Dimapur and Kohima DPDBs review hostels, waste management, TB support, governance and infrastructure during DPDB meetings.
DIMAPUR — The monthly district planning and development boards (DPDB) meetings of Dimapur and Kohima were held on September 23 and 22, respectively, to deliberate on urban sanitation, regulatory frameworks, disaster mitigation, and various developmental initiatives.
The monthly meeting of the Dimapur DPDB was held at the deputy commissioner’s (DC) conference hall, Dimapur, on Wednesday, chaired by Hekani Jakhalu Kense, Advisor for Industries & Commerce, while Dr. Tinojongshi Chang, Deputy Commissioner (DC) and Vice Chairman, DPDB, Dimapur, initiated the meeting.
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Sanitation and Reform Utsav in Dimapur
Stating that sanitation is a shared responsibility, Jakhalu called for collective action from government departments, urban local bodies and citizens to make Dimapur cleaner and healthier, according to a DIPR report.
She noted that clogged drains and indiscriminate dumping of waste had worsened the city’s sanitation challenges, adding that the issue affected not only the environment but also public health and quality of life. She appealed to all departments to make sustained efforts towards creating a cleaner district.
Dr. Chang informed that under the Solid Waste Management Rules, the district administration had been entrusted with monitoring sanitation through monthly online reporting.
He said segregation of waste at source remained below 10 per cent in the district and called upon all DPDB members to incorporate sanitation awareness into departmental programmes and village outreach activities.
The DC also proposed that Dimapur Municipal Council and East Dimapur Town Council make presentations at the next DPDB meeting on waste management practices, challenges and measures required to improve segregation and achieve sanitation targets.
During the discussion on Reform Utsav, a citizen-centric governance reform initiative, the DC stated that the initiative aims to listen to citizens and prepare actionable reform plans through a bottom-up approach.
The district-level activities would focus on awareness, bottom-up participation, implementation and delivery of services, commitment and monitoring, followed by action on issues raised by citizens. Around 21 departments are involved in the reform process.
Dr. Diana Patton, ADC Dimapur, explained that the campaign would officially commence on October 2 and continue through December. At the present stage, departments are carrying out awareness activities at village and ward levels involving ward authorities, village councils, urban local bodies and educational institutions.
Regulations for private hostels
A proposal for district-wide verification, registration and joint inspection of private students’ hostels operating in Dimapur was also discussed. The discussion followed observations and recommendations submitted by a vigilance committee constituted under the Naga Council, Dimapur.
The committee reportedly found lapses in some private hostels, including the absence of clear operational guidelines, unrestricted movement of students and instances where boys and girls were accommodated within the same compound.
The district education officer (DEO) informed the meeting that there was currently no specific regulation under the School Education department governing the establishment and operation of private hostels.
Applications were processed through field verification and issuance of no objection certificates (NOCs), but there was no systematic mechanism for maintaining records or conducting periodic inspections of hostels.
The DEO further stated that the department had already written to the principal director, School Education, seeking regulations for setting up private hostels. He suggested that verification of existing hostels would be useful, particularly as the number of such establishments had increased.
Members also raised concerns regarding the safety, supervision, hygiene and overall environment in private hostels, particularly those operating from buildings without adequate outdoor facilities.
The house noted that district-wide inspection should be based on clear regulations and a standard checklist rather than arbitrary assessments. It was suggested that the matter be forwarded to the departments concerned at the state level for the formulation of comprehensive guidelines.
The DPDB decided to take up the matter with the departments concerned and work towards establishing appropriate guidelines for registration, verification and inspection of private students’ hostels in Dimapur.
Registration of unions and societies
The board also discussed the need for proper verification of unions, societies and welfare organisations before registration, with a view to safeguarding small businesses and protecting public interest.
During the meeting, it was informed that the district administration had received representations regarding the registration of various unions and societies and their activities after registration.
Officials observed that while many organisations fulfilled the existing requirements under the Society Registration Act, some organisations were reportedly engaging in activities beyond their stated objectives, affecting businesses and the general public.
Members also raised concerns over the mushrooming of unions and associations in different localities and the collection of various fees or charges from businesses.
The need for clearer and stricter regulations was raised to prevent misuse of registration provisions and protect businesses from unwarranted demands.
The board also discussed the need for periodic renewal and verification of registered societies. It was suggested that clear guidelines and a uniform checklist be issued by the Home department so that district administrations could follow standard procedures while processing applications.
It was also suggested that organisations seeking registration in areas connected with specific departments should obtain an NOC from the department concerned wherever necessary. Members felt this would help prevent duplication of organisations and ensure proper coordination with relevant departments.
Support for TB patients
Following a PowerPoint presentation on TB Mukt Bharat by the district tuberculosis officer, Dimapur, the ADC called for greater participation from government departments and all sections of society to support people undergoing TB treatment.
Patton highlighted the need to strengthen efforts to identify and support TB patients, particularly in areas with a higher concentration of cases. She urged government officers to encourage their respective departments to participate voluntarily in the initiative and extend nutritional and other necessary support to TB patients.
During the discussion, Jakhalu suggested that the initiative should be taken up department-wise rather than limiting participation to officers attending the meeting.
Jakhalu also suggested that each department could identify interested members and compile their details so that the coordinator concerned could follow up and acknowledge their support.
The ADC informed that the initiative is open to government employees, elected representatives, business establishments, civil society organisations, churches, NGOs, youth and student groups, educational institutions, self-help groups and other organisations.
Contribution forms were distributed to facilitate participation. The minimum contribution was stated as INR 500 for a minimum period of six months.
The DC also informed the meeting that a blood donation drive would be held at Emmanuel College on October 1 and encouraged those willing to donate blood to participate. The college would facilitate and support those wishing to donate.
He further informed that the Government of India is selling subsidised onions at INR 35 per kilogram in Dimapur through MARCOFED (Nagaland State Cooperative Marketing and Consumers’ Federation Ltd.) in coordination with central agencies including the National Cooperative Consumers Federation (NCCF) and National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd. as part of the Price Stabilisation Fund drive. He requested people to avail themselves of the initiative.
Kohima DPDB reviews development issues
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The Kohima DPDB meeting was chaired by DC B Henok Buchem in the presence of the Chairman of Kohima DPDB and Advisor for School Education Dr. Kekhrielhoulie Yhome at DPDB Hall, Kohima, on September 22.
The board felicitated R Ronald Meru, a teacher at Government Higher Secondary School, Sechü-Zubza, who received the National Teachers’ Award 2026. He was honoured with a citation and cash award.
The Board also discussed the proposal for shifting Bumble Bee Inclusive School and agreed to recommend the proposal.
On the Ni-kshay Mitra Initiative 2026, the board decided to organise a donation drive to support economically weaker TB patients. Members were encouraged to support one or more patients, with assistance of INR 500 per month for six months required for each patient.
Dr. Yhome said funds from the common pool would also be utilised for the initiative and stressed the need to identify and streamline assistance to genuinely needy patients.
Discussing Reform Utsav 2026, a presentation was made, and district departments were directed to submit their respective reform measures by October 5.
Roads, water supply and waste management
The board also discussed maintenance and restoration of roads under NH-29. Executive Engineer (EE) of the Public Works Department (PWD) (Roads and Bridges) Wapang proposed maintenance of the 18-km stretch from Ayush Hospital, Sakhabama, to Pudunamei via Kezoma for heavy motor vehicles, and the road from NH-02 Phesama Junction to NH-02 Kipfuzha for light motor vehicles.
The board agreed to recommend the proposals to National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL).
Dr. Yhome directed that a meeting be held with contractors and companies executing road works to ensure compliance with maintenance provisions and proper deposit of labour cess in the state.
EE of Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) Neilhoukholie Chielie presented an overview of the Mima Water Supply Facility, covering technical and operational aspects, power supply, natural factors, manpower and logistical challenges, asset maintenance and the water treatment plant. He highlighted that the project is power-dependent.
A presentation was also made on the Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan 2026 for Kohima, covering source segregation, waste-stream categorisation, the target of making dumpsites free, and the five waste pathways.
The DC reminded bulk waste generators (BWGs), including institutions and establishments, of their responsibilities. Establishments with a floor area of 20,000 square metres or more, water consumption of 40,000 litres per day or more, or generation of 100 kg or more of solid waste per day fall under the prescribed criteria.
BWGs are required to segregate and hand over dry, sanitary and special-care waste to the local body, while wet waste may be processed through composting, biomethanation or other approved technologies.
From the District Disaster Management Authority, Victor Yhome presented an action-taken report on disasters reported at Lower Chandmari, Phesama-Kisama Road, Khonoma village, Mezoma-Dzüdzüa road, D Block Colony, Zarü Bridge and other locations.
The DC further reminded officers to submit nominations of deserving personnel for the Kohima District Award for Distinction in Public Service. It was also decided that the Lead Bank Manager would make a PowerPoint presentation at the next DPDB meeting.