Nagaland: Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton inspects flood-hit areas, vows action against encroachments and drainage blockages

DIMAPUR — Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton conducted a field inspection of several flood-affected areas across Dimapur, Chümoukedima, and Niuland districts following heavy rains that triggered severe waterlogging and property damage.

He was accompanied by Rajya Sabha MP S Phangnon Konyak, Advisor for Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services Kazheto Kinimi, Advisor for Elections and Tribal Affairs H Tovihoto Ayemi, deputy commissioners of the three districts, and representatives from Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA), among others.

The inspection covered several locations, including Nagarjan Government Higher Secondary School area, Vilhume colony, SM colony, Burma Camp, Model colony at Purana Bazar, Dimapur Airport area near Olive Christian Hospital, Naga United village, Old Showuba Bridge area, Sukhato village in Niuland, Model village at 5th Mile, and a landslide-hit zone in Sovima village.

During the visit, colony council members raised serious concerns about rampant encroachments and drainage failures, urging the government to issue land ownership documents (patta) only after a thorough review.

While visiting the Government Higher Secondary School in Nagarjan—where he studied in the 1960s and ’70s—Patton recalled that such flooding was unheard of in the past. He blamed the current crisis on unchecked urban expansion, illegal construction over drains, and the blocking of natural water channels due to unregulated development. “This is a man-made disaster,” he said.

He directed the district administration to take immediate action against illegal encroachments and assured that the government would fully support and protect colonies during enforcement. Patton stressed that the issue must not be dismissed simply because floodwaters have receded, and assured the state’s commitment to address the situation before the next monsoon.

Necessary work will begin once a comprehensive inspection report is submitted to the government, he said, adding that NSDMA will assist in excavating clogged pipes and clearing blocked water channels. Patton also urged the public to report any ongoing construction over drainage systems, warning that such oversights could lead to future disasters.

At Naga United village, concerns were raised regarding illegal sand and gravel mining. Niuland Deputy Commissioner Sarah Jamir informed that strict orders have already been issued in her district, with violators facing fines of INR 10,000 and vehicle seizure. Patton instructed similar enforcement in Chümoukedima and called for a formal notification declaring such activities illegal.

He also directed that all encroachment-related reports be submitted through the respective deputy commissioners for timely action and called on local councils and residents to cooperate in resolving the issues.

Also read: Chief Secretary, NSDMA Advisor visit flood-hit Dimapur; ex-gratia paid to victims' families

Regarding waste management, Patton instructed DCs to ensure municipal bodies identify proper garbage disposal sites and streamline collection to prevent drain blockages and unsanitary conditions.

Dimapur DC Tinojongshi Chang thanked the colony councils for their active role and urged them to submit detailed reports to help the administration formulate a flood mitigation plan.

Colony representatives expressed gratitude to the deputy chief minister for his visit and hoped that it would lead to long-term solutions to recurring problems of flooding, drainage failure, and encroachment.

Speaking to media after the inspection, Patton said they had visited ten flood-affected sites and directed the administration and police to submit a comprehensive report to the government for Cabinet-level discussions.

When asked about strict measures following what many call one of the worst flood incidents in recent memory, Patton acknowledged the seriousness of the situation. While he stopped short of firm commitments pending the inspection report, he said the government would do its utmost to address the crisis.

He urged those who have encroached or built structures over drains to remove them immediately, saying such actions endanger entire communities.

On whether local councillors were adequately addressing the situation, he said they were newly elected and could not be solely blamed, but were directed to fulfil their responsibilities and not depend entirely on the government.

Regarding reports of 3–4 houses being washed away at Seitheke Basa, Chümoukedima DC informed that immediate relief funds had been provided. A detailed damage assessment report will soon be submitted to the government.

On action against non-compliant encroachers, Patton said the government expects local bodies to ensure cooperation. However, if individuals fail to comply, the administration and police will be compelled to take strict action, including demolition of illegal structures.

Read more: Dimapur wades through another deluge as officials blame encroachments and civic apathy