DIMAPUR: District Planning & Development Board (DPDB) meeting of Chümoukedima district was held at the DC’s Conference Hall on October 12, under the chairmanship of advisor for Urban Development and Municipal Affairs & DPDB chairman, Zhaleo Rio. Advisor for Industries & Commerce, Hekani Jakhalu also attended the meeting, a DIPR report stated.
Welcoming newly posted officers, Zhaleo observed that Chümoukedima, being a new district, offered both opportunities and challenges. He urged officers to work collectively for the district’s development and public welfare. He informed that the upgradation of the DC Conference Hall would be taken up by December and stressed the need for proper road maintenance, improved sanitation and better connectivity between Chümoukedima and Kohima, particularly ahead of the Hornbill Festival.
On society registration raised by the Chakhroma Public Organisation (CPO), Zhaleo said the DPDB shared the same view and would consider the demands. While discouraging proliferation of societies, he emphasised that genuine organisations should not be victimised.
Deputy Commissioner Polan John, while reviewing the previous meeting minutes, informed that the estimate for widening the road and constructing a drainage system from NH 29 to Chathe River at 7th Mile Model Village had been forwarded to PWD (R&B). He also apprised the house of the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise.
The DC further informed that the District Administration, in collaboration with the Department of Power, would organise a Seva Setu Camp from October 14 to 16 at the DC’s Office Complex to facilitate rooftop solar installations under the Prime Minister Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana.
Speaking on school upgradation, Hekani highlighted the shortage and distribution of teachers in government schools. While acknowledging financial constraints, she stressed that children should not suffer due to inadequate facilities. She also underscored Chümoukedima’s potential as a sericulture belt, calling for stronger market linkages and sustained departmental engagement with farmers.
After deliberation, the board recommended registration of the Old Boys Association of Sainik School, Ward 10, Chümoukedima. It also approved upgradation of Government High School, Dhansiripar to a Higher Secondary School and Government Middle School, Seitheke Basa to a Government High School. The board further recommended upgradation of the Health and Wellness Centre at Sovima to a Primary Health Centre.
On the issue of spelling, the house decided to recommend to the government that the name Chümoukedima be corrected and re notified with the letter “ü” formally recognised in official notifications.
The proposal for construction of a drainage system at Sovima Village was also taken up, with the house recommending the matter to PHED.
PowerPoint presentations were delivered on TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan and TB Ni kshay Mitra by District Tuberculosis Officer Dr. Mlato Shikhu, while District Sericulture Officer Mayanjala Walling presented an overview of schemes implemented by the department.
The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks from the chair.
