DIMAPUR: The monthly meeting of the Kohima District Planning and Development Board (DPDB) for July was held at DPDB Hall, Kohima on July 29 under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner and Vice Chairman, DPDB Kohima, B. Henok Buchem. Advisor for School Education and chairman of Kohima DPDB, Dr. Kekhrielhoulie Yhome, also attended the meeting.
According to DIPR report, expressing concern over the increasing use of public roads and municipal areas for storage of construction materials and commercial activities, Dr. Yhome stressed the need to discourage indiscriminate dumping and encroachment on public spaces. He advocated scientific and sustainable handling of construction materials and urged entrepreneurs and business establishments to ensure that roads and municipal areas are not misused.
Referring to sanitation and drainage issues within Kohima town, Dr. Yhome highlighted the importance of community participation and accountability. He observed that while sanitation fees are collected, shop owners and residents must also take responsibility for keeping drains and surroundings clean. He urged greater public awareness and active involvement of ward councillors in ensuring proper upkeep of drains and preventing blockages.
The advisor also raised concern over landslides affecting various parts of the district and suggested surveys of vulnerable areas in coordination with concerned departments. He called for a review of highways and roads under maintenance contracts, recommending joint inspections involving executing agencies and village councils to ensure timely repairs and accountability.
On developmental activities, Dr. Yhome requested all departments to compile and submit details of schemes, projects and welfare activities being implemented so that the information could be consolidated into a public document, thereby enhancing transparency and awareness of government initiatives.
During the meeting, Chief Executive Officer, Kohima Municipal Council (KMC), Alemyapang Longchar, delivered a presentation on the implementation of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026. He highlighted provisions such as source segregation, door to door collection, recycling, scientific landfill management and the transition away from open dumping. Emphasis was laid on mandatory four stream segregation of waste at source-wet, dry, sanitary and special care waste. He also explained the concept of Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) and responsibilities of bulk waste generators in processing biodegradable waste through decentralized methods.
Deputy Commissioner Buchem directed all departments to submit details of projects implemented under their jurisdiction. Referring to allegations in sections of the media regarding the ongoing Census House Listing Operations, he instructed government employees to extend full cooperation to census officials, adding that no complaints had been received through the helpline numbers issued. He also asked all stakeholder departments under the road sector to remain prepared for any eventuality, particularly during the monsoon season.
The Board approved the proposal for shifting Bloomingdale Pre School to Kitsubozou Colony, recommended the Local Area Development Programme (LADP) 2026–2027 for six Assembly constituencies under Kohima district, and discussed institution of the Kohima DPDB Award to recognize outstanding government employees. The house also welcomed five new members to the Board.
