Drainage, land encroachment discussed at Dimapur DPDB meeting

DIMAPUR — The monthly Dimapur District Planning and Development Board (DPDB) meeting was held on Monday at the deputy commissioner’s conference hall, Dimapur, under the chairmanship of MLA and Advisor, Labour and Employment, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, and Excise Department, Moatoshi Longkumer.

According to a DIPR report, the Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur and Vice Chairman of the DPDB, Dr. Tinojongshi Chang, along with officials and members, deliberated on key developmental issues of the district.

In his address, Moatoshi expressed gratitude to the Commissioner of Police for her attention and cooperation in ensuring Dimapur’s safety. He highlighted the urgent need for collective efforts to improve the district, stressing that drainage remains the most pressing issue.

He directed the Urban Development Department to immediately take up maintenance work to address the problem.

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While reviewing the minutes of the previous meeting, Dr. Chang highlighted the pressing issue of land encroachment in key public areas, including Dimapur Airport, district hospital, and railway station.

He informed that a 10-member Committee had been constituted in 2023 to verify cases of encroachment in the drainage system within Dimapur district. In the latest review, the committee resolved to strengthen the committee by adding three new members—the Commissioner of Police, Dimapur; the Naga Council Dimapur; and the administrator of the East Dimapur Town Council.

The expanded committee has been tasked with preparing a comprehensive report on land encroachment across Dimapur to be submitted to the state government for further action.

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Dr. Chang also informed the house that responsibilities for the road sector have already been divided between the Public Works Department and the Urban Development Department for better management.

Chief Executive Officer of Dimapur Municipal Council, Thungchanbemo Tungoe, announced that “Run 4 Green Dimapur” will be held on September 27 to create awareness on environmental protection.

In the meeting, while discussing the implementation of the Nagaland Special Development Zone (NSDZ) in Dimapur district, the board members, along with civil society, discussed at length the criteria laid down by the state government and decided to submit a suggestion to the state government before the implementation.

The various agendas for the meeting also included several key points related to education, infrastructure, and development in Dimapur.

Under this, the board discussed the upgradation of Plus Mont Essors School and Rising Star Academy to Class VIII, registration of Earth Alliance Nagaland, opening of Raindrops School at Viola Colony, the issue of NOC for United Computer Institute Pvt. Ltd., and the proposal for government takeover of Public College on Burma Camp Road.

These agendas were discussed and recommended to the state government for approval.

A PowerPoint presentation was delivered by the Urban Development Department, while in the next DPDB meeting, the presentation will be delivered by the Veterinary Department and the Dimapur Municipal Council.

The members also welcomed four new members: Kevilenuo Solo (UDO), Dr. T Yrtovi Tuccu (CMO), Jevika Kiba (DEO DMP), and Keholeno Kennao (senior tourist officer).

On the sidelines of the DPDB meeting, the Drainage Encroachment Verification Committee, headed by the revenue officer, Dimapur, submitted its report and findings to the chairman, DPDB.

As per the findings, the house resolved to undertake a final spot verification soon and demolish those structures which encroached upon the natural flow of drainage in Dimapur.