National Teachers’ Award 2026 recipient Ronald Meru, teacher at GHSS, Sechü-Zubza, being felicitated by Advisor Dr Kekhrielhoulie Yhome and DC Kohima B Henok Buchem during the DPDB meeting in Kohima on September 22. (DIPR Photo)
Kohima, September 22 (MExN): The monthly District Planning and Development Board (DPDB), Kohima, discussed road restoration, waste management, water supply and various development-related issues during its meeting on September 22.
On road maintenance and restoration under National Highway-29, EE PWD (R&B) Er Wapang proposed maintenance of the 18-km stretch from Ayush Hospital, Sakhabama, to Pudunamei via Kezoma for heavy motor vehicles.
The stretch from NH-02 Phesama Junction to NH-02 Kipfuzha was also proposed for light motor vehicles.
Accordingly, the Board agreed to recommend the proposals to NHIDCL, and DPDB Chairman and Advisor for School Education, Dr Kekhrielhoulie Yhome, directed that a meeting be held with contractors and companies executing road works to ensure compliance with maintenance provisions and proper deposit of labour cess in the State.
The Board also discussed the Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan 2026 for Kohima, covering source segregation, waste-stream categorisation, the target of making dumpsites free and the five waste pathways.
A presentation highlighted the need to strengthen the entire waste-management chain, governance mechanisms and the role of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).
Chairing the meeting, Deputy Commissioner B Henok Buchem reminded Bulk Waste Generators (BWGs of their responsibilities, noting that establishments with a floor area of 20,000 square metres or more, water consumption of 40,000 litres per day or more, or generation of 100 kg or more of solid waste per day fall under the prescribed criteria.
BWGs are required to segregate and hand over dry, sanitary and special-care waste to the local body, while wet waste may be processed through composting, biomethanation or other approved technologies.
On the Ni-kshay Mitra Initiative 2026, the Board decided to organise a donation drive to support economically weaker TB patients, while members were encouraged to support one or more patients, with assistance of Rs 500 per month for 6 months per patient.
Dr Yhome said funds from the common pool would also be utilised for the initiative and stressed the need to identify and streamline assistance to genuinely needy patients.
The Board also discussed the proposal for shifting Bumble Bee Inclusive School and agreed to recommend the proposal.
On Reform Utsav 2026, a presentation was made and departments were directed to submit their respective reform measures by October 5.
Meanwhile, EE PHED Er Neilhoukholie Chielie presented an overview of the Mima Water Supply Facility, while DDMA Victor Yhome highlighted an action-taken report on disasters reported at Lower Chandmari, Phesama-Kisama Road, Khonoma village, Mezoma-Dzüdzüa Road, D Block Colony, Zarü Bridge and other locations.
The Board also felicitated R Ronald Meru, teacher at Government Higher Secondary School, Sechü-Zubza, who received the National Teachers’ Award 2026. He was honoured with a citation and cash award.
During the meeting, Dr Yhome stressed the need for stronger implementation and compliance mechanisms, inter-departmental convergence and effective utilisation of available development resources. He also called for a renewed development strategy for rural local bodies and greater utilisation of Common Service Centres to improve outreach and delivery of government services, the State DIPR reported.
