DIMAPUR, AUG 11 (NPN): Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) has clarified that SASCI-funded works undertaken in Diphupar A and Seithekhiema areas of Chümoukedima were sanctioned for restoration of flood-damaged infrastructure and flash-flood mitigation, and not for comprehensive river-erosion protection.
The clarification came following what NSDMA described as factually incorrect information circulating in sections of the media and social media, which it said had created confusion among the public. NSDMA said it had completed three works sanctioned under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) Scheme within their approved scope and objectives.
The works include restoration of flood-damaged infrastructure from K Khel, Diphupar A, to Chümoukedima, completed from Diphupar A Gate up to K Khel; flash-flood mitigation work at Diphupar K Khel connecting Airport Road; and flash-flood mitigation work from Naga United Village, Ruve Khel, to Seithekhiema Basa.
According to NSDMA, the works were sanctioned to restore and protect vulnerable village road infrastructure, mitigate recurring flash-flood impacts and strengthen community resilience against disaster risks.
It categorically clarified that the projects were not sanctioned as river-erosion mitigation works, and reports or statements suggesting that the SASCI projects were intended for comprehensive river-erosion protection were incorrect and did not reflect their approved scope.
NSDMA further clarified that the works were executed departmentally by the Authority and were not awarded as contracts to any private firm or contractor. The interventions were undertaken in accordance with the approved departmental implementation mechanism, based on technical assessments, site conditions and disaster-risk mitigation requirements of the affected communities.
On river-erosion concerns in vulnerable areas in and around Chümoukedima, NSDMA said it was fully aware of the issue but maintained that comprehensive river-erosion mitigation required separate and technically appropriate interventions outside the scope of the present SASCI works.
It said river-erosion mitigation measures had accordingly been proposed separately under the Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA). The proposal is presently under consideration by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.
Subject to approval and sanction, appropriate river-erosion mitigation measures would be undertaken in identified vulnerable areas, NSDMA said.
The Authority reiterated its commitment to transparency, accountability and the safety and welfare of the people, and appealed to media organisations and social media users to verify facts and the sanctioned scope of works before publishing or circulating information that could create misunderstanding or apprehension among the public.
NSDMA also said it valued constructive public engagement and acknowledged the role of the media and community in matters of public interest.
Friday, September 4, 2026