, the government will render all possible help.

However, the government will not offer a blanket tax waiver to the tea estate owners, he said adding that the tea garden owners could negotiate with TNGCL to use gas for processing tea at their factories.

Executive Director of Tea Board, Rakesh Saini, Binoy Kakoti, Scientific Officer of Tea Research Association (TRA) and TAI secretary PK Biswas also attended the interactive session.

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Rs 1,371 cr for civic amenities in NE cities

SHILLONG, June 8 – A meeting to review the implementation of projects under 10 per cent lumpsum provision for infrastructure development in towns in the North East was held under the chairmanship of Dr M Ramachandran, Secretary Urban Development, who has decided that the Ministry will launch the North Eastern Urban Development Programme assisted by Asian Development Bank in Aizawl, Shillong, Gangtok, Kohima, and Agartala in the first phase very shortly.

He said that the programme at a total cost of Rs 1,371.40 crore will help improve basic municipal services in the identified cities. He also stated that every effort shall be made to expedite the launching of Phase - II of the programme to cover cities in remaining three States in the North East.

The scheme for infrastructure development in towns in North East was launched in 2001-02 and so far 213 projects at an estimated cost of Rs 1,700 crore have been sanctioned under the scheme out of which Rs 1,080 crore have been released as Central assistance.

Over 40 per cent of the projects have been completed under the scheme so far. During the course of discussion, Dr Ramachandran highlighted the need for early completion of ongoing projects and requested the States to adhere to the timelines committed by them for completion of projects.

Bail: The nominated Congress Member of District Council (MDC) Thomas Nongtdu, who was arrested for his alleged nexus in the May 31 jailbreak, was granted bail on Friday and police later dropped all charges against him.

Nongtdu walked free after being in police custody for less than 24 hours and later the Chief Judicial Magistrate remanded him to 14 days’ judicial custody.

Nongtdu after being remanded was admitted to the Shillong Civil Hospital after which he complained of sickness and was admitted to the ICU before being granted bail by the Court here. – Correspondent

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Bangladeshi deported

GUWAHATI, June 5: A Bangladeshi national Sirajul Haque (40), son of Siddique Miah of Kistan village under Kistan PS of Rajshahi of Bangladesh has been deported to Bangladesh through Sahapara BOP in Dhubri district on Tuesday last as per orders of the court after completion of his conviction period. This was stated in a press release.

Labourer killed in accident

From a Correspondent
BAIHATA CHARIALI, June 5: One daily waged labourer was killed and two vehicles were partially damaged in an accident yesterday morning at 7 am at Kolazol in NH-31 under Baihata Chariali police station. According to the information received, a Nalbari bound truck bearing registration number AS-18A-4619 hit a bicycle with rider, one bus bearing registration number AS-01G-7285 parked in a garage, a truck and a cow respectively in the same time. In the accident, one Madan Deka (50) of Borhata under Baihata Chariali police station was killed on the spot who was on the way to Baihata Chariali market. Late Deka leaves behind four daughters.