Patton visits flood affected areas, vows action on encroachments

In the aftermath of one of the worst flood situations witnessed in recent years, deputy chief minister Y. Patton on Saturday led a high-level team to inspect flood-hit areas in Dimapur, Chümoukedima, and Niuland districts.
The visit followed days of relentless rainfall that submerged large parts of the region, damaging infrastructure, displacing residents, and sparking urgent calls for drainage reforms and anti-encroachment measures.
Patton was accompanied by Rajya Sabha MP S. Phangnon Konyak, advisors– Kazheto Kinimi, H. Tovihoto Ayemi, A. Pangjung Jamir, engineers from the Water Resources Department, police personnel, and officials from the district administrations and Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA).
Patton informed that chief minister Neiphiu Rio, who was originally scheduled to lead the visit, could not attend due to unavoidable circumstances.
The inspection team covered severely affected areas including Nagarjan, Vilhume Colony, SM Colony, Burma Camp, Purana Bazaar, 2½ Mile, Dimapur Airport, Naga United Village, Old Showuba, and Model Village (5th Mile) among others.
Drainage & encroachment main cause, says Patton: Addressing the media following the inspection, Patton acknowledged that rampant encroachment and drainage blockage were among the key contributors to the recurring flood crisis. He stressed that while the state government was committed to addressing the issue, concrete action would follow only after receipt of detailed assessment reports from the respective districts.
“I want to appeal and request all those encroachers and buildings obstructing drainages to immediately clear them,” Patton said, warning that failure to comply voluntarily could lead to government-enforced demolition drives in collaboration with the administration and police.
He recalled his student days at Government Higher Secondary School Nagarjan and said such flooding was unheard of during the 1960s and 70s. “This is all human creation. Constructing homes over drainage lines and laying pipes in natural nallahs—such negligence has led to today’s disaster,” he remarked.
Patton directed the district administrations to act strictly against illegal encroachments, emphasizing that land allotment reports must be routed through the respective Deputy Commissioners and Commissioner of Police for appropriate action and called for community cooperation in resolving the crisis.
Emphasizing that the retreat of floodwaters does not mean the issue is resolved, Patton promised immediate follow-up once the inspection report is submitted.
He further urged citizens to report unauthorized construction on drains to avoid recurrence.
He also said full cooperation from colonies and local bodies would be critical in the coming weeks. If individuals do not comply, he warned that the government along with the administration and police may be compelled to take stern action, including demolition of illegal encroachments.
The deputy CM also noted that urban local body representatives, including newly elected councillors, had raised drainage concerns during their campaigns. While he refrained from assigning blame, he said discussions would be held with councillors and that directions had already been issued to colony councils.
“Since they are newly elected, we cannot blame them also. We have already given direction to the council members. So, we will discuss with those councillors also,” Patton stated.
On government relief and mitigation efforts, Patton said multiple schemes were underway through the Urban Development Department, NSDMA, and other departments. While specific district-wise fund allocation was still under consideration, he assured that the worst-affected areas, particularly Dimapur and Chümoukedima, would be given priority.
He added that initial emergency relief had already been disbursed, but more substantial financial assistance would be released after submission and approval of detailed damage reports.
At Naga United Village, residents highlighted the issue of illegal sand and gravel mining. DC Niuland, Sarah Jamir, informed that such mining activities had been declared illegal and violators would be fined Rs. 10,000 and had their vehicles seized. Patton directed similar enforcement measures be taken in Chümoukedima. He also instructed DCs to identify proper garbage disposal sites and streamline collection systems.
In response to reports of homes being washed away at Seitheke Basa, DC Chümoukedima Polan John informed that district officials and NSDMA teams had visited the affected families and provided immediate relief. A comprehensive damage report is being prepared for submission.
DC Dimapur Tinojogshi Chang appreciated the efforts of colony councils and encouraged them to submit damage and drainage reports to help formulate a long-term mitigation strategy. Chümoukedima officials reiterated the urgent need for a functional drainage network in the district.
The visit, which covered key urban and peri-urban flood-prone localities, signalled the government’s recognition of the gravity of the flood crisis and the need for systemic reforms to prevent recurrence.