Hornbill News

  ITANAGAR, July 24:  Arunachal Pradesh Home Minister Mama Natung has assured full administrative and financial support from the State Government for the establishment of a new Fire Station at Nirjuli. The assurance came after the Deputy Mayor of the Itanagar Municipal Corporation (IMC), Tok Tabin Camdir, called on the Home Minister at the Civil Secretariat and briefed him on the proposal for setting up the new Fire Station. During the meeting, Camdir highlighted the growing need for a dedicated fire and emergency response facility in Nirjuli to cater to the increasing population, expanding residential areas, and commercial establishments.  He emphasized that the proposed Fire Station would help reduce response time during emergencies and enhance public safety. Responding to the proposal, Home Minister Mama Natung welcomed the initiative and assured that the State Government would extend full administrative and financial assistance to ensure the project is implemented at ...

  ITANAGAR, July 17:  In a landmark move to strengthen the justice delivery system, the Arunachal Pradesh Cabinet has approved the proposal for the Arunachal Pradesh Advocates Protection Bill, 2026.  The legislation aims to safeguard the lives and properties of advocates while ensuring a safer working environment for the legal fraternity. Once enacted by the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly, the Bill will become the state's first dedicated law providing legal protection to advocates. The decision was taken during the Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Friday. The proposed legislation is designed to protect advocates from threats, violence, intimidation and unlawful interference while performing their professional duties. According to the Cabinet, the Bill seeks to ensure that legal professionals can carry out their responsibilities without fear, thereby reinforcing public confidence in the justice delivery system.  The legislation is also ...

  ITANAGAR, July 15:  The Government of Arunachal Pradesh on Wednesday conducted a comprehensive review meeting to assess the progress of establishing new Municipal Corporations in Namsai, Aalo, Ziro, and Tawang, with an emphasis on accelerating the process for their early operationalization. The meeting was held in the presence of Balo Raja, Minister for Urban Affairs & Land Management, Shri Techi Kaso, Advisor to the Minister (Urban Affairs & Land Management) and MLA of 13-Itanagar Assembly Constituency, along with the Commissioner (Urban Development), Director of Urban Local Bodies (ULB), and the Deputy Commissioners of the four districts. During the meeting, the progress made in each district was reviewed in detail, with discussions focusing on the key administrative and procedural steps required to establish the new Municipal Corporations within the stipulated timeline. The Minister directed all concerned officers to expedite the process by ensuring the timely sub...

  ITANAGAR, July 13:  The Arunachal Pradesh Range Forest Officers Association (APRFOA) elected its new executive committee during its Conference-cum-Meeting held at Donyi Polo International Hotel in Itanagar. The members unanimously elected Shri Dare Tatung, Range Forest Officer (RFO), as the President of the Association, while Shri R.K. Koba was chosen as the General Secretary. The remaining members of the executive committee were also elected unanimously. Expressing his gratitude after assuming office, President Shri Dare Tatung thanked the members for the confidence they had placed in him and pledged to work collectively for the betterment of the Association and the forestry sector in the State. He reiterated the Association's commitment to working in close coordination with the Department of Environment & Forests, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, to promote effective conservation and sustainable management of the State's rich forest resources. Highlighting the Associat...

  PASIGHAT, July 9:  An Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Wednesday visited flood-affected areas in East Siang and Lower Siang districts to assess the extent of damage caused by the recent floods and evaluate the need for additional financial assistance from the Centre. The team, led by MHA Joint Secretary Nishtha Tiwari, was accompanied by Arunachal Pradesh Disaster Management Secretary Dani Salu during the day-long inspection. The delegation first visited the integrated farm of Smti. Olik Tapok Taloh at Ledum village, where floodwaters had caused extensive damage to agricultural land and farm infrastructure.  The team then inspected Rema Bridge under Korang Circle, Tene Bridge under Koyu Circle in Lower Siang district, and Remi Bridge in East Siang district to examine the impact of the floods on critical roads and public infrastructure. Officials from the district administration and various line departments briefed the visi...

