The monthly Kohima District Planning and Development Board (DPDB) meeting was held at the DPDB Hall, Kohima on 15th May 2025, with Deputy Commissioner, Kohima, B. Henok Buchem, NCS, chairing the session. The meeting marked a leadership transition with the official welcoming of Kevipodi Sophie, MLA, as the new DPDB Chairman.
Buchem extended his gratitude to the outgoing Chairman, Dr. Tseilhoutuo Rhutso, MLA, appreciating his leadership and the valuable contributions he made to the board. Welcoming the new Chairman, the DC expressed hope for continued progress under his guidance.
MLA Sophie, in his address, thanked the state government for the trust placed in him and assured full support to the officers in implementing government policies. He called for sincerity and honesty among the officials and affirmed his commitment to supporting all developmental initiatives.
A highlight of the meeting was the felicitation of Riya Gupta, the HSLC topper among Government High Schools in Kohima District. A student of GHS Chandmari, Riya follows in the footsteps of her elder sister, who got the same award last year. Expressing her gratitude, Riya thanked God, her teachers, her mother, and well-wishers. “I'm humbled and honoured to have received this recognition,” she said.
The Board also deliberated on the proposal to upgrade GMS Daklane to a Government High School. Based on the DEO Kohima's report confirming all necessary criteria were met, the board agreed to recommend the proposal.
Tourist Officer Abigail Solo presented a detailed PowerPoint presentation on the Tourism Department. She provided data on tourist arrivals and accommodations in Kohima, noting the pressure on the existing infrastructure, with 40 hotels and 91 homestays currently operational. Highlighting the significance of privatisation and communitisation of tourism assets, she shared updates on the 25th Hornbill Festival and ongoing projects including the Enopen Resort and Services Block at Khonoma, Kohima View Point and Aradura Hills trekking route, The Dawn Chalet at Chakhabama, and eco-tourism development at Jotsoma.
Abigail appealed for stronger coordination and strategic support to address challenges facing the department. DC Buchem noted the lack of a tourist-friendly environment in some areas and urged the department to initiate skill development programs. He also emphasized the need for all departments to regularly update their websites and asked the relevant department to repair damaged drainage covers in Kohima town, citing risks to commuters.
New members welcomed to the board included the Chairman of Kohima Municipal Council, President of the Angami Public Organisation, ADC Kohima Hq Ruopfükuotuo Noudi, Assistant Controller LM&CP Shiekhozo Rhakho, SDO (C) Sechü-Subza Imliakum Sanglir, and SDO (C) Jakhama Vineikho Tetso.
The Social Welfare Department has been entrusted with the next PowerPoint presentation.
(DPRO Kohima)
