Manipur NGO says no to projects that displace people
IMPHAL, Dec 21 – The three-day workshop on ‘Development and Displacement’ organised by the Citizens Concern Dam and Development (CCDD) has resolved to say ‘No’ to development works that were displacing people from their original habitats. They have also demanded the repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, AFSPA, 1958.
The workshop was held at the Youth Hostel, Khuman Lampak in Imphal East from December 18 - 20.
Addressing a press conference on Saturday, Jiten Yumnam, joint secretary of CCDD informed that various organisations during the workshop had discussed the State development policies which are initiated without any hearings from the public or thinking of the effects including displacements that could be brought about by the developmental works.
In this regard, it was resolved that developmental works which would in the course of time displace people from their original habitats would be refused, added the joint secretary.
Yumnam conveyed that an organisation formed by the affected people would protest against the government to bring about peace and development; that no developmental project would be taken up without the consent of the public; the government should review the Mapithel Dam; the government should punish the IRB personnel who fired at the Mapithel Dam rallyists and give appropriate treatment to Lungmila who is lying unconscious at the Shija hospital. - NEWMAI NEWS NETWORK
-------------------------
Tripura bans import of poultry products from Assam
AGARTALA, Dec 21 – Alarmed by the outbreak of avian flu in Assam, Tripura Government on Saturday imposed a complete ban on importing poultry products from the neighbouring State.
Tripura, which had to struggle in April this year following outbreak of bird flu had been declared as avian flu free in October.
Though there is no report of fresh outbreak of bird flu, as part of routine surveillance measures, the government has decided to impose ban on importing chicks and eggs from Assam, said Commissioner of Animal Resource Development (ARD) U Venkateswarlu here.
He said that authorities of North Tripura district administration were asked to ensure no poultry product entered into State’s territory. ARD personnel were posted at Chouraibari check post– entry point of Tripura via Assam to carry out disinfection of vehicles coming from Assam, he said.
Besides, ARD personnel have started collecting samples in case of any death of chicks to ensure constant vigil on the situation, he said.
He further said that the Forest department had been asked to keep an eye on movement of migratory birds.
Earlier, the State Government had to impose a ban on importing of poultry products in the wake of massive outbreak of avian flu in Bangladesh.
He said that BSF authority has also intensified vigil along the Indo-Bangla border following fresh outbreak of avian flu in Bangladesh.
“This ban is still continuing keeping in mind the fresh outbreak of the disease in some districts of Bangladesh”, he added.
PTI adds: Two border districts of Nagaland have also banned entry of poultry and related products from Assam.
The district administrations of Mokokchung and Mon have asked police and civil officials posted at the inter-State border check-posts of Tizit and Naginimora to keep strict vigil on the movement of fowls, sources said.
“The Mokokchung deputy commissioner has asked all concerned departments to strictly ban entry of poultry and related products to the district till further orders,” they said. – PTI
----------------------------
4 designated camps for Kuki peace talk leaders
IMPHAL, Dec 21 – Tripartite talks among Kuki militant groups, Centre and Manipur Government have agreed to open four designated camps in Churachandpur district where those participating in peace efforts would be housed, official sources said today.
The talks held Friday centred on the location of designated camps, alleged violation of ground rules by the militants and financial assistance to them.
The Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and the United People’s Front (UPF), formed by Kuki militant groups, had earlier signed an agreement with the Centre and Manipur Government.
Under the agreement, the government was to suspend operations against the two organisations and hold peace talks with them, the sources said.
Ground rules to be observed by the government and militant outfits had also been framed.
Sources said the talks also discussed issue of identity cards to militants of some Kuki outfits and financial assistance to them.
The three groups also discussed the kidnapping of officials for ransom and extortion by militant outfits involved in the peace process, the sources said.
The groups were warned not to violate the mutually accepted ground rules. – PTI
-----------------------------------------
State to have technology varsity soon
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The prestigious University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya (USTM) will be set up by Education Research and Development Foundation (ERDF) on Hatimura Killing Road, 9th Mile in Ri-Bhoi district.
ERDF has proposed to offer a whole range of educational facilities from basic and applied sciences to management and media studies, information and technology, besides other vocational courses, as the first phase of studies in the university the academic session for which would begin in 2010.
