Dimapur Urban Council Chairmen Federation (DUCCF) has filed Right to Information (RTI) applications against the Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC), Department of Youth Resources and Sports, and the Department of Urban Development on February 24, seeking transparency on various development projects and administrative matters.
DUCCF president Zasivikho Zakiesato, addressing a press conference at Hotel Grand Vista, Walford Colony, on Friday, informed that three committees, each led by a chairman and secretary, were formed to handle the RTI process.
Regarding the Urban Development Department, Zasivikho stated that the RTI sought details on all projects under the Dimapur Municipal jurisdiction from 2019 to 2024, upcoming projects, and the status of pending, completed, and abandoned works.
A separate letter was also submitted to the Nagaland Pollution Control Board (NPCB), urging action on air pollution and fund utilization under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP).
DUCCF executive member Makuran Rongmei highlighted that the RTI to DMC included 14 points, inquiring about excess recruitment of employees since 2015, hiring transparency, and delayed salary payments.
On the RTI filed against the Youth Resources and Sports department, DUCCF vice president Wochamo Yanthan stated that it focused on the long-pending Multi-Disciplinary Sports Complex (MDSC) in Dimapur.
The federation requested copies of the Detailed Project Report (DPR), tender notices, project costs, sanctioned amounts, and reasons for the project’s delay.
Zasivikho assured that all RTI responses would be made public and clarified that no political pressure had been exerted so far.
Regarding the Rs. 19.90 crore Dimapur Town Hall renovation and the Rs. 19 crore sanctioned for Dimapur Airport, he stated that DUCCF would examine the matter and file an RTI if necessary.
Expressing concern over Dimapur’s slow development, Zasivikho cited the incomplete NH-36 project, which has remained unfinished for over two years.
On the issue of various organizations carrying out inspections and raids on shops, he emphasized the need for student bodies and organizations to coordinate with authorities before conducting such inspections.
On prepaid electricity meters, he reiterated DUCCF, DGBU and GBUD (S)’s opposition, questioning whether government departments had cleared their own electricity dues, with some allegedly owing lakhs in unpaid bills. DUCCF also raised concerns about increasing electricity users without transformer upgrades.
Regarding Residential Sanitary Fees (RSF), DUCCF vice president Vikheto Chisho stated that discussions with DMC were ongoing, and the current collection rate of Rs. 60 would continue until a final decision was made. He noted that waste collection was currently limited to once a week, adding that DUCCF would propose terms and conditions to improve waste management.