Kevipodi Sophie takes over as Kohima District Planning and Development Board chairman

Kevipodi Sophie and others during the monthly DPDB meeting held at the DPDB Hall, Kohima, on Thursday.

• DIMAPUR — The monthly Kohima District Planning and Development Board (DPDB) meeting was held at the DPDB Hall, Kohima, on Thursday, with Deputy Commissioner (DC), Kohima, B Henok Buchem, chairing the session.
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• A DIPR report stated that the meeting marked a leadership transition with the official welcoming of Kevipodi Sophie, MLA, as the new DPDB chairman.
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• Buchem, on the occasion, extended his gratitude to the outgoing chairman, Dr. Tseilhoutuo Rhutso, MLA, appreciating his leadership and valuable contributions to the board. Welcoming the new chairman, the DC expressed hope for continued progress under his guidance.

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• MLA Sophie, in his address, thanked the state government for the trust placed in him and assured full support to the officers in implementing government policies. He called for sincerity and honesty among officials and affirmed his commitment to supporting all developmental initiatives.
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• A highlight of the meeting was the felicitation of Riya Gupta, the HSLC topper among government high schools in Kohima District. A student of Government High School, Chandmari, Riya follows in the footsteps of her elder sister, who received the same award last year.
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• Expressing gratitude, Riya thanked God, her teachers, her mother, and well-wishers, saying she was humbled and honoured to have received the recognition.
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• The board also deliberated on the proposal to upgrade Government Middle School Daklane to a government high school. Based on the District Education Officer (DEO) Kohima’s report confirming all necessary criteria were met, the board agreed to recommend the proposal.
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• Tourist officer Abigail Solo presented a PowerPoint presentation on the Tourism Department. She provided data on tourist arrivals and accommodations in Kohima, noting the pressure on existing infrastructure, with 40 hotels and 91 homestays currently operational.
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• Highlighting the significance of privatisation and communitisation of tourism assets, she shared updates on the 25th Hornbill Festival and ongoing projects including the Enopen Resort and Services Block at Khonoma, Kohima View Point and Aradura Hills trekking route, The Dawn Chalet at Chakhabama, and eco-tourism development at Jotsoma.
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• Abigail appealed for stronger coordination and strategic support to address challenges facing the department. DC Buchem noted the lack of a tourist-friendly environment in some areas and urged the department to initiate skill development programs.
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• He also emphasised the need for all departments to regularly update their websites and asked the relevant department to repair damaged drainage covers in Kohima town, citing risks to commuters.