Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio emphasized the urgent need to modernize Dimapur’s infrastructure to boost livability and economic growth while inaugurating the new Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) office at the Integrated Business Hub and Innovation Centre in Forest Colony, Dimapur on Friday.
Rio expressed optimism for the newly-elected DMC council, noting that ULB elections were successfully conducted despite numerous challenges. He mentioned that 25 ULBs were now operational, while 14 ULBs in the eastern region remained non-operational, assuring that Finance Commission funds would also be shared with the eastern region.
Rio lauded the increased participation of women in local governance, with 37% women representation in local bodies following the ULB elections, which saw eight women candidates win in the general category.
Rio assured continued financial support from the state government for urban local bodies (ULBs) and urged the DMC to implement revenue-generating systems like entry and exit taxes within the city. He also mentioned that the state government would deliberate on the future of toll gates, which were recently shut down.
He announced the release of Rs.36 crore in tied and untied funds to ULBs and urged councilors to use the funds for developmental projects that would benefit public welfare. Rio disclosed that the state government had allocated 10.74 acres of land for DMC’s new dumpsite and 9.41 acres for the East Dimapur Town Council (EDTC).
Acknowledging Dimapur’s significance as Nagaland’s commercial hub, he suggested allowing some shops and hotels to operate on Sundays, given the city’s role as a major transit point. However, he clarified that this proposal respected the Church’s religious observances, emphasizing a balance between commercial activity and Sunday worship.
Highlighting the importance of better urban management, Rio stressed the need for effective maintenance of public parks, tackling encroachment issues, and developing designated marketing and shopping areas to reduce traffic congestion.
In his speech, Labor, Skill Development & Employment, and Excise adviser Moatoshi Longkumer attributed the successful and peaceful conduct of the ULB election to the chief minister, claiming that his wisdom made the election a reality.
He highlighted the urgent requirements of Dimapur, which included improvement of roads, mitigation of recurrent floods, implementation of proper and comprehensive drainage system, flyover construction between Thahekhu and Nagarjan over railway tracks to ease traffic, and activation of bypass from Nagaland gate to Zion Hospital.
He requested the councilors To the councilors, he requested them to pass an order regarding market price regulation, so that the syndicate system could be eradicated, calling for taking of bold step in removing welfare societies in market areas.
Speaking on the occasion, Elections & Tribal Affairs adviser H Tovihoto Yepthomi remarked that DMC would not have been able to function properly without a proper office, and thanked the chief minister for providing the council with the new infrastructure.
With proper set-up and newly-elected councilors, he hoped that the new team would perform well and wished them. He said that the PDA government, despite facing many problems and difficulties, was able to conduct ULB election in the state, apart from eastern region, describing Rio as being instrumental in holding the election with 33% women reservation.
In his address, Investment & Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN) chairman Abu Metha said since the existing office of DMC was not in a good condition, the current space was identified to set up a temporary DMC office on the advice and guidance the chief minister.
Metha highlighted Dimapur’s vital role in shaping Nagaland’s future by describing the city as a “Mini India” and the gateway to ASEAN markets. He also noted the city’s vast economic potential but reminded that realizing Dimapur’s full potential as an economic hub will require the collective efforts of all its inhabitants.
Metha also noted that developing Dimapur as a commercial center, required infrastructural improvements, effective governance, and the active participation of the public were essential.
He also described the successful and peaceful conduct of the recently concluded ULB election as a major achievement for Naga people. DMC chairman Hukheto Yepthomi in his address, informed the chief minister on the problems faced by the council, such as revenue generation due to closure of vehicle entry fee and toll duties, which had limited the council’s ability to provide essential services and work on development projects.
He also dwelt on over-employment and non-functioning of the council for the past two decades and lamented that unless these issues were addressed with timely intervention of the state government, DMC would be left crippled.
The event, chaired by DMC councilor Kili N. Sumi, was also attended by PDA chairman and NDPP president Chingwang Konyak. A dedicatory prayer was offered by Rev. Dr. Lima Jamir, Associate Pastor of Dimapur Ao Baptist Arogo (DABA), while welcome address was delivered by DMC councillor I. Sentinuklu Jamir and a vote of thanks by DMC deputy chairperson Imlinaro Stephanie Ezung.