The District Planning and Development Board (DPDB) meeting for the month of April was held at the Conference Hall, Deputy Commissioner’s Office, Zunheboto, on April 6, 2025. The meeting was chaired by DPDB Vice Chairperson and Deputy Commissioner of Zunheboto, Dharam Raj, IAS.
Addressing the board members, the Deputy Commissioner stated that this would be his last meeting as DC and Vice Chairperson of Zunheboto, as he has been transferred to Tuensang district. He also reviewed previous agendas, including the registration of societies under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
The proposal for Sumi Baptist Akukuhou Kuqhakulu (SBAK) Aizuto was approved and forwarded. Another proposal regarding the establishment of a new Sub-District Industries and Commerce Center (SIDC) at Suruhuto was also discussed. Er N. Toky Chishi, GM, DIC Zunheboto, emphasized the importance of proper consultation with the concerned department before placing such proposals before the board, highlighting the need for careful site selection, feasibility assessment, and manpower planning.
The Deputy Commissioner also stressed that proposals should follow proper channels and procedures before being submitted to the board.
During the meeting, discussions highlighted the need to further strengthen the role of the DPDB as a planning and coordination body, with emphasis on improving participation and ensuring comprehensive deliberation on development-related matters.
Despite these concerns, the DC appreciated the initiatives of the District Forest Office, particularly the “1st Satoi Connect: Connecting Forest, Community & Conservation” eco-tourism initiative organized by the Zunheboto Forest Division from March 26 to 28, 2026.
Obed Bohovi Swu, SFS, Divisional Forest Officer, highlighted the positive developments in the district. He elaborated that the initiative began during Wildlife Week on October 7, 2025, with the aim of promoting livelihoods through biodiversity conservation.
He noted that the Satoi range represents a unique virgin forest patch and acknowledged the support extended by the local MLA and Minister for Roads and Bridges, G. Kaito Aye. Although participation was initially capped at 150, 81 participants attended due to accessibility challenges. Travel time to Satoi takes approximately five hours from Kohima and an additional two hours from Dimapur.
Participants included representatives from organizations, media houses, students, and experts. He added that there are plans to organize the event annually.
Swu also highlighted the launch of Community Social Responsibility (ComSR), describing it as a model encouraging collective responsibility among community members for social welfare, environmental conservation, and infrastructure development.
Reflecting on his tenure, the DC noted that during his 11 months in Zunheboto, he initiated key programmes such as the adoption of a Model Village and an internship programme for college students.
Dr. R Bendangtemjen, Principal of Zunheboto Government College, acknowledged the DPDB and stated that participation has improved, with the number of departments involved in the Internship Programme increasing from 4–5 in 2025 to more than 12 departments at present.
The meeting also reviewed education-related matters. The Deputy Commissioner emphasized the need for improving awareness and outreach regarding student facilities, including residential hostels, and directed that proper advertisement be carried out through print media for wider dissemination of information.
He further underscored the importance of improving basic infrastructure and strengthening the overall functioning of institutions in the district.
Earlier, the District Education Office presented a PowerPoint during the meeting, highlighting ongoing programmes and areas for improvement.

(DPRO & IA, Zunheboto)