The Dimapur Urban Council Chairmen Federation has urged urgent fund release for drainage clearance to prevent flooding in vulnerable colonies ahead of the monsoon.
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DIMAPUR — With the monsoon approaching and after last year’s flash floods that caused loss of lives and property, the Dimapur Urban Council Chairmen Federation (DUCCF) on Thursday urged the state government to immediately release funds for emergency drainage clearance, warning of a repeat of flooding in vulnerable areas.
Addressing the media, DUCCF president Zasivikho Zakiesato said a Drainage Committee was constituted under the district administration, comprising civil society organisations, the Naga Council and GBs (Gaon Buras), and headed by the Revenue Officer as convener. He said the committee had completed its work and submitted its findings, and that the Dimapur District Disaster Management Authority forwarded the proposal to the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) in January 2026, but funds are yet to be released.
“All the paperwork and reports regarding which colonies are facing difficulties have already been prepared and submitted. So why is this fund not being released? Are we waiting to get flooded?” he questioned.
Zakiesato pointed out that drains across the town are clogged, largely due to garbage dumping, and warned that areas such as Medical Colony, United Colony, Kuda Village and Imkonglenden remain highly vulnerable to flooding during the rainy season.
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Appealing for immediate intervention, he said the funds are specifically meant for drainage clearance and urged the authorities to enable the district administration to begin cleaning works at the earliest.
He added that colony-level bodies have been assisting the municipal council, but said such efforts are limited. “From the DUCCF’s side, how much we can keep helping the Municipal Council,” he said, adding that workers are overstretched and public cooperation remains a challenge.
Acknowledging that the public often places the blame on the Dimapur Municipal Council for the waste situation in the city, he said citizens also need to act responsibly. He urged Colony GBs and chairmen to issue strict directives in their respective colonies and residences prohibiting the dumping of waste into drains, adding that consistent enforcement at the colony level could significantly improve conditions in Dimapur.
Flagging the Sunrise Colony dumping site, DUCCF referred to the National Green Tribunal petition seeking its closure and relocation, while noting that waste is currently being managed only at a minimal level to keep the town functional.
It further alleged that INR 9 crore had been sanctioned for a segregation plant, which is yet to become operational. “Who is responsible for this? Who has misused these funds?” Zakiesato questioned, adding that the plant could have generated employment and reduced waste if implemented.