DIMAPUR: The District Planning and Development Board (DPDB) held its September meeting at the DC’s Conference Hall on September 10, chaired by advisor and DPDB chairman Mhathung Yanthan, with Deputy Commissioner and vice chairman K. Mhathung Tsanglao co chairing the proceedings.
According to a DIPR report, the session opened with an awareness address by secretary of the Social Welfare Department, Limawapang Jamir, who highlighted the upcoming Reform Utsav scheduled for October to December 2026. He urged active participation from all line departments, tribal bodies including the Lotha Hoho, Women Hoho (Eloe) and councillors to ensure successful implementation. A detailed presentation by the Joint Secretary outlined the objectives of the nationwide initiative of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, aimed at strengthening social welfare delivery systems, promoting inclusivity and ensuring effective outreach to marginalized communities.
The DC assured full cooperation across the district and subdivisions, while the secretary encouraged elected members to contribute suggestions for policy formation.
The meeting also deliberated on the creation of a District Sports Fund to support athletes, provide financial assistance, and encourage participation in state level events.
A major highlight was the launch of a toll free wildlife helpline by Divisional Forest Officer Suman Shivashankar. The number, 1800 202 0878, will serve as a dedicated control room to respond to emergencies such as elephants entering villages, crop and property damage, injured wildlife and compensation queries. The initiative is sponsored under the Forest & Biodiversity Management in the Himalaya (Nagaland) Project by the Department of Environment, Forests & Climate Change.
Further presentations were made by the Land Resources Department, highlighting ongoing schemes and by Mount Tiyi College, where the principal shared the institution’s history, academic programmes, enrolment figures, performance records and a proposal to introduce a Science stream at the undergraduate level. The District Programme Officer of DAPCU, Lichumo Odyuo, also presented the current status of HIV/AIDS and infection rates in Wokha district.
As part of the institutional visit, the DPDB chairman and members toured Fernbrook School Wokha, interacting with faculty and students while reviewing the school’s progress and challenges.
Friday, September 11, 2026