The common people of Arunachal Pradesh should not suffer due to the ongoing anti-big dam campaign in Assam. Hence the movement against the big dams in Arunachal Pradesh should not include any step that affect the supply of essential commodities to the neighboring State. Friends of Arunachal Pradesh, a platform comprising environment activists, civil society leaders and journalists, in a press meet at Guwahati Press Club on Tuesday, also argues that the controversy related to the big-dams planned in Arunachal Pradesh for generating thousands Megawatt electricity should be resolved amicably. While morally supporting the anti-big dam movement and criticizing the attitude of the Union government, NHPC and both the State governments of Assam & Arunachal Pradesh for preaching big-dam lobbies, the forum also apprehends that the ongoing crisis would only benefit the Chinese design for capturing some parts of northeast India.
Addressing the media persons, Soumyadeep Datta, an active environment activist emphasized that the people of Arunachal Pradesh should be taken into confidence, rather ignoring them, in the process of anti-big dam movement campaign.
“Assam and Arunachal Pradesh have historic relationship that is enriched by many Arunachali writers and social activists. The people of Arunachal also wept while Dr Bhupen Hazarika died and his holy ash was taken to their State with all dignities for immersion. Now we must not endanger the relationship for a movement. Of course, we believe that the Arunachali people will also try to convince their government at Itanagar to take pro-people stand on big dam issues,” added Mr Datta.
Nava Thakuria, secretary of Asia Pacific Forum of Environmental Journalists, meanwhile expressed serious concern at the ongoing construction of a number of hydroelectric dams in Brahmaputra inside Tibetan region of China. He warns that once the dams in the 2,900 km trans-boundary river will be commissioned, there will be massive ecological affect in northeast India and Bangladesh.
“Moreover, if the Beijing government diverts some volume of water of Brahmaputra, Bangladesh and eastern India will be affected severely. The people of Bangladesh and northeast India must not be taken for granted to suffer because of the hydroelectric projects in upper riparian country (read China),” Thakuria insisted adding, “As the mighty Brahmaputra crosses through all these countries, the benefit should be shared by every nation concerned without any discrimination.”
As the world gathers in Belém, Brazil, for the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP-30), the North-East Affected Area Development Society (NEADS) from Assam has stepped onto the global stage to ensure the voices of the region’s flood-affected and climate-vulnerable communities are heard.
Representing NEADS as an Observer of the Start Network, Tirtha Prasad Saikia, the organisation’s Director, said the participation marks a crucial moment for the North-East, one of India’s most climate-sensitive regions.
“We are here because climate change is not a distant issue for us — it’s our everyday reality,” said Saikia. “Assam’s communities have been battling floods, erosion,...
“Zubeen Garg was not just a singer — he was a phenomenon. A god in human form for millions,” said Manoj Kumar Das, management professional and commentator from Assam, in a heartfelt conversation reflecting on the life and legacy of the late music legend.
Das, who had known Zubeen for more than two decades, recalled his early memories vividly. “He was just a simple, soft-spoken boy when I first met him — full of restless energy, always humming tunes. He could pick up any instrument, any rhythm, and turn it into something magical. But what stood out most was his humility. Despite his fame, Zubeen never carried an ego. He could be sitting on the ground with villagers one day and on stage...
Along with the rest of Assam, the people of Nazira observed Kati Bihu today with devotion and traditional fervor. The festival, which marks a crucial phase in the agricultural calendar, was celebrated with prayers for a prosperous harvest and protection from natural calamities.
As the sun set, households across Nazira lit earthen lamps (chakis) before Tulsi plants and in the paddy fields, symbolizing hope and reverence for nature’s bounty. The flickering lights illuminated the night, reflecting the community’s collective faith in a good harvest season.
Also known as Kongali Bihu, Kati Bihu is a more solemn and reflective celebration compared to other Bihus, emphasizing austerity,...
Students from the North-East (excluding Assam) showcased their passion and knowledge for wildlife conservation at the Wild Wisdom Global Challenge (WWGC) 2025, WWF-India’s flagship wildlife quiz that has been inspiring young minds since 2008.
