Nagaland: 5 organisations receive KDRS award

Kohima District Road Safety Committee (KDRSC) organised the 2nd edition of the Kohima District Road Safety (KDRS) Award–2026 in commemoration of National Road Safety Month at DPDB Hall, Kohima, on February 16.
This year’s awardees included Upper Jail Colony Panchayat, Jotsoma Youth Organisation, Kezoma Village Council, Naga Bazaar Youth Organisation, and personnel of the Integrated Command & Control Centre (ICCC). Each recipient was honoured with a citation and a cash prize of Rs. 10,000 for their contributions towards road safety.
Upper Jail Colony Panchayat was recognised for regulating roadside parking from Jail Colony junction to Assamese Church junction, leading to improved traffic flow. Jotsoma Youth Organisation was honoured for assisting the administration and public during landslides along NH-29 and managing traffic diversion through the Jotsoma Bypass Road during the last monsoon season. Kezoma Village Council was acknowledged for its cooperation during diversion of heavy vehicular traffic through its jurisdiction. Naga Bazaar Youth Organisation was cited for parking management and installation of barricades along the NHAK junction to Census Point route. ICCC personnel were recognised for their dedicated service in improving traffic management in Kohima town.
Chairman DPDB Kohima, Kevipodi Sophie MLA, in his speech, congratulated the awardees and noted that traffic congestion remained one of Kohima’s most pressing challenges. He emphasized that responsible citizenship required strong civic sense, particularly in proper parking and considerate overtaking practices. He lauded the role of youth organisations in assisting the administration and police in ensuring smoother traffic flow.
Deputy Commissioner and ex-officio chairman KDRSC, Henok Buchem, in his address, said that five outstanding groups were selected after careful consideration for their critical role in traffic management. He highlighted the cooperation of Kezoma Village Council during prolonged landslides along NH-2, and commended Jotsoma Youth Organisation for proactively managing traffic during disruptions along NH-29. He also acknowledged the exemplary service of Naga Bazaar Youth Organisation and Upper Jail Colony Panchayat, as well as the behind-the-scenes dedication of ICCC personnel, particularly during major events such as the Hornbill Festival.
Buchem expressed gratitude to all awardees and encouraged other colonies and organisations to emulate their example. He informed that the administration was drafting the Kohima Historic Transport Policy to strengthen traffic regulation and called for collective responsibility from village councils, colony authorities, transport associations and citizens.
The award, instituted by KDRSC, recognises individuals, groups, organisations and departments contributing towards road safety.