Wokha, Kohima, and Mokokchung districts held their respective District Planning and Development Board (DPDB) meetings on Tuesday to deliberate on ongoing projects
Mhonbemo Humtsoe, Mhathung Yanthan, and others attending the
District Planning and Development Board meeting at the DC conference hall in
Wokha on Tuesday.
DIMAPUR — Wokha, Kohima, and Mokokchung
districts held their respective District Planning and Development Board (DPDB)
meetings on Tuesday to deliberate on ongoing projects, administrative concerns,
and proposals for infrastructural and institutional improvements.
Wokha: The Wokha
DPDB meeting was presided over by Vineet Kumar, Deputy Commissioner of Wokha
and Vice Chairman of the DPDB, Wokha.
The meeting was attended by the Chairman of the DPDB, MLA
Mhonbemo Humtsoe, and the Advisor for Agriculture, Mhathung Yanthan, among
other officials, a DIPR report stated.
The agenda of the meeting included updates on the
construction of National Highway-2, with the executive engineer from the Public
Works Department informing the gathering that the project is anticipated to be
completed by the following month.
The board emphasised the need for a thorough quality
inspection to be conducted in partnership with civil society organisations to
ensure standards are met. Additionally, brief discussions were held regarding
the ongoing construction of the Wokha-Merapani road.
The renaming of two educational institutions was another
significant agenda of the meeting. The proposal to rename Christian Model High
School to Pearl’s Christian Model School was discussed and approved for further
necessary action.
The proprietor of the institution narrated the background
and rationale for the renaming initiative. Similarly, the proposal to rename
Government Higher Secondary School, Wokha, to Lt. Mhondamo Memorial Government Higher
Secondary School was approved for further action.
Representatives from Lotha Hoho detailed the significance of
this proposal, emphasising Lt. Mhondamo Kithan’s contributions as the first
Lotha graduate from Scottish Church College, Kolkata, in 1948, and as the first
Education Minister of Nagaland. The renaming aims to honour his legacy and
impactful achievements for the Lotha community.
The Nagaland State Rural Livelihood Mission proposed a
project for silkworm (eri) production in the Englan Range, specifically
targeting villages such as Yikhum, Englan, and Riphyim.
Officials stressed the suitability of the climatic
conditions in these areas for silkworm cultivation and highlighted the
potential benefits for the 60-70 households already engaged in this activity.
The initiative is expected to promote financial inclusion, improve household
nutrition, and generate income for farmers.
Government support for capacity
building and the establishment of rearing farms was acknowledged.
Administrative challenges related to jurisdictional
boundaries were discussed for the purpose of reorganisation and enhancing
administrative efficiency.
Departments facing such issues were asked to submit
their reports to the DC office by the end of April. Both inter-district and intra-district
boundary issues were also considered.
District Sericulture Officer Yingsungbeni Ngullie delivered
a PowerPoint presentation on sericulture development in the district. She
provided a historical overview of the department, which has been operational
since 1968. She outlined the four varieties of silkworm reared in
Wokha—mulberry, tussar, eri, and muga—with eri being the most prevalent.
Advisor for Agriculture Mhathung Yanthan raised concerns
over the absenteeism of officers at their designated postings in subdivision
and block offices, stressing the inconvenience caused to the general public as
a result.
After the meeting, officials visited the nitrogen plant
under the Veterinary department at ‘0’ Point, Wokha, where they interacted with
officers and staff regarding infrastructure and activities. The Chief
Veterinary Officer, Dr. KN Zubemo Humtsoe, who holds an additional charge as
Zonal Project Officer, was commended for his dedication in maintaining and
renovating the plant under his personal initiative, ensuring a high standard of
operational efficiency.
Kohima: The
Kohima DPDB meeting was held at the DPDB Hall, Kohima, in the presence of MLA
and DPDB Chairman Dr. Tseilhoutuo Rhutso.
According to a DIPR report, the meeting was chaired by Deputy
Commissioner and DPDB Vice Chairman B Henok Buchem.
During the meeting, the Power department gave a departmental
PowerPoint presentation, highlighting the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana.
Under this scheme, rooftop solar systems are connected to the power grid, and
the government provides subsidies for installation. The current status of the
scheme in Nagaland was presented, along with guidelines on how to apply as a
beneficiary.
The department further discussed the benefits of smart
metering under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS). Both prepaid and
postpaid smart metering systems were explained, including their logic and
advantages.
Two societies made presentations for registration. Regarding
Kuotsu Solo Krotho, T Khel, Kohima, the board decided that the society must
first obtain a no objection letter or approval from their khel. The proposal
from Kohima District Badminton Association, Officer’s Hill, Kohima, was agreed
upon and forwarded by the board.
Concerning the proposal for the construction of the Rüvecha
Agri Link Road into a 2-lane road at Rüsoma village, the board resolved to seek
further inputs from the concerned department.
A PowerPoint presentation was made by All India Radio
(Akashvani) Kohima on "Janahit Yojanye – Ek Samiksha" (Public Welfare
Schemes – A Review).
Moamar Imsong, Transmission Executive at Akashvani Kohima,
spoke on the role, relevance, and history of Akashvani. He elaborated on its
geographical reach in Nagaland and its importance in preserving cultural and
linguistic diversity, as well as its accessibility and trustworthiness.
Moamar also highlighted the contributions of Akashvani
Kohima in the fields of education and entertainment, emphasising its continued
relevance in today’s digital age. He presented several recommendations for
government collaboration with AIR to better reach the public and build an
informed society.
Underscoring the significance of Akashvani, the DC informed
the board that certain departments are working together to develop a system
through which live updates on issues like landslides, weather, and traffic in
Kohima can be accessed via FM radio.
On behalf of the Kohima Football Association and the
Nagaland Football Association, senior football coach Roko Angami informed the
board about hosting the Dr. T Ao Football Tournament in Kohima from August 1 to
15. He sought the cooperation of all DPDB members in organising the event.
The DC urged full cooperation from all members assigned to
any responsibility. The board entrusted the Tourism Department with the
PowerPoint presentation for the upcoming DPDB meeting.
Mokokchung: The
monthly meeting of Mokokchung DPDB was held at the DC conference hall,
Mokokchung, under the chairmanship of Speaker NLA and Chairman DPDB Mokokchung,
Sharingain Longkumer.
Reviewing the minutes of the last meeting, the chairman
thanked all the members of the house for their support and contributions
towards the success of the Cherry Blossom Festival, held in the district
(Longkhum village) for the last two years.
Sharingain said that apart from the traditional festivals,
we must also encourage other festivals like the Cherry Blossom and Cucumber
Festivals, etc., in the district—not by replicating others but by bringing in
innovative ideas and creativity.
While discussing the agendas, Deputy Commissioner of
Mokokchung, Thsuvisie Phoji, elucidated on the preservation of the DC Bungalow,
Mokokchung, as a heritage building, which is a 145-year-old structure.
He said the building needs major renovation, but once it is
done, it would be an asset not only for the people of Mokokchung district but
for the people of the entire state. The house approved forwarding it to the
government for further steps.
Reports on preparedness for the long monsoon season were
given by the Department of PWD (National Highways and Road and Bridges), while
the status report of capital assets was provided by the Department of District
Soil and Conservation, Executive Engineer, PWD (NH), District Horticulture, and
Fire and Emergency Services.