According to ERDF Academic Advisor Prof. K. Ravichandran, USTM would have world class research infrastructure and a team of experienced faculty and support facilities in collaboration with institutes of excellence from within and outside India. The university would integrate the existing facilities and support the initiatives already taken by various stakeholders and agencies of the State Government in Meghalaya.
The university is scheduled to be launched in four phases. It would be functional as a complete and comprehensive institution in 2020 in keeping with former President APJ Abdul Kalam's Vision 2020. The motto of EDRF will be "the pursuit of quality and excellence."
Prof. Ravichandran, also a former member of All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and North East Education Council (NEEC), told a press meet at Shillong Club on Saturday that ERDF's prime objective of setting up the university was to develop Meghalaya into a scientifically and technologically vibrant State while promoting technical and science education in the North-East.
"Alumni of IITs and other professionals have committed themselves to investing their resources in promoting this university," Prof. Ravichandran said.
Lauding students of the North-East for their good command over the English language, he said students of the region were also talented in other fields of professional studies.
He, however, said around 20 per cent of students from the North-East were migrating to other metros to pursue professional courses because of the absence of quality institutions in the region. He also observed that though IITs and IIMs were set up in a particular state, they were usually beyond
the reach of local students.
USTM is expected to help address these problems, he added.
Meanwhile, ERDF Chairman M Hoque said Rs 10 crore would be initially spent on setting up of UTSM, adding the university would not function until all required facilities were put in place.
He said first preference would be given to local students seeking admission into the varsity and that international students would be roped in order to "set international benchmarks."
ERDF proposed setting up of UTSM in the State after the last autumn session of the State Legislative Assembly had passed the University of Science and Technology Act 2008. ERDF will also establish an engineering college -- Regional Institute of Science and Technology (RIST) -- at Raid Marwet, 9th Mile in Ri-Bhoi district. The foundation stone of the institute was laid by Chief Minister Dr Donkupar Roy early this year. - The Shillong Times
-----------------------------------
M’laya has the best air quality in country: Survey
From Our Spl Correspondent
NEW DELHI: Despite traffic congestion and consequent air pollution in its capital city Shillong, the state of Meghalaya, known for its scenic magnificence, can still take pride in being a coveted destination for health enthusiasts as well as tourists. The hill state has been awarded for best air quality by Chennai-based Centre for Development Finance (CDF) of the Institute for Financial Management and Research (IFMR).
In a survey conducted by CDF, Meghalaya has beaten a host of states to claim the CDF Award 2008 for Best Air Quality in the country.
Meghalaya is among five states which have been awarded by CDF for performing well in various areas of environmental sustainability. The four other states are Himachal Pradesh (government's initiative), Manipur (people's initiative), Chhattisgarh (least polluted water) and Sikkim (conservation of natural resources).
Manipur has been named the "best overall performing state" followed by Sikkim and Tripura. Interestingly, the lowest ranking states include developed ones like Punjab, Gujarat and Haryana.
The performance study was based on parameters like population pressure, stress on environment, environment systems, health vulnerability and environment governance.
Interestingly, the non-profit research institute has ranked Tamil Nadu very low on its environmental sustainability index (ESI). The southern state ranks 22 among the 28 states of the country. The index is based on the environmental performance of the states of the country.
"ESI is an attempt to create a baseline of state's relative position in a sustainable trajectory. It has a strong policy focus and is designed to advocate analytical and empirical foundation for environmental policy making," CDF director Jessica Wallack said.
Studying 44 variables clustered into 15 indicators under five policy components to arrive at the ESI, CDF has revealed that none of the states is on a sustainable trajectory. Most of the states have done well in some areas but they need to improve a lot on many other issues, the report said.
At the function held to announce the CDF survey report and awards, Meghalaya's Commissioner and Secretary (Forest) CD Kynjing said the Centre should create a "green fund" for northeastern states for increasing forest cover in the region. Incidentally, the Union Cabinet on Friday night decided to create a dedicated fund for such environmental programme.
