The District Planning and Development Board (DPDB) meeting of Chumoukedima was held on April 10 at the DC’s conference Hall, Chumoukedima under the chairmanship of Zhaleo Rio, Advisor Urban Development & Municipal Affairs & Chairman DPDB.
Addressing the meeting, Zhaleo Rio urged all departments to maintain close coordination and work collectively for the overall development of the district. He emphasized that while pursuing infrastructure and developmental projects, the rights and interests of the people must be safeguarded at all times. Calling upon officers to take up challenges with commitment, he stressed the importance of inter-departmental coordination to accelerate progress, adding that all efforts must ultimately serve the people.
He also underscored the need for regular attendance in DPDB meetings to ensure continuity, effective planning and for successful achievement of developmental goals in the district.
A major highlight of the meeting was the discussion on the adoption of the National Highways Act, 1956. Chumbenthung Murry, SDO (Civil) Chumoukedima stated that the State Government has been receiving repeated communications from the Government of India, emphasizing that land acquisition for national highway projects must be carried out under the provisions of the Act rather than through state mechanisms.
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He noted that Nagaland’s unique constitutional safeguards under Article 371A protect land ownership and resources, and any move towards adopting the Act must carefully consider these protections. He further informed that consultations have been held with civil society organisations (CSOs), and their views are being incorporated in the decision-making process.
The board also discussed the Right of Way (RoW) for the Foothill Road project for New Chumoukedima Village & Razüphema Village and several key agenda items, including society registration and school registration.
A PowerPoint presentation was delivered by the Economics and Statistics Department. Police department has been assigned to prepare a presentation for the next DPDB meeting.
