Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industries flags poor road conditions in Dimapur municipality

DIMAPUR — The Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industries (DCCI) has raised concerns over the deteriorating condition of roads under the Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC), stating that it is severely hampering trade, transport, and daily business operations.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the DCCI described the current state of municipal roads as “deplorable,” highlighting that poor connectivity is causing inconvenience to both the public and the business community.

The DCCI noted that despite the regular collection of taxes and fees—such as parking fees, trade license fees, market tolls, sanitation charges, advertisement tax, and commercial vehicle levies—there has been no visible improvement or maintenance of road infrastructure. This neglect, it said, has affected business efficiency, customer footfall, and timely delivery of goods and services.

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The statement referenced the Nagaland Municipal Act, 2023, noting that Section 124 empowers municipal councils to levy taxes and fees, Section 90 mandates that municipal funds be applied toward obligatory civic duties, and Section 61 explicitly lists maintenance of public roads as a statutory responsibility.

“Despite this statutory framework, there has been a glaring failure on the part of DMC to fulfill its obligatory duty of road repair and maintenance, leading to a direct violation of the mandate of the Act,” it said.

The DCCI also called for reforms in the parking tax system, pointing out that while parking at New Market costs INR 20 per day, parking in other areas is charged at INR 20 for two hours. It said a uniform system would reduce financial burdens on citizens.

Further, the trade body urged the DMC’s CEO and chairman to utilise regular municipal employees for day-to-day operations, instead of relying on outsiders.

The statement cited complaints received by DCCI’s Grievances Cell of a syndicate system operating within the municipal office, while pointing out that the state government has abolished the lease system for municipal and town councils.

Describing the lack of accountability in the utilisation of municipal funds for essential civic works as “frustrating” for both the business community and general citizens, the DCCI called for urgent corrective action.