Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, JUL 10 (NPN): Minister for Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) & Cooperation, N. Jacob Zhimomi, on Friday inaugurated the PHED Division Office at Niuland Headquarters and called upon citizens to extend full cooperation to the government in matters concerning land for developmental projects.
He cautioned that unnecessary disputes and compensation demands could hamper the progress of districts and the state.
Acknowledging the contribution of villages towards the establishment of Niuland headquarters, Jacob reminded that lands for settlement had originally been allotted free of cost by the government and urged people to not lose sight of the larger objective of development. He stressed that while aspirations and demands were legitimate, they should be pursued reasonably without obstructing public welfare.
Explaining categories of villages, the minister said traditional villages predate government recognition, permit villages were allotted land by the government, and others were established on purchased land.
He urged permit villages to cooperate with the government in developmental activities. Addressing contractors, he called for prioritising quality over profit, while also appealing to citizens to participate sincerely in livelihood and rehabilitation programmes.
Jacob further urged cooperation during the Census exercise, noting that accurate figures and ward demarcation were essential for Niuland to qualify for urban development grants and eventually establish a Town Council. He encouraged parents and elders to guide youth responsibly and support the district administration and police in building Niuland into a model district.
Deputy Commissioner T.L. Kuusumong Tikhir termed the inauguration another milestone in Niuland’s developmental journey and highlighted the district’s potential for planned urban growth under United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11.
He, however, pointed out that unresolved land ownership and boundary issues remained a major challenge, and announced that the administration would convene a meeting with village councils to address the matter amicably.
Presenting the technical report, Er. L. Leyang Khiamniungan, on behalf of the Chief Engineer, PHED, informed that the project was sanctioned at Rs. 185 lakh in December 2024 and tendered at Rs. 124 lakh.
Executed by M/s PROJEXON, the RCC building includes rainwater harvesting, electrification, laboratory facilities and office furniture. While inaugurated, the division is yet to become fully functional pending cadre revision and staff appointments.
The programme was chaired by Er. Nirie-e Nisa, Executive Engineer, PHED Rural Division, Dimapur, with dedicatory prayer by pastor Sumi Baptist Akukuhou, Niuland Town, Kughavi Zhimo, unveiling of the plaque by the minister, a special number by Ilo Zhimomi, and vote of thanks by Er. Bursenla Ao, Superintending Engineer, PHED Circle, Dimapur.