Dimapur Airport drainage project crawls at 3.38%, says Ministry of Jal Shakti report

KOHIMA — The drainage project aimed at addressing recurring flooding at Dimapur Airport has recorded only 3.38% progress during 2024–25, according to the Ministry of Jal Shakti’s annual report 2025–26.

The Brahmaputra Board is implementing the ‘Development of Dimapur Airport Drainage Scheme Phase IV’ at an estimated cost of INR 24.87 crore.

Flooding and waterlogging have repeatedly disrupted flight operations at the state’s only airport. In July 2025, flights were suspended after heavy rainfall inundated the runway and parking areas.

The report attributed the problem largely to heavy runoff from the Sugar Mill Nallah, which passes through the airport’s operational area, and flagged the need for regular de-silting of an approximately 8 km external storm water drain towards Aoyimti village.

In view of the situation, the Nagaland government has sought financial support from the Ministry of Jal Shakti to address the drainage problem. The ministry, in turn, has asked the Brahmaputra Board to explore the feasibility of taking up the project under its River Basin Management Scheme in coordination with the state government.

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The report also noted that works for pollution abatement of the Diphu and Dhansiri rivers in Dimapur have been sanctioned under the National River Conservation Plan at an estimated cost of INR 78.65 crore, with a 25.43 MLD sewage treatment plant already commissioned.