This year’s 18th edition, themed “Incredible Insects”, explored the fascinating world of insects – from butterflies and moths to bees, grasshoppers, mantises, and dragonflies. The challenge, designed for students in grades 6 to 9, combined interactive learning through webinars, informative resources, and a new BioBlitz initiative, encouraging children to connect with nature and understand their role in conserving biodiversity.
Over 400,000...
October 14, 2025 - Students from Sarala Birla Gyan Jyoti School emerged victorious in the Assam State finale of the Wild Wisdom Global Challenge, defeating competitors from 109 other schools in what organizers called one of the most competitive rounds in the program's 18-year history.
The competition, held at Miles Bronson Residential School in Guwahati, saw participation from 220 students representing schools from across the state. Ashwin Anand of Class 9 and Anubhadipta Boruah of Class 8 from the winning school will advance to represent Assam in the zonal round of India's largest wildlife quiz competition.
STATEWIDE PARTICIPATION REACHES RECORD LEVELS
This year's competition...
As part of the observance of Anna Sewa Din, Smt. Pratibha Meshram, Co-district Commissioner, Nazira, and Sri Kalyan Jyoti Hazarika, Assistant Director (i/c), Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, conducted an extensive inspection of various Fair Price Shops (FPS) under Nazira Co-district on Day 4 of the programme. The inspection was carried out in the presence of departmental officials with the objective of ensuring the proper and transparent distribution of food grains under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY).
During the visit, the officials thoroughly verified the stock registers, distribution records, and other related documents maintained by the FPS...
The Rongmei community of Guwahati came together to celebrate its 7th Charuangc Khatni Zawthanh Kariumei 2025 (Cultural and Freshers’ Meet) under the theme “Reaffirming Identity, Shaping Futures” at the Maniram Dewan Trade Centre Auditorium on Thursday.
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from Rongmei residents and freshers from across the city. The celebration was graced by Chief Guest Chaitali Panmei, IRS (Retd.), former Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax, North Eastern Region, and Guest of Honour Rev. T.P. Mordecai, Associate Secretary, EFI North East. Both dignitaries inspired the gathering with their reflections on the importance of cultural identity and...
A devastating accident at the Ennore Thermal Power construction site in Tamil Nadu claimed the lives of nine workers from Assam and nearby regions on Tuesday, after a steel arch collapsed.
TANGEDCO Chairman Dr. J. Radhakrishnan confirmed that one worker was critically injured, while over 10 others sustained serious injuries and were admitted to Stanley Government Hospital in North Chennai. BHEL officials have reached the site as rescue operations continue. Police said the exact cause of the collapse is under investigation.
Meanwhile, in a separate incident in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, six workers died and six others were injured when the roof of a private steel plant collapsed in the...
A standoff between taxi unions from Assam and Meghalaya has disrupted travel for hundreds of tourists at the Jorabat border near Guwahati. The confrontation began when the All Khasi Meghalaya Tourist Taxi Association (AKMTTA) initiated a blockade, preventing Assam-registered taxis from entering Meghalaya. The AKMTTA cited concerns over the livelihoods of local drivers, alleging that the influx of Assam-based taxis was adversely affecting their business.
In retaliation, Assam's Motor Parivan Sewakarmi Sanmilita Mancha organized a strike, halting vehicles from Meghalaya at key transit points, including Guwahati Railway Station, Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, and the...
The Assam Royal Global University (RGU) successfully hosted a two-day national conference on September 15–16 titled “Resilient Futures: Indian Knowledge Systems for Energy, Sustainability, and Climate Action.” In a significant step towards promoting regional languages in higher education, the entire event was conducted in Assamese.
The conference was inaugurated with a ceremonial lamp-lighting, where Chief Guest Dr. Hirak Ranjan Das, Innovation Manager, AICTE (NER), emphasized the relevance of indigenous knowledge in shaping sustainable futures. Coordinator Dr. Saswati Bordoloi noted that AICTE-VAANI seeks to revive Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) while giving voice to diverse...
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