District Planning and Development Board meetings held in Wokha, Dimapur

DIMAPUR — The District Planning and Development Board (DPDB) meetings for Wokha and Dimapur districts were held on Wednesday, focusing on society registrations, infrastructure development, and community initiatives.

Wokha: The DPDB meeting for Wokha district was held at the Deputy Commissioner (DC) conference hall, Wokha.

The meeting was chaired by Deputy Chief Minister and Chairman of DPDB Wokha, Y Patton, and attended by Advisor for Agriculture Mhathung Yanthan, MLA Y Mhonbemo Humtsoe, Deputy Commissioner of Wokha Vineet Kumar, and Superintendent of Police Wokha, Relo Aye.

One of the key agendas discussed was the proposed development of Tsumang Lake. The proposal emphasised transforming the lake into a recreational hub, preventing land encroachment, improving sewage management to protect the water source, and promoting aquaculture.

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In response, Patton acknowledged that the redevelopment of Tsumang Lake has been under discussion for over a decade. He suggested that if government-related hurdles persist, the project may be handed over to the District Angler Wokha Nagaland (DAWN) for effective implementation and structural improvement.

The meeting also deliberated on the adoption of the National Highway Act 1956 for highway construction in Nagaland. Chairman of Lotha Hoho, Mhondamo Ovung, expressed that while the Act includes beneficial land compensation policies, it must be harmonised with Article 371(A) and the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013, to ensure that the rights and interests of the people are not compromised.

Another significant discussion centred on the acquisition of the Wokha Town Public Ground by the government. Lotha Hoho submitted a representation to the Board requesting transparency regarding the sanctioned amount, boundary demarcation, and acquisition rate.

DC Wokha informed that 4.2 acres had been purchased outright at the rate of INR 270 per square foot, and no encroachment had been detected. He added that the government intends to maintain two separate grounds—one for public gatherings and another exclusively for sports.

Patton reiterated that no encroachment should be tolerated on government-acquired land. A joint inspection involving Lotha Hoho and relevant departments will be conducted soon.

District Child Protection Officer Wokha, Moasenla Imchen, presented a proposal for the establishment of a shelter home in the district, citing the growing number of children in conflict with the law and the absence of a dedicated facility to house them.

Vineet Kumar also presented a review of the recently held Banana Festival. He highlighted the festival’s economic impact, market expansion, and the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding with research institutions.

Departments including Water Resources, PWD, and Roads and Bridges from Wokha and Baghty presented PowerPoint updates on ongoing and upcoming development projects across the district.

The meeting also observed Constitution Day with the reading of the Preamble of the Indian Constitution, led by DC Wokha.

Dimapur: The monthly meeting of the DPDB Dimapur was held at the DC conference hall, Dimapur, under the chairmanship of Dr. Tinojongshi Chang, DC and vice chairman of DPDB Dimapur.

According to a DIPR report, the Board agreed to recommend eight applicant societies for registration: Dimapur Sumi Baptist Church, The Family Tree, The Lovely Society, Shree Shree Laxmi Mandir (Naharbari), Street Vendors’ Association, MP & GS Road Business Welfare Society, Nagaland Safety Alliance for Everyone (N-SAFE), and the Business Consultancy Network.

For Grant-in-Aid, the Board resolved to forward the proposal for the completion of the semi-built Ignite Nest by the Can Youth to the government for further consideration.

Advisor for Tribal Affairs and Election, H Tovihoto Ayemi, encouraged line departments to actively bring forward their agendas for discussion. Commenting on the PowerPoint presentations made by the Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) and Chief Veterinary Officer during the meeting, he lauded the initiatives of the DMC and advised the Department of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry to strictly monitor checkpoints and remain vigilant against the entry of dead animals into the state.

Regarding African Swine Fever cases, the DC urged that any such cases be promptly reported to the administration, noting that government compensation provisions are available. He also reminded departments to extend necessary support for the upcoming Hornbill Night Carnival scheduled from December 6 to the 10th.

The Board also welcomed its new member, H Akavi Ayeh, drilling engineer, Department of Geology and Mining. The members observed National Constitution Day by taking a pledge.