Sikkim's Environment and Forest Department representative Pradeep Kumar, who also participated in the function, highlighted how the government's laws like those relating to the ban on plastics, use of chemicals in farming activities and environment cess had helped conserve forests and brought in more revenue for the government. - The Shillong Times
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IMPHAL, Dec 21 – The three-day workshop on ‘Development and Displacement’ organised by the Citizens Concern Dam and Development (CCDD) has resolved to say ‘No’ to development works that were displacing people from their original habitats. They have also demanded the repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, AFSPA, 1958.
The workshop was held at the Youth Hostel, Khuman Lampak in Imphal East from December 18 - 20.
Addressing a press conference on Saturday, Jiten Yumnam, joint secretary of CCDD informed that various organisations during the workshop had discussed the State development policies which are initiated without any hearings from the public or thinking of the effects including displacements that could be brought about by the developmental works.
In this regard, it was resolved that developmental works which would in the course of time displace people from their original habitats would be refused, added the joint secretary.
Yumnam conveyed that an organisation formed by the affected people would protest against the government to bring about peace and development; that no developmental project would be taken up without the consent of the public; the government should review the Mapithel Dam; the government should punish the IRB personnel who fired at the Mapithel Dam rallyists and give appropriate treatment to Lungmila who is lying unconscious at the Shija hospital. - NEWMAI NEWS NETWORK
-------------------------
Tripura bans import of poultry products from Assam
AGARTALA, Dec 21 – Alarmed by the outbreak of avian flu in Assam, Tripura Government on Saturday imposed a complete ban on importing poultry products from the neighbouring State.
Tripura, which had to struggle in April this year following outbreak of bird flu had been declared as avian flu free in October.
Though there is no report of fresh outbreak of bird flu, as part of routine surveillance measures, the government has decided to impose ban on importing chicks and eggs from Assam, said Commissioner of Animal Resource Development (ARD) U Venkateswarlu here.
He said that authorities of North Tripura district administration were asked to ensure no poultry product entered into State’s territory. ARD personnel were posted at Chouraibari check post– entry point of Tripura via Assam to carry out disinfection of vehicles coming from Assam, he said.
Besides, ARD personnel have started collecting samples in case of any death of chicks to ensure constant vigil on the situation, he said.
He further said that the Forest department had been asked to keep an eye on movement of migratory birds.
Earlier, the State Government had to impose a ban on importing of poultry products in the wake of massive outbreak of avian flu in Bangladesh.
He said that BSF authority has also intensified vigil along the Indo-Bangla border following fresh outbreak of avian flu in Bangladesh.
“This ban is still continuing keeping in mind the fresh outbreak of the disease in some districts of Bangladesh”, he added.
PTI adds: Two border districts of Nagaland have also banned entry of poultry and related products from Assam.
The district administrations of Mokokchung and Mon have asked police and civil officials posted at the inter-State border check-posts of Tizit and Naginimora to keep strict vigil on the movement of fowls, sources said.
“The Mokokchung deputy commissioner has asked all concerned departments to strictly ban entry of poultry and related products to the district till further orders,” they said. – PTI
----------------------------
4 designated camps for Kuki peace talk leaders
IMPHAL, Dec 21 – Tripartite talks among Kuki militant groups, Centre and Manipur Government have agreed to open four designated camps in Churachandpur district where those participating in peace efforts would be housed, official sources said today.
The talks held Friday centred on the location of designated camps, alleged violation of ground rules by the militants and financial assistance to them.
The Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and the United People’s Front (UPF), formed by Kuki militant groups, had earlier signed an agreement with the Centre and Manipur Government.
Under the agreement, the government was to suspend operations against the two organisations and hold peace talks with them, the sources said.
Ground rules to be observed by the government and militant outfits had also been framed.
Sources said the talks also discussed issue of identity cards to militants of some Kuki outfits and financial assistance to them.
The three groups also discussed the kidnapping of officials for ransom and extortion by militant outfits involved in the peace process, the sources said.
The groups were warned not to violate the mutually accepted ground rules. – PTI
-----------------------------------------
State to have technology varsity soon
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The prestigious University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya (USTM) will be set up by Education Research and Development Foundation (ERDF) on Hatimura Killing Road, 9th Mile in Ri-Bhoi district.
ERDF has proposed to offer a whole range of educational facilities from basic and applied sciences to management and media studies, information and technology, besides other vocational courses, as the first phase of studies in the university the academic session for which would begin in 2010.
