The Sub-Divisional Planning & Development Board (SDPDB), Pughoboto, reviewed key developmental priorities and approved several important proposals during its September meeting held on September 7, 2026, at the ADC Office, Pughoboto, Zunheboto.
The meeting was chaired by Dr. Sukhato Sema, MLA & Chairman, SDPDB Pughoboto, along with James T. Khulu Tikhir, NCS, ADC, Pughoboto.
In his address, Dr. Sukhato Sema informed the Board about the need to facilitate new registrations for job cards and ensure that eligible beneficiaries are able to access existing government benefits, including MGNREGA/NREGA, particularly for community-oriented works such as sanitation and road maintenance.
Dr. Sema appealed to all Heads of Departments to prepare their respective Action Plans for 2026–27 before the release and utilisation of funds, stressing that advance planning would promote greater efficiency, accountability and systematic governance and development.
He further called upon all departments to strengthen awareness of government schemes and programmes at the grassroots level, ensuring that information reaches villagers so that eligible people can effectively avail themselves of the benefits available to them. The Chairman also emphasised that villagers should ensure the benefits and opportunities provided through government schemes be utilised effectively for lasting community development.
Among the major decisions, the Board agreed to forward the proposal for an Open-Air Gallery-cum-Rostrum at Lazami Board for further consideration and necessary action.
The board also discussed steps towards the construction of Primary Health Centres (PHCs) at Kilomi and Ighanumi, including provision of adequate land for future expansion. It was decided that the District Administration would convene a meeting with the SMO and the respective Village Councils to deliberate on land acquisition, site-related matters and other requirements. The board was informed that respective villages have expressed their willingness to donate land for the construction of the health facilities.
The Board also proposed an Inter-Departmental Sports Meet, tentatively scheduled for October 2026, to promote coordination, camaraderie and healthy interaction among government departments. The EAC Headquarters was nominated as convenor, with the SDPO, SDAO, BDO, JSCO, EE PWD and FM Industries included in the organising committee.
As part of the departmental review, Toka Jemu, JSCO, made a PowerPoint presentation on the activities and initiatives of the Department of Soil & Water Conservation, highlighting departmental programmes and areas requiring coordinated attention for sustainable development.
During the meeting, SDO (Civil) Yitachu Thur raised serious concern over the unfortunate human-elephant conflict incident at Kitami Village, where an elephant reportedly killed a villager on September 5, 2026. The District Administration and Forest Department officials had visited the incident site following the tragedy. The SDO stressed the need for a proper investigative report and precautionary measures to prevent further loss of human lives and damage to property. Suggested measures included identification of vulnerable locations, installation of cameras and other appropriate mitigation measures.
Vinoto K. Rochil, Deputy Range Officer, Human-Animal Conflict, informed the Board that matters concerning human-animal conflict fall under the jurisdiction of the Wildlife Warden, Doyang. He further informed that a report on elephant-related damage at Kitami Village during August had already been submitted. He assured the Board that a baseline survey would be conducted and a detailed report prepared for submission to the concerned authorities, with appropriate mitigation measures to be pursued.
During the meeting the Board was also introduced to Akumlong Amer, EAC Headquarters, as a new member of the SDPDB. The meeting concluded with a collective emphasis on coordinated departmental action, advance planning, effective implementation of schemes and responsive governance for the overall development of the Pughoboto Sub-Division.
(APRO Pughoboto)
