The severely depleted Etsutchukha water source, which supplies drinking water to nearly 50-60% of households in Wokha town. (Morung Photo)
Wokha, March 20 (MExN): The revival of the Etsutchukha reservoir dominated discussions at the District Planning and Development Board (DPDB) meeting held at the DC’s Conference Hall, Wokha on March 20, with officials and elected representatives stressing urgent intervention to restore the drying perennial water source.
A major agenda was the drying up of the Etsutchukha pond, for which Divisional Forest Officer Wokha, Suman Shivashankar Sivachar, IFS, presented a detailed PowerPoint on the causes and measures for revival, suggesting multiple strategies. Advisor Mhathung Yanthan said, “the need for support systems, community intervention, and contributions to revive the pond,” while MLA Mhonbemo Humtsoe stressed “citizen participation in the revival efforts.” Chairman DPDB and Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton spoke about “the importance of reviving the perennial water source, noting its significant impact on the citizens of Wokha.”
The meeting was attended by Chairman DPDB and Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton, Advisor Mhathung Yanthan, and MLA Mhonbemo Humtsoe, and chaired by Vice Chairman and Deputy Commissioner Vineet Kumar, IAS.
The meeting began with a review of the last month’s agendas, noting that the demarcation of the Local Ground Wokha with proper fencing and posts has commenced. It further informed that a committee for identifying land for the construction of a District Hospital has been set up under the chairmanship of the Additional Deputy Commissioner, with the Medical Superintendent, Chief Medical Officer, and Lotha Hoho as members.
On border-related matters, geotagging of land in border areas has been addressed and forwarded to the Government, ensuring that it does not affect development plans and census operations.
Deputy Commissioner Vineet Kumar, IAS, also presented on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), highlighting that the district’s composite score improved from 59.33 and rank 91 out of 103 districts in Northeast (2021–22) to 71.5 and rank 44 out of 121 districts (2023–24).
Project Director DRDA Wokha, Thungbemo Patton, presented departmental activities and highlighted ongoing initiatives under the agency.
During the meeting, Patton expressed gratitude to the members for their support during his chairmanship and appealed to officers and staff to maintain regular attendance, stating that inspections would