The DPDB Zunheboto meeting reviewed development proposals, eco-tourism initiatives, and education outreach during its April session.
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DIMAPUR — The District Planning and Development Board (DPDB) meetings for the month of April were held in Zunheboto on April 6 and in Tuensang on April 7.
Discusses development proposals
The DPDB Zunheboto meeting was held at the conference hall of the Deputy Commissioner’s Office. According to a DIPR report, the meeting was chaired by the DPDB Vice Chairperson and Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Zunheboto, Dharam Raj.
Addressing the board members, the DC stated that this would be his last meeting as DC and Vice Chairperson of Zunheboto, as he has been transferred to Tuensang district. He also reviewed previous agendas, including the registration of societies under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
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The proposal for Sumi Baptist Akukuhou Kuqhakulu (SBAK) Aizuto was approved and forwarded. Another proposal regarding the establishment of a new Sub-District Industries and Commerce Centre (SICC) at Suruhuto was also discussed.
N Toky Chishi, GM, DIC Zunheboto, stressed the importance of proper consultation with the concerned department before placing such proposals before the board, highlighting the need for careful site selection, feasibility assessment, and manpower planning.
The deputy commissioner also stressed that proposals should follow proper channels and procedures before being submitted to the board.
During the meeting, discussions highlighted the need to further strengthen the role of the DPDB as a planning and coordination body, with a focus on improving participation and ensuring comprehensive deliberation on development-related matters.
Despite these concerns, the DC appreciated the initiatives of the District Forest Office, particularly the “1st Satoi Connect: Connecting Forest, Community & Conservation” eco-tourism initiative organised by the Zunheboto Forest Division from March 26 to the 28th.
Obed Bohovi Swu, SFS, Divisional Forest Officer, highlighted that the initiative began during Wildlife Week on October 7, 2025, with the aim of promoting livelihoods through biodiversity conservation.
He noted that the Satoi range represents a unique virgin forest patch and acknowledged the support extended by the local MLA and Minister of Roads and Bridges, G Kaito Aye.
Although participation was initially capped at 150, a total of 81 participants attended due to accessibility challenges. Travel time to Satoi takes approximately five hours from Kohima and an additional two hours from Dimapur. Participants included representatives from organisations, media houses, students, and experts. He added that there are plans to organise the event annually.
Swu also highlighted the launch of Community Social Responsibility (ComSR), describing it as a model encouraging collective responsibility among community members for social welfare, environmental conservation, and infrastructure development.
Reflecting on his tenure, the DC noted that during his 11 months in Zunheboto, he initiated key programmes such as the adoption of a model village and an internship programme for college students.
Dr. R Bendangtemjen, Principal of Zunheboto Government College, acknowledged the DPDB and stated that participation has improved, with the number of departments involved in the Internship Programme increasing from four to five in 2025 to more than 12 departments at present.
The meeting also reviewed education-related matters. The DC stressed the need for improving awareness and outreach regarding student facilities, including residential hostels, and directed that proper advertisement be carried out through print media for wider dissemination of information.
He further underscored the importance of improving basic infrastructure and strengthening the overall functioning of institutions in the district.
Earlier, a representative from the District Education Office presented a PowerPoint during the meeting, highlighting ongoing programmes and areas for improvement.
Reviews Jal Jeevan Mission
The DPDB Tuensang held its monthly meeting at the DC Conference Hall, Tuensang, on Tuesday, under the chairmanship of Lithrongla Tongpi Rutsa, DC and Vice Chairman of DPDB Tuensang.
After reviewing the minutes of the last meeting, the board discussed and recommended the connection of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) water supply at the DEF office and staff quarters.
During the meeting, Dr. Akash Sinha, Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), District Executive Force (DEF) Tuensang, highlighted a few points on National Narcotics Coordination Portal and stated that, with the district being closer to the Myanmar Golden Triangle, DEF Tuensang has tackled drug movements and infiltrated supply routes.
He added that many drug users are students and stressed that stakeholders such as the Education department, administration, social welfare, medical sector, and the Church have an important role to play.
He further stated that youths involved in drug use should be treated as victims rather than accused individuals.
T Longlang Luckpan, DWO Tuensang, gave a detailed PowerPoint presentation on the National Social Assistance Program (NSAP), including Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme, Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme, Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme, and the schemes for the blind and scholarships for disabilities, which are currently being implemented in the district.
He also highlighted some challenges faced by the department in implementing schemes, such as difficulties in opening Aadhaar cards and bank accounts, and informed the board about an assignment camp held for senior citizens and differently-abled individuals in the district.
The deputy commissioner also requested all departments to conduct regular cleanliness drives in their respective office premises and surroundings and to participate in the pre-monsoon social work.