According to ERDF Academic Advisor Prof. K. Ravichandran, USTM would have world class research infrastructure and a team of experienced faculty and support facilities in collaboration with institutes of excellence from within and outside India. The university would integrate the existing facilities and support the initiatives already taken by various stakeholders and agencies of the State Government in Meghalaya.
The university is scheduled to be launched in four phases. It would be functional as a complete and comprehensive institution in 2020 in keeping with former President APJ Abdul Kalam's Vision 2020. The motto of EDRF will be "the pursuit of quality and excellence."
Prof. Ravichandran, also a former member of All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and North East Education Council (NEEC), told a press meet at Shillong Club on Saturday that ERDF's prime objective of setting up the university was to develop Meghalaya into a scientifically and technologically vibrant State while promoting technical and science education in the North-East.
"Alumni of IITs and other professionals have committed themselves to investing their resources in promoting this university," Prof. Ravichandran said.
Lauding students of the North-East for their good command over the English language, he said students of the region were also talented in other fields of professional studies.
He, however, said around 20 per cent of students from the North-East were migrating to other metros to pursue professional courses because of the absence of quality institutions in the region. He also observed that though IITs and IIMs were set up in a particular state, they were usually beyond
the reach of local students.
USTM is expected to help address these problems, he added.
Meanwhile, ERDF Chairman M Hoque said Rs 10 crore would be initially spent on setting up of UTSM, adding the university would not function until all required facilities were put in place.
He said first preference would be given to local students seeking admission into the varsity and that international students would be roped in order to "set international benchmarks."
ERDF proposed setting up of UTSM in the State after the last autumn session of the State Legislative Assembly had passed the University of Science and Technology Act 2008. ERDF will also establish an engineering college -- Regional Institute of Science and Technology (RIST) -- at Raid Marwet, 9th Mile in Ri-Bhoi district. The foundation stone of the institute was laid by Chief Minister Dr Donkupar Roy early this year. - The Shillong Times
-----------------------------------
M’laya has the best air quality in country: Survey
From Our Spl Correspondent
NEW DELHI: Despite traffic congestion and consequent air pollution in its capital city Shillong, the state of Meghalaya, known for its scenic magnificence, can still take pride in being a coveted destination for health enthusiasts as well as tourists. The hill state has been awarded for best air quality by Chennai-based Centre for Development Finance (CDF) of the Institute for Financial Management and Research (IFMR).
In a survey conducted by CDF, Meghalaya has beaten a host of states to claim the CDF Award 2008 for Best Air Quality in the country.
Meghalaya is among five states which have been awarded by CDF for performing well in various areas of environmental sustainability. The four other states are Himachal Pradesh (government's initiative), Manipur (people's initiative), Chhattisgarh (least polluted water) and Sikkim (conservation of natural resources).
Manipur has been named the "best overall performing state" followed by Sikkim and Tripura. Interestingly, the lowest ranking states include developed ones like Punjab, Gujarat and Haryana.
The performance study was based on parameters like population pressure, stress on environment, environment systems, health vulnerability and environment governance.
Interestingly, the non-profit research institute has ranked Tamil Nadu very low on its environmental sustainability index (ESI). The southern state ranks 22 among the 28 states of the country. The index is based on the environmental performance of the states of the country.
"ESI is an attempt to create a baseline of state's relative position in a sustainable trajectory. It has a strong policy focus and is designed to advocate analytical and empirical foundation for environmental policy making," CDF director Jessica Wallack said.
Studying 44 variables clustered into 15 indicators under five policy components to arrive at the ESI, CDF has revealed that none of the states is on a sustainable trajectory. Most of the states have done well in some areas but they need to improve a lot on many other issues, the report said.
At the function held to announce the CDF survey report and awards, Meghalaya's Commissioner and Secretary (Forest) CD Kynjing said the Centre should create a "green fund" for northeastern states for increasing forest cover in the region. Incidentally, the Union Cabinet on Friday night decided to create a dedicated fund for such environmental programme.
Sikkim's Environment and Forest Department representative Pradeep Kumar, who also participated in the function, highlighted how the government's laws like those relating to the ban on plastics, use of chemicals in farming activities and environment cess had helped conserve forests and brought in more revenue for the government. - The Shillong Times
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