  TAWANG, July 7:  The District Administration, Tawang, on Tuesday intensified its campaign against plastic pollution by conducting a surprise inspection across Nehru Market, New Market, and Medical Colony to enforce the ban on single-use plastics and plastic drinking water bottles with a capacity of less than two litres. The inspection was led by Assistant Commissioner-cum-Town Magistrate Nawang Thutan, accompanied by Er. Phurpa Lamu and officials from the Department of Urban Affairs, Tawang. During the enforcement drive, teams inspected shops and commercial establishments to ensure compliance with the district administration's order prohibiting the sale, storage, and use of banned plastic items.  Traders and business owners were also sensitised about the harmful impact of single-use plastics on the environment, particularly in the ecologically fragile Himalayan region, and were encouraged to switch to sustainable, eco-friendly alternatives. Officials reiterated that str...

  LONGDING, July 3:  Arunachal Pradesh Minister Gabriel D. Wangsu on Friday handed over a new official vehicle to the Circle Office at Lawnu in Longding district, addressing the long-standing shortage of transportation faced by the office. The initiative is aimed at improving administrative mobility and ensuring smoother execution of official duties, particularly in field operations and public service delivery. The vehicle was formally handed over in the presence of government officers, staff members, and other officials. Speaking on the occasion, Wangsu emphasized that efficient mobility plays a crucial role in effective governance.  He expressed hope that the new vehicle would help ease operational constraints, strengthen field administration, and enhance the overall efficiency of the Circle Office in serving the people. The Minister stated that improving basic administrative infrastructure is essential for ensuring timely implementation of government programmes and bet...

  ITANAGAR, July 2:  The Directorate of Secondary Education, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, has released the official list of 28 meritorious students selected for the State Merit Scholarship Award 2026 based on their performance in the Class X (AISS) Examination, 2026.  The merit list, issued by the Directorate of Secondary Education, recognises students from government and private schools across eight districts for their outstanding academic achievements.  Blue Pine Residential School, Hapoli, emerged as the top-performing institution with nine students securing places in the merit list. The selected students from the school are Hage Annu Treisa, Hibu Kaku, Koji Sampyu, Doilyang Kari, Tasso Keying, Hage Pyaping, Hage Riimu, Hano Cheryl Nuri and Radhe Donya. From East Siang, the selected students are Lajong Borang of GHSS Mebo, Geyum Rihar of Green Valley School GTC, Reyi Murtem of Sainik School East Siang and Aaditya Pran Sarmah of Angun Asir Academy, Pasighat. We...

  Tawang, July 2:  The Tawang district administration on Thursday convened a district-level meeting on Solid Waste Management at the Conference Hall of the Deputy Commissioner's Office under the chairpersonship of Deputy Commissioner Namgyal Angmo, IAS. The meeting brought together ADC Tawang Rinchin Leta, ADC Lungla Tashi Dhondup, Zila Parishad Members, representatives of the Indian Army, ITBP, NGOs, students, and Material Recovery Facility (MRF) operators from Jemeithang, Tawang, and Lhou to review ongoing waste management initiatives and discuss future strategies. The programme began with a welcome address by ADC Tawang Rinchin Leta. A major highlight of the event was the inspiring speeches delivered in the Monpa dialect by Tashi Yangzom of Government Secondary School, Bomba, and Gom Yutton of Government Higher Secondary School, Jang, winners of the district-level waste management speech competition held last week.  ADC Lungla Tashi Dhondup presented the achievements o...

  Deomali, July 1:  A coordinated joint inspection was conducted by the Deomali Sub-Divisional Administration of Arunachal Pradesh and the Naharkatiya Sub-Divisional Administration of Assam to assess the damage caused by landslides at multiple locations near Kothalguri along the Joypore–Hukanjuri route. The inspection was attended by the MLA of Naharkatiya, the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) of Naharkatiya, officials from various departments of the Assam Government, the ADC of Deomali, the Circle Officer (CO) of Soha, and BJP Mandal members from Arunachal Pradesh.  The team reviewed the extent of the damage and discussed measures to restore connectivity at the earliest. Considering the importance of the route for commuters travelling between Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, the authorities stated that temporary restoration work is underway.  However, as a precautionary measure, the movement of all types of vehicles on the affected stretch has been prohibited until ...

