The District Planning & Development Board (DPDB) meeting for August was held at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall, Wokha, on August 11, with DPDB Chairman and Advisor Mhathung Yanthan calling for urgent measures to improve the condition of the Wokha–Merapani National Highway.
The meeting was co-chaired by DPDB Vice Chairman and Deputy Commissioner, Wokha, K. Mhathung Tsanglao, and attended by MLA Mhonbemo Humtsoe.
The meeting began with a review of the previous month’s agendas. Advisor Mhathung Yanthan expressed appreciation to the District Administration and allied departments for their support in successfully hosting the Cabinet meeting at Doyang Tribal Circuit on August 6.
A major discussion focused on the condition of the Wokha–Merapani National Highway, maintained by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL). The house expressed dissatisfaction over the poor condition of the highway and questioned contractors over delays and shortcomings.
NHIDCL officials cited funding and maintenance-related challenges but assured the house that efforts would be made to keep the highway pothole-free. The meeting also deliberated on mudslides and landslides that have been disrupting smooth traffic movement along the highway.
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Yanthan directed NHIDCL engineers and contractors to ensure that the highway is cleared and necessary works completed within three months. He further directed that regular progress updates be submitted and informed that NHIDCL officials and contractors would be called again in October for a final review to assess whether the road has been brought up to satisfactory standards.
ADC Wokha, Renbomo Ezung, presented the location identified by the committee for the proposed District Hospital, which was placed before the house for consideration. The meeting also approved the LADP 2026-27 fund.
The house also discussed the Banana Festival 2026 and decided that the festival would be organised on a biannual basis, with the next edition to be held in 2027.
Several departments made PowerPoint presentations on their activities and achievements. The Excise and Prohibition Department, through the Superintendent of Excise, Wokha, reported that 96 cases were registered and 98 persons arrested during 2025-26, with fines amounting to approximately ₹1.29 lakh.
The Tourism Department highlighted various opportunities and schemes aimed at enhancing tourist experiences in Wokha, while the Nagaland Khadi and Village Industries Board presented its training programmes and other activities.
The Urban Department, represented by Er. Kesoweu Wetsah, deliberated on solid waste management, with particular emphasis on waste segregation and recycling practices in Wokha town.
Representatives of the Lotha Hoho raised concerns over the failure of the water supply system in Wokha town, warning that the problem was affecting several sectors and establishments. A detailed project report was submitted to MLA Mhonbemo Humtsoe for further consideration and assessment at the higher level.
Following the meeting, the DPDB Chairman and members visited the District Jail, Wokha, and Government Higher Secondary School, Wokha, as part of their institutional visits.
