Wokha, Kohima, Mokokchung hold DPDB meetings

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• 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.
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• Wokha: The Wokha DPDB meeting was presided over by Vineet Kumar, Deputy Commissioner of Wokha and Vice Chairman of the DPDB, Wokha.
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• 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.
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• 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.
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• 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.

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• 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.
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• 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.
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• 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.
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• 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.
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• 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.
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• Government support for capacity building and the establishment of rearing farms was acknowledged.
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• Administrative challenges related to jurisdictional boundaries were discussed for the purpose of reorganisation and enhancing administrative efficiency.
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• 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.
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• 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.
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• 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.
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• 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.
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• Kohima: The Kohima DPDB meeting was held at the DPDB Hall, Kohima, in the presence of MLA and DPDB Chairman Dr. Tseilhoutuo Rhutso.
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• According to a DIPR report, the meeting was chaired by Deputy Commissioner and DPDB Vice Chairman B Henok Buchem.
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• 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.
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• 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.
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• 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.
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• 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.
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• A PowerPoint presentation was made by All India Radio (Akashvani) Kohima on "Janahit Yojanye – Ek Samiksha" (Public Welfare Schemes – A Review).
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• 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.
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• 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.
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• 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.
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• 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.
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• 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.
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• 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.
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• 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.
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• 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.
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• 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.
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• 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.
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• 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.