  SEPPA, July 1:  The East Kameng District Administration has intensified the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) 2026 of the Electoral Roll, with Booth Level Officers (BLOs) carrying out extensive house-to-house verification across the district's remote and difficult terrain. Since the exercise began on June 15, BLOs have been visiting households in far-flung areas, including Langchu in Bameng, Yakli in Chayangtajo, Jeju Dada in Seppa East, and Seba in Seppa West Assembly Constituencies.  Despite heavy monsoon rains, rugged mountain terrain, poor connectivity, and long hours of trekking, the officers have continued their work with dedication to ensure every eligible elector is reached. The Special Intensive Revision is a comprehensive exercise undertaken by the Election Commission to verify and update the Electoral Roll. It aims to include all eligible voters, remove discrepancies, update elector details, and maintain a clean, accurate, transparent, and inclusive electoral ...

  TAWANG, June 29:  The District-Level Monpa Speech Competition on the theme "Waste Management" was successfully held on Monday at Government Upper Primary School, PWD Colony, Tawang, bringing together talented students from across the district to promote environmental awareness through their mother tongue. Organised by the Department of Education under the guidance of Deputy Commissioner Namgyal Angmo, IAS, the competition aimed to encourage the use of the Monpa dialect while fostering awareness about responsible waste management and environmental conservation. A total of 12 students, including winners and runners-up from six educational blocks of Tawang district, participated in the event. The young speakers impressed the audience with their confidence, eloquence, and insightful presentations on environmental protection, all delivered in the Monpa language. The programme was attended by Deputy Director of School Education (DDSE) Hridar Phuntsok, Assistant Commissioner Kyidp...

  Itanagar, June 23: In a move aimed at enhancing patient care and hospital hygiene, the Health Department has introduced bedsheets for patients' beds on a trial basis in government hospitals across the state. The initiative was launched on Monday in the presence of Health Minister Biyuram Wahge following hospital requirements and feedback received from the public. Under the trial initiative, blue bedsheets have been provided for male wards and pink bedsheets for female wards. The bedsheets carry the official logo of the Health Department and are intended to create a cleaner, more comfortable, and patient-friendly environment in hospitals. The decision comes in response to suggestions and observations received through the digital public grievance platform “Scan & Feedback,” which allows citizens to share their experiences and recommendations regarding public services.  According to the Health Department, the feedback highlighted the need for better patient amenities, inclu...

  Lumla, June 20: A major development boost was announced for Lumla constituency during the Jan Kalyan Shivir organized to commemorate 12 years of the Government of India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The event was attended by Chief Minister Pema Khandu along with Minister Nyato Dukam and MLAs Phurpa Tsering, Mohesh Chai, Dongru Siongju, Tseten Chombay, and Namgey Tsering. The programme witnessed the inauguration of several important developmental projects aimed at improving infrastructure, public services, and the overall quality of life for the people of the region. In addition, foundation stones were laid for a number of key infrastructure initiatives that are expected to accelerate socio-economic growth and strengthen connectivity across the constituency. Addressing the gathering, the leaders highlighted the government's commitment to inclusive development and ensuring that the benefits of welfare schemes and infrastructure projects reach every section of society. The occ...

  Itanagar, June 16: In a major relief for aspirants affected by delays in recruitment examinations, the Arunachal Pradesh Cabinet on Monday approved a one-year extension of the one-time upper age relaxation for eligible candidates of the Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC). The decision was taken to ensure that candidates who became overage due to delays in the examination process are not deprived of employment opportunities. According to the Cabinet decision, the benefit will be available to candidates who had applied for APPSC recruitment examinations advertised in 2022 and subsequently crossed the prescribed upper age limit because of postponements and delays in the conduct of examinations. The extension is intended to address concerns raised by affected aspirants and provide them with a fair chance to compete in upcoming recruitment processes. The APPSC recruitment delays had impacted a large number of candidates, many of whom risked losing eligibility despite ...

