DIMAPUR — The monthly District Planning & Development Board meeting of Zunheboto was held at the deputy commissioner’s conference hall on Thursday, under the chairmanship of the Deputy Commissioner Dharam Raj.

The meeting reviewed previous minutes and action reports, including the successful inter-departmental district tournament. It also addressed a spelling correction: "Sütsa" (previously "Sütsah"), as per the Sumi Literature Board. The update was forwarded to the relevant department, a DIPR report stated.

The meeting then proceeded to discuss the adoption of the National Highways Act, 1956 (amended in 2017), which came into force on August 1, 2017.

The deliberation on the adoption of the National Highways Act was the major agenda item discussed in the meeting. The deputy commissioner highlighted that the new act provides up to four times higher compensation to landowners compared to the previous Act.

Under Article 371(A), the state government currently acquires land on behalf of the central government. However, if the new act is adopted, the Centre will directly acquire land, ensuring greater transparency and efficiency in the process. To facilitate this, the DC invited discussions with tribal bodies to reach a consensus before forwarding the matter to the concerned authorities.

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The members discussed both the merits and demerits of the proposal. Some of the key points highlighted included, promoting transparency and efficiency in land acquisition, increasing compensation rates for landowners, and ensuring faster and more effective construction of national highways.

The board also emphasised the need for proper awareness campaigns to educate the public about the provisions of the new act.

Raj stressed that the purpose of the discussion was to educate and sensitise the people on the importance of embracing change for progress and development. He urged everyone to adopt a positive mindset towards new reforms that aim to benefit society as a whole.

DPDB Longleng deliberates on Taro Festival

The DPDB Longleng convened its monthly meeting at the DPDB hall, on Thursday, which was chaired by Deputy Commissioner W Manpai Phom.

The meeting commenced by reviewing the minutes of the previous DPDB meeting and addressing agendas raised by different departments, a DIPR report stated.

The DAO (Agri.) representing the Agri. & Allied Committee informed that new scheme actions will begin in the next financial year, but the house discussed submitting the action plan report in the next meeting.

The house resolved to include the Water Resources department in the Allied Committee. Another agenda discussed was the DPDB-cum-annual picnic. The house also resolved to contribute to Christmas decorations in Longleng town streets.

The board approved a verification committee proposal under LADP 2025-26 for the 49th A/C, Tamlu, and 50th A/C, Longleng. The board deliberated on the first edition of the Taro Festival in Pongo village, scheduled for December 5–6.

The horticulture officer briefed the house about the event, and an organising committee member from Pongo village detailed the programme. The DC urged the Agri. & allied departments to support the event and invited all HoDs to participate.

Nothongol Kera, Executive Engineer of PHED Longleng division, delivered a detailed PowerPoint presentation on the department’s activities and initiatives in various Longleng villages.