The All Nagaland College Students’ Union (ANCSU) has appealed to the Chief Minister of Nagaland to intervene in the matter concerning the proposed temporary relocation of Government Polytechnic Doyang (GPD), Wokha, following recent landslide incidents that have affected portions of the institution’s campus.

In a representation addressed to the Chief Minister, ANCSU expressed serious concern over reports suggesting the temporary shifting of the institution and urged the Government to prioritize preventive and protective measures to address the landslide situation rather than relocating the college.

The Union highlighted that Government Polytechnic Doyang occupies a unique and significant place in the technical education landscape of Nagaland. It is the only polytechnic institution in the State offering the Three-Year Diploma in Architecture Assistantship and has consistently served as a vital centre for technical and vocational education, the Union stated adding, the institution caters to students from different districts of Nagaland and therefore, its stability and uninterrupted functioning are of paramount importance.

While acknowledging the concerns regarding the safety of students, faculty members and staff arising from the landslide, ANCSU stated that any decision to temporarily relocate the institution should be treated only as a last resort.

The Union maintained that relocation could lead to substantial academic disruptions, administrative complications, financial burdens and uncertainty among students, all of which could adversely affect the institution’s long-term growth and future enrolment prospects.

Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play

According to the representation signed by Union president, Kivika Yeptho and general secretary, Sotilo Tep, the landslide situation may have been aggravated by continuous heavy rainfall coupled with the ongoing PMGSY Phase-III road construction project connecting Doyang and Mangmetong in the vicinity of the campus. In view of these circumstances, ANCSU appealed to the Government to prioritize the implementation of comprehensive preventive and protective measures rather than relocating the institution.

The Union has therefore urged the Chief Minister to intervene and direct the concerned authorities to immediately commence the construction of retaining walls and breast walls in vulnerable locations within and around the campus. It also called for regular monitoring and maintenance of landslide-prone zones rather than proposal for temporary relocation of the institution unless absolutely unavoidable.

Expressing confidence in the leadership of the Chief Minister, the Union said it remains hopeful that the Government would take a judicious decision in the best interests of the students and the future of technical education in Nagaland.