Achumbemo Kikon MLA of 40 Bhandari A/C and chairman of SDPDB Bhandari said that no one has the right to interfere or hinder developmental activities undertaken within the ancestral land.
He made this remark while reviewing the recent confrontation between the public of Old Ralan and the Central Reserved Police Force, (CRPF) stationed at DAB area, at the SDPDB meeting held on March 10.
Supplementing to the MLA’s remark, Tsenthungo E.Ngullie, BM Uriamghat, informed the house that tension arose when the CRPF tried to stop installation of Solar Pannel by the IOCL technical experts, maintaining that the petrol pump was within the ancestral land of old Ralan village.
The Border Magistrate further said that Oil Station at Old Ralan village, was the only one in the area and was commissioned by the IOCL and has been the long felt need of the public after years of struggle.
At the meeting, the house also deliberated on the progress of the ongoing road construction work under Foothill Road Project, where PWD (R&B) Baghty Division informed that pertaining to Pangtong VR Junction to Merapani stretch, realignment may be initiated due to natural factors.
It was suggested that the road could be constructed along the upstream of Yangri river which would require fresh cutting of about 800 meters, and widening of existing road of around 1200 meters length, and construction of a bridge across the Yangri river.
In reply, Achumbemo said that road construction should be carried out by adhering to prescribed specification and work should be expedited for completion before the monsoon.
On the transfer of teachers, SDEO Bhandari, informed the SDEO Bhandari’s establishment faced challenges as some schools are being manned by one or two teachers, and that, some schools have acute shortage of teachers.
While highlighting departmental activities in the house, JE, Power, informed that work was in progress for installation of the 1.6 MVA Power transformer.
Assistant Conservator of Forest, Baghty Range, under the department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change also highlighted the house that the critically endangered species of Soft Shell Black Turtle, found at its natural habitat of Akuk and Mekukla area is further endangered due to minning activities, and added that while planning is underway for its protection and preservation, rejuvenation of soil conservation for wildlife preservation was equally important.
The meeting was chaired by ADC and vice chairman SDPDB, Bhandari, Longasen Lotha.
After the Planning Board meeting, Achumbemo Kikon inaugurated the newly constructed APMC Office, Bhandari, and Lotha Morung (Chumpo) constructed under State Plan 2023-24, Department of Arts & Culture, Government of Nagaland. He also flagged off the 5th edition of the Departmental Sports Week, Bhandari.