The District Planning and Development Board (DPDB) meetings of Wokha and Phek reviewed various departmental works.
DIMAPUR — The District Planning and Development Board (DPDB) meetings of Wokha and Phek districts were held on July 10, wherein members reviewed key developmental issues and department activities.
Wokha: In Wokha, the meeting was held at the Deputy Commissioner’s (DC) conference hall under the chairmanship of DPDB Chairman and Advisor Mhathung Yanthan, with MLA Mhonbemo Humtsoe in attendance. Vice Chairman of DPDB and DC Wokha, K Mhathung Tsanglao, co-chaired the session.
According to a DIPR update, the meeting began with a review of the previous month's agendas, where the drying up of the Etsutchukha water source pond was discussed and the need for Nagaland State Transport (NST) bus services in proposed locations was reiterated.
Discussions also focused on the maintenance of National Highway 2, where engineers informed that contractors have been given 15 days to repair and make the highway stretch pothole-free. Land encroachment along the highway was also deliberated.
Chichamo Shitiri from the Nagaland Nutrition Mission Foundation presented concerns regarding solid waste management at the Doyang Hydro Reservoir. He highlighted the accumulation of non-biodegradable debris in the dam and the impact of discarded fishing equipment, proposing the establishment of a recycling unit to address waste management and create awareness among farmers.
Three departments presented PowerPoint presentations. SDPO Wokha Sangthing Khiam spoke on the Police department. He highlighted the changing nature of crime, the establishment of a cyber cell in 2023, and helplines for reporting crimes: 1930 for financial fraud and 6009308204, 6009308205, and 7628903234 for drug trafficking. Shortages of police personnel, particularly women police officers, were also discussed.
Dr. Oben Yanthan presented for the Prison department, outlining its legal framework, organisational structure, and security infrastructure. He highlighted recreational and rehabilitation programmes, including counselling, therapy, livestock rearing, farming, sports, and fellowship activities. Wokha was noted as the first district to provide counselling and therapy to prisoners. Currently, there are 27 prisoners: 23 under trial and four convicted.
He stressed transforming lives and rebuilding futures, with success stories emerging from the initiatives. Advisor Mhathung Yanthan appreciated the efforts and appealed for departmental support.
The Assistant Labour Commissioner of Wokha, Neimenuo, presented on the Labour department, detailing its functions, responsibilities, and schemes. She highlighted the Nagaland Building and Other Construction Workers’ Welfare Board (NBOCWWB) statistics: total registration, 1,788; active, 763; inactive, 988; death claims, 8; scholarships (2025–2026), 630; maternity benefits, 5; medical benefits, 2; and tool grants, 768.
As part of institutional visits, DPDB members visited the District De-Addiction Centre (DDAC), Wokha, located in Chukitong town. Advisor Yanthan encouraged patients to remain determined and not lose hope, stressing the importance of rebuilding lives and creating positivity. He appealed to government departments to extend support to the centre. MLA Mhonbemo Humtsoe and DC Wokha also assured assistance.
The members further visited Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV), Wokha, located in Chukitong, and addressed challenges of poor road connectivity and low student enrolment. While the school has a capacity of 540 students, only 297 students are currently enrolled.
Phek: The Phek DPDB meeting was held under the chairmanship of the Minister for Power and Parliamentary Affairs and DPDB Chairman Phek, KG Kenye. DC Rhosietho Nguori chaired the meeting.
Addressing the meeting, the minister spoke concerning the government policy of decentralisation of the Planning and Development Board down to the district level and urged the members and officers to actively participate in the meetings.
Kenye also spoke concerning the development funds under the Urban Local Body in the district and encouraged the chairperson of the Phek Town Council to initiate developmental programmes.
He enquired about the law-and-order situation in the district, urging the district administration and police to remain alert and vigilant, noting that the district borders the state of Manipur.
Deliberating on the establishment of a radar at Pfutsero, DC Rhosietho Nguori and ADC Pfutsero Mhalo Lotha apprised the board that the establishment of the radar at Pfutsero is impossible, as expressed by the Pfutsero public. In this regard, the minister directed the ADC of Pfutsero to submit a report to the DC Phek to enable the state government to take an appropriate decision.
After a brief deliberation, the board formally approved the schemes under the Local Area Development Programmes (LADP) 2026-2027. The agenda for the proposal of schemes under the LADP was put up by the DC.
The meeting also discussed reports of marketing difficulties faced by cabbage growers of the Razeba Range. In this matter, DHO (Horti) Phek, Kelhouzakie Chielie, apprised the house that the State Horticulture department is seeking buyers for the sale and purchase of products, adding that 100 bags of cabbage had been purchased from the Razeba Range a few days prior.