Nagaland Chief Secretary, Sentiyanger Imchen, IAS, on Monday visited several flood-affected and flood-prone areas in Dimapur and reviewed the recurring flood situation in Dimapur and East Dimapur ahead of the monsoon season.
Accompanied by officials from the district administration and various line departments, the Chief Secretary undertook an inspection at Nagarjan Police Point; Vilhume/SM Colony; East Block Burma Camp (Narkul Turning); DMC dumping area, Sunrise colony and New Field Check Gate to assess the prevailing flood situation and recurring drainage issues in the affected areas.
During the inspection, Officials briefed the Chief Secretary on the major causes of flooding, including clogged drainage systems, encroachment along drainage channels, and inadequate drainage infrastructure in several localities.
Following the site inspection, the Chief Secretary had a brief meeting, where he stressed the urgent need for improving solid waste management, stronger inter-departmental coordination, and behavioural change among citizens during a review meeting on urban management and flood mitigation in Dimapur.
Addressing officials and stakeholders, the Chief Secretary highlighted the growing problem of clogged drains caused by plastic waste and improper disposal practices. He informed that strainers should be installed across upstream nalas to prevent the accumulation of plastic and other debris in drainage channels. Similar preventive measures, he said, should also be integrated into the construction of check dams and other drainage infrastructure, subject to the availability of funds.
Emphasising the importance of coordinated action, Imchen called for close cooperation among the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority, district administration, police, Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department, and municipal bodies to tackle recurring urban flooding and sanitation challenges.
Raising concern over the existing dumping system, the Chief Secretary observed that the present dumping site was nearing saturation primarily due to the absence of waste segregation practices. He directed that segregation of waste at the household level into biodegradable and non-biodegradable categories must be implemented without delay, adding that the government would soon issue the necessary orders in this regard.
Imchen further asserted that municipal bodies would be held directly responsible for solid waste management, and urged the representatives from municipal councils, civil society organisations, and the Naga Council to work collectively in maintaining sanitation, removing encroachments, and ensuring effective waste disposal practices.
Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play
Expressing dissatisfaction over the current state of municipal services, the Chief Secretary pointed out that despite having adequate manpower, inefficiencies such as poorly maintained garbage collection vehicles were severely affecting waste management operations. He directed authorities to prioritise repair and maintenance of vehicles while ensuring better utilisation of available resources.
He also stressed the importance of appointing and empowering sanitation inspectors to effectively enforce sanitation regulations on the ground. According to him, inspectors must actively monitor compliance and ensure that sanitation norms are strictly followed in all localities.
On the role of public participation, Imchen said citizens must cooperate by maintaining cleanliness, segregating waste at source, and contributing sanitation fees. He observed that residents would be more willing to pay sanitation charges if municipal services are delivered efficiently and consistently.
The Chief Secretary additionally called for intensified Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) activities to sensitise the public on sanitation and environmental responsibility. He cautioned that without a significant shift in public attitude and habits, achieving long-term cleanliness goals would remain difficult.
Concluding the meeting, Imchen urged all stakeholders, including government departments, municipal authorities, civil society organisations, and citizens, to work collectively towards ensuring visible and sustainable improvements in urban sanitation and environmental management across Dimapur.
DC Dimapur, Dr Tinojongshi Chang, NCS highlighted to the Chief Secretary that a district-level preparedness and mitigation action plan involving all line departments, urban local bodies, ward authorities, GBs and community stakeholders has been put into operation to ensure effective and coordinated emergency response during the ensuing monsoon period.
He informed that vulnerable flood-prone areas and major drainage choke points were identified through joint field inspections, following which drainage clearance operations commenced on May 16 under the supervision of the Dimapur District Drainage Clearance Committee (DDDCC). The works are being carried out utilizing funds released to DDMA Dimapur for immediate flood mitigation interventions.
He further stated that the Incident Response System (IRS) command structure, which was utilized during the mock drill exercise and Operation Night Guard, would also be activated in the event of any flash flood emergency. Nodal officers, sector officers and designated response teams have been assigned responsibilities relating to evacuation, rescue operations, relief distribution and restoration measures.
The Health Department, PHED, Food & Civil Supplies, Power Department, SDRF, Fire & Emergency Services and Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) have been kept on alert for immediate deployment whenever required.
He also informed that Emergency Response Fund (ERF) available under DDMA is being kept readily available for urgent utilization during any flood-related emergency.
Reaffirming its commitment, he stated that the District Administration remains fully prepared to respond swiftly and effectively through coordinated inter-departmental efforts to safeguard lives, property and critical infrastructure during the monsoon season.
Representatives from various departments and organisations attended the meeting, including officials from the Commissioner of Police establishment, district administration, Dimapur Municipal Council, Water Resources Department, Urban Development Department, Public Health Engineering Department (PHED), Nagaland Pollution Control Board, East Dimapur Town Council, the District Public Relations Office (DPRO), and other stakeholders associated with disaster management and civic administration.
