Facing the new wave: Lessons from the pandemic and the road ahead

The recent resurgence of Covid-19, as reported across national dailies and television channels, evokes vivid memories of 2020—a year indelibly etched in our collective experience. I was then entrusted by the State Government with the formidable task of overseeing preparedness and leading the response to the advancing pandemic. Though the virus first emerged in Asia, by the time it reached Nagaland, it had already swept across continents. In a curious reversal, while we often say “the sun rises in the East,” Covid-19 reached us from the West, through the Dimapur Gateway. From the initial stages of planning to the thick of frontline response, we were caught in a hectic schedule—an unrelenting effort that left scant time for rest. For over six grueling months spanning the first and second waves, our days and nights blurred into one, with barely three to four hours of sleep at best.
During the first wave, our immediate focus was on enforcing lockdowns, regulating essential supplies, and facilitating the return of citizens stranded across India. The challenge was immense: nearly 18,000 returnees arrived, out of which about 60% returnees are from Dimapur. Those who tested positive hailed from other districts had to be retained at Dimapur, while those testing negative were forwarded to their home districts.
Team Dimapur swiftly set up about 58 quarantine centres across Dimapur, Chümoukedima, Niuland, Medziphema, and it’s headquarter at Agri-Expo. Diphuphar with a collective hosting capacity of more than 3,000. Inside these centres, we provided basic necessities such as accommodation, meals, water, electricity—and coordinated timely testing. However, maintaining order proved difficult. Law and order problems were frequent, particularly from some individuals struggling with alcoholism or drug addiction. News from the centres was rarely encouraging. As fear gripped communities, villages and neighbourhoods began enforcing their own lockdowns. Sadly, health workers often faced discrimination, and sone families were reluctant to welcome home their own returning children, relatives even after they had completed quarantine.
The second wave proved the most devastating period. Patients deteriorated rapidly, often becoming breathless without warning. Hospitals faced acute shortages—of oxygen supplies, ICU beds, and trained personnel. The mounting death toll meant that many families were denied the comfort of proper farewells. Even pastors and church workers could not attend funerals. Yet, amidst the heartbreak, many rose to the occasion. The Health and Family Welfare, Administration, Police Department, NGOs, church workers, and, most notably, the dedicated Home Guards personnel who carried the bodies of Covid victims—all deserve our deepest gratitude. Their courage and service stood as beacons of hope during those darkest days.
Beyond the virus itself, I remain convinced that fear, anxiety, and stress claimed many lives. My earnest advice is this: do not panic, but remain vigilant. Follow health protocols and act with informed caution. As I repeatedly reminded the public during those critical days, Covid-19 is likely to persist until a definitive cure or permanent solution is found. But we must face it with resolve and not surrender to despair. The recent report of seven Covid-related deaths in India within 24 hours is indeed sobering. However, it is crucial to maintain perspective. Each day, over 500 lives are lost to road accidents in India—a persistent and far greater toll. Even in Nagaland, road fatalities are rising with the expansion of new highways, particularly along the Chümoukedima stretch and in Dimapur. This alarming trend rarely receives the urgency it demands. The comparison is not meant to diminish the gravity of Covid-19, but to underscore the need for a balanced, proactive approach to public safety across all spheres.
As we confront this new wave, let us draw strength from the hard-earned lessons of the past. May we perform our duties with renewed diligence and continue to exercise caution. With resilience and unity, we can face whatever lies ahead with greater strength and solidarity.
Y. Kikheto Sema, IAS
New Minister Hill, Kohima