Zhaleo Rio responds to concerns over DMC operations

Adviser of Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Department, Zhaleo Rio, has clarified various issues being raised recently regarding the functioning of the Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC), including those related with sanitation services, regulation fees, parking infrastructure, and illegal market encroachments.
Speaking to media persons on the sidelines of the inspection by the NLA Committee on Environment and Climate Change here Friday, Zhaleo acknowledged public concerns over declining waste collection services and also spoke on the issue over hike of sanitation fee by DMC from Rs. 60 to Rs. 80 per month.
Zhaleo emphasized that garbage collection should ideally be a daily service. He assured that he would direct the concerned authorities to enhance and regularize waste management operations.
He reminded that electric self-unloading vehicles were already provided to enhance operations and expressed concern that if services were deteriorating despite these resources, then accountability must be enforced.
Enlightening on the rate hike for sanitation by DMC, Zhaleo pointed out that in Kohima the rate was as high as Rs. 200 per month and so DMC’s revised rate of Rs. 80 remains relatively modest in comparison.
Zhaleo however emphasized that hike in fees must be justified by service quality, and that public have the right to expect regular and efficient waste collection in return. Zhaleo assured that he would personally take up the matter with DMC to ensure that service delivery is improved to match the revised charges and urged the public to approach DMC directly for clarifications.
When asked about collection of “regulation fee” by DMC, Zhaleo clarified that as an Urban Local Body (ULB) operating under the Nagaland Municipal Act, the DMC has autonomous authority to collect certain fees.
On Rs.1,000 collected as “regulation fee” on wholesalers in Dimapur, Zhaleo clarified that while ULBs are empowered to collect utility and trade license fees, any additional charges must fall within the framework of the Municipal Act and must be carried out in consultation with the department.
On the long-pending demands for parking facilities in congested areas like Hazi Park and Hong Kong Market, Zhaleo admitted that a site inspection was undertaken and directive issued two years ago. He asked the newly elected urban body (DMC) to look into the matter. Zhaleo also stressed the importance of local-level planning and timely implementation of developmental programs by the civic body.
On the contentious issue of illegal allotments and encroachments in the Hong Kong Market area, Zhaleo reiterated his firm stance against any form of unlawful construction. He recalled previous eviction drives conducted in coordination with district authorities and assured that similar actions would be taken again if necessary to enforce regulation and restore public order.