The monthly meeting of the Kohima District Planning & Development Board (DPDB) was held on July 9, 2025, at the DPDB Hall, Kohima. The meeting was attended by MLA and Chairman, DPDB, Kohima, Kevipodi Sophie, Dr. Tseilhoutuo Rhütso, MLA and was chaired by Deputy Commissioner, Kohima, B. Henok Buchem.
In his opening remarks, the Deputy Commissioner extended his appreciation to all departments and stakeholders for their active participation in the recent mass social work. He expressed hope for continued cooperation in future initiatives.
During the meeting, presentations on new society registrations and detailed departmental reports, particularly focusing on the road conditions across Kohima district were made by the respective departments.
Executive Engineer, NPWD (NH), Kohima, Er. P. Mendang Lepden, highlighted critical issues affecting road stability, especially along the valley-side stretches. He attributed recurring landslides and road formation breaches to continual dumping of debris, loose soil, and overloading by heavy trucks. He also reported on site visits conducted with local village councils and efforts made for water diversion and catch water drain excavation, particularly near the New KMC Welcome Gate and Mohonkola Junction.
EE, NPWD (R&B), South Division, Er. Wapang presented the 2025–26 road status and listed alternate district routes along with their current conditions. He emphasized the impact of monsoon-triggered landslides and announced the formation of Monsoon Surveillance Squads (MSS) led by Sub-Divisional Officers to monitor and respond to emergencies.
Executive Engineer, Er. Semasie Katiry, the North Division of NPWD (R&B) reported on maintenance works carried out before and during the monsoon season, including the clearing of landslides, repair of side drains, cross-drainage protection, and laying of granular sub-base. However, the department continues to face numerous challenges, such as damages caused by unregulated stone quarry activities, which result in rolling boulders damaging roads, quarry debris blocking drains, and heavy quarry vehicles accelerating road wear. Similarly, the practice of logging and firewood collection has led to roads being damaged by dragging logs and unattended timber blocking side drains. The department also cited disruptions caused by water pipelines laid along road shoulders, random link roads constructed without proper drainage structures, and haphazard development that has led to blocked cross drains and overburdened runoff systems. While acknowledging that development is inevitable, the department stressed the importance of planned, regulated, and responsible execution, urging greater public awareness on the consequences of illegal dumping, unapproved road cuts, and blocked drainage.
Executive Engineer of Urban Development-I, Kohima, Er. Keneizezo gave an update on on-going repair and maintenance work across town, including road repairs along the stretch from AZ Phizo Park to BSF Camp via the Medical College and another stretch from NBCC Junction to the High Court Junction in Meriema. He informed the Board that road repairs are being carried out in coordination with contractors and include the cleaning of side drains, clearing of clogged catch pits and cross drains, repairing cattle traps, and pothole repairs. Similar maintenance activities are on-going along Box Cutting Road, PWD Traffic Point, and other major locations.
Executive Engineer of Kohima Smart City Development Limited (KSCDL), Er. Imsunaro presented an update on the road stretch from NH-29 (Assam Rifles) to I.G. Stadium via Seithogei. A composite retaining wall of 43.5 meters in length and approximately 6 meters in height has been completed, and routine pothole patching and light repairs are being carried out along the entire stretch. A JCB has also been stationed at the site to promptly respond to any unforeseen emergencies.
The meeting also included a presentation from Viketuno Chüsi, Sub-Divisional Agricultural Officer, Agriculture Department, Kohima, who highlighted the department’s activities and achievements under various central schemes. Under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), the department has developed marketing sheds, constructed power tiller paths, implemented crop diversification programs, and promoted agroforestry. It has also facilitated rainfed area development (RAD), empowered women in agriculture, and organized exposure tours for farmers. Under the National Food Security Mission (NFSM), interventions such as the direct-seeded method of rice, SRI (System of Rice Intensification), and mechanized line transplanting were adopted in villages including Mima, Kezoma, Chedema, and Sakhabama. The department also reported on the promotion of Jhum paddy, pulses, and coarse cereals. Under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme, a total of 6,460 farmers have been registered as beneficiaries in the district.
The Board also discussed logistical preparations for the upcoming Dr. T. Ao Football Tournament, including the appointment of liaison officers. The meeting concluded with discussions on the deteriorating condition of several key roads in the district and the urgent need for focused attention on resurfacing, drainage repairs, and removal of blockages. It was decided that the Department of Excise will present in the next DPDB meeting.
(Molungnenla, IA Kohima)