  Itanagar, June 8: In a significant development concerning one of Arunachal Pradesh’s most debated legislations, the High-Powered Committee (HPC) constituted by the State Government has finalized the draft rules under the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act (APFRA), 1978, and submitted its report and recommendations to Chief Minister on Monday. The submission marks the culmination of months of consultations, deliberations, and stakeholder engagements undertaken after the State Government initiated the process of framing rules for the implementation of the Act. Although APFRA was enacted by the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly in 1978 and later received Presidential assent, it remained largely dormant for nearly five decades due to the absence of operational rules. The Act was originally introduced with the objective of prohibiting religious conversions carried out through force, fraud, or inducement. However, without a framework for implementation, successive governme...

  Itanagar, June 7: The India Meteorological Department (IMD), Meteorological Centre Itanagar, has issued an impact-based weather warning forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning across several districts of Arunachal Pradesh between June 9 and June 11. According to the weather bulletin issued on Sunday afternoon, isolated places in West Siang district are likely to receive very heavy rainfall ranging between 12 and 20 cm within 24 hours during June 9–10. During the same period, East Kameng, Kurung Kumey and East Siang districts are expected to experience heavy rainfall measuring between 6 and 11 cm in 24 hours at isolated locations. The department has also warned of thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and very heavy rainfall in Lepa Rada district, where precipitation of 12–20 cm within 24 hours is likely at isolated places during the forecast period. For June 10–11, the IMD has predicted another spell of intense weather activity, with S...

  Doimukh, June 5: World Environment Day 2026 was observed with great enthusiasm across Gumto and Tarasso through a series of activities including a 5-kilometre marathon, massive tree plantation drives, and awareness programmes aimed at promoting environmental conservation, physical fitness, and sustainable living. The celebrations witnessed active participation from citizens, students, youths, volunteers, community leaders, and government officials, reflecting a collective commitment towards building a greener and healthier future. At Gumto, the 5 KM Marathon organised by the Circle Office Gumto drew enthusiastic participation from people of all age groups. The event was flagged off in the presence of Hon’ble MLA Shri Nabam Vivek and Deputy Commissioner Shri Lobsang Tsering. Adding inspiration to the occasion, renowned athlete Shri Tarh Gungte Hura participated as the Icon Runner, motivating the runners and encouraging the spirit of fitness and environmental responsibility among t...

  Anini, June 5: The Anini Forest Division of Dibang Valley District marked World Environment Day 2026 with a plantation drive and environmental awareness programme on Friday, reaffirming its commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development. The event was organised under the global theme, “Inspired by Nature: For Climate. For Our Future.” The programme witnessed the participation of several dignitaries, including MLA-cum-Advisor to the Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Shri Mopi Mihu, Deputy Commissioner Shri Bekir Nyorak, Divisional Forest Officer Shri Taluk Rime, SDO Shri Lijum Ete, Executive Engineer (PWD) Shri Binam Messar, Executive Engineer (Urban Development) Shri Olom Apang, District Transport Officer Shri Lamwang Aran, along with officials and staff of the Forest Department. As part of the observance, a plantation drive was conducted in and around Anini, where saplings were planted to enhance green cover, promote ecological balance, and contribut...

  Itanagar, June 3: The Itanagar Municipal Corporation (IMC) on Wednesday commenced an eviction drive against roadside vendors and unauthorized structures along National Highway-415 in Nirjuli, following the expiration of a 10-day deadline issued last month for the removal of encroachments. Teams from the municipal body carried out the operation in areas where vendors had continued to occupy roadside spaces despite repeated directives. The drive focused on clearing illegal meat, fruit, and vegetable stalls as well as temporary structures erected along the highway, which authorities said were obstructing public spaces and contributing to increasing traffic congestion on one of the Capital Region’s busiest road corridors. The action follows an order issued by IMC on May 25, directing all roadside meat, vegetable, and fruit vendors operating along NH-415 within the city limits to immediately cease business activities and dismantle their structures within ten days. The notice was issue...