Nagaland: Kikon stresses eco-friendly growth for Shamator

Chairperson of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly Committee on Environment and Climate Change, Achumbemo Kikon MLA, held a detailed interaction with Deputy Commissioner Chubatemjen and district officers at Shamator on Monday, focusing on town management, environmental protection and sustainable development.
During the meeting, Kikon stressed the need to develop Shamator, a newly established district headquarters, into a model eco-friendly township. He emphasised planned growth through coordinated efforts between the administration, elected representatives and the public.
Highlighting the importance of cleanliness, scientific waste disposal, reduced smoke and ash generation, and environmentally sustainable practices, Kikon said Shamator should be built better than older towns.
He urged officers posted in the district to leave behind a positive legacy through good governance, transparency and public cooperation. He assured full support from elected representatives, particularly in maintaining law and order and addressing issues requiring political intervention.
Kikon also reviewed concerns related to human-animal conflict, river management and fishing practices, calling for sustainable use of natural resources.
He stressed the need to prevent river pollution and regulate fishing and hunting based on seasonal and community resolutions to protect biodiversity.
Expressing concern over water scarcity, Kikon cautioned against indiscriminate boring of wells, which he said was causing traditional water sources to dry up. He urged the administration to prioritise natural water sources, rainwater harvesting and planned water distribution, while sensitising the public on the long-term risks of over-extraction of groundwater.
On climate change, the MLA noted that erratic rainfall patterns were now being felt locally and called for greater public awareness and administrative preparedness. He said environmental issues were no longer distant concerns but had reached people’s doorsteps, requiring immediate and collective action.
Kikon asked district officials to formally submit their key requirements, particularly related to water and energy, to the concerned departments with a copy marked to him. He assured that he would raise these issues at the government level and press for necessary support, while clarifying that he had no direct sanctioning authority.
He further stated that essential services and resources should not be affected by the absence of local body elections, mentioning that districts must receive their due facilities regardless of electoral delays.
Concluding the meeting, Kikon urged officers to renew their commitment in the New Year and work towards making Shamator a model district that others would aspire to emulate.
Separately, the MLA also interacted with the president and colleagues of the Shamator Town Public Forum, and later held discussions with representatives of the 11 Wards and two Colonies.
He highlighted the importance of public cooperation, civic responsibility and community participation in achieving sustainable development and good governance.