DIMAPUR: DPDB Wokha chairman and advisor Mhathung Yanthan has directed the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. (NHIDCL) to complete the Wokha-Merapani National Highway within three months.
Chairing the DPDB meeting on August 11 at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall, Yanthan noted that the road condition was unsatisfactory and questioned contractors on delays and shortcomings. NHIDCL officials cited funding and maintenance challenges but assured that efforts would be made to keep the highway pothole free. Issues such as mudslides and landslides disrupting traffic flow were also deliberated. Yanthan instructed NHIDCL engineers and contractors to clear and complete the highway within three months, with progress updates to be submitted regularly. He further informed that NHIDCL officials and contractors would be called again in October for a final review.
The meeting, co chaired by vice chairman and DC Wokha K. Mhathung Tsanglao, was also attended by Mhonbemo Humtsoe MLA.
The session began with a review of previous agendas, where Yanthan expressed gratitude for the successful conduct of the Cabinet meeting at Doyang Tribal Circuit on August 6, thanking the district administration and allied departments for their support.
ADC Wokha Renbomo Ezung presented the committee’s identified location for the proposed District Hospital, which was placed before the house. The meeting also approved the LADP 2026 27 fund.
Discussion on the Banana Festival 2026 was held, with the decision that the festival will be organised on a biannual basis, meaning it will be held only next year.
Several departments presented reports. Excise & Prohibition Department, through Superintendent of Excise Wokha, reported 96 registered cases, 98 arrests, and fines amounting to approximately Rs. 1.29 lakh during 2025 26. Tourism Department highlighted opportunities and schemes to enhance tourist experiences, while the Nagaland Khadi & Village Industries Board presented its training programmes and activities.
Urban Department, represented by Er. Kesoweu Wetsah, deliberated on solid waste management, focusing on segregation and recycling practices. Officials from Lotha Hoho raised concerns over failure of water supply in Wokha Town, warning of its impact on multiple sectors. A detailed project report was submitted to Mhonbemo Humtsoe for further consideration.
Following the meeting, DPDB members undertook institutional visits to the District Jail Wokha and Governance Higher Secondary School Wokha.
DPDB chairman visits District Jail Wokha
As part of the institutional visit following the DPDB meeting, advisor and DPDB chairman Mhathung Yanthan, along with members, visited the District Jail Wokha where a short programme was held within the premises.
Addressing the gathering, Yanthan appealed to various departments to extend support and assistance towards the development of the jail. He expressed appreciation that the facilities were in order, noting the sanitation arrangements inside the cells and the overall cleanliness of the compound. He remarked that staying in jail should not always be viewed negatively, but rather as an opportunity for rehabilitation and transformation. It was noted that the jail currently houses a total of 29 prisoners.