Advisor Moatoshi Longkumer chairing the Dimapur DBDP meeting on February 26. (DIPR Photo)
DPDB seeks climate resilience measures
Dimapur, February 27 (MExN): In a move to combat the growing impact of climate change, the Dimapur District Planning & Development Board (DPDB) has deliberated on recognition of Urban Heat Stress as a state-specific disaster and climate-responsive urban resilience initiatives in Dimapur.
The proposal was discussed during the board’s monthly meeting at the DC’s conference hall, Dimapur on February 26, based on recommendations from Earth Alliance Nagaland, stated a DIPR report.
The meeting was held under the chairmanship of Advisor, Labour, Employment & Skill Development, Excise, Moatoshi Longkumer.
A PowerPoint presentation by the Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) highlighted priority policy recommendations and next steps to mitigate the growing impact of climate change in the district.
Among the key proposals is the formal recognition of Urban Heat Stress as district- or state-specific disaster under the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA). “This move is expected to streamline response mechanisms and mobilize resources more effectively.”
According to a DIPR report, the need to activate the State Disaster Mitigation Fund (SDMF – Mitigation Allocation) to implement a priority Heat Action Plan (HAP) under a comprehensive Climate Action Plan for Dimapur was emphasised.
It also emphasised the need to mainstream heat-responsive Development Control Regulations (DCRs) within the Dimapur Master Plan to embed climate resilience into future urban growth.
Another major recommendation was the formal endorsement of the “Greening Dimapur Project” as a district-level climate resilience framework to guide multi-scalar convergence and investment.
The need to strengthen municipal and district coordination mechanisms to protect vulnerable populations, particularly informal workers and heat-exposed communities, was also emphasised.
Officials called for positioning heat mitigation as a preventive public health and infrastructure investment, which would enable access to external climate adaptation and resilience financing.
A temperature trend analysis presented during the session revealed that Dimapur’s monsoon-season temperatures currently range between 24°C and 32°C. However, projections indicate that average summer temperatures could rise by 1.5% to 4% over the next 20 years, depending on global emission trends.
The findings underline the urgent need for proactive planning and coordinated policy action to mitigate heat stress and build long-term climate resilience in the district.
On monsoon preparedness and the drainage system, the house deliberated on the need to ensure that all drainage channels are cleared ahead of the approaching rainy season to prevent waterlogging and potential flooding in vulnerable areas.
After detailed discussion, the house directed the Management Committee, in coordination with DMC to take immediate steps for the removal of obstacles and blockages in critical locations wherever necessary.
The chairman emphasised that timely intervention and coordinated efforts would be crucial to mitigate risks and safeguard public property during the monsoon period.
In the health sector, the meeting took up the requirement of focus lamps and radiant warmers for the District Hospital Dimapur, as proposed by the Chief Medical Officer, Dimapur, where the board agreed to recommend the respective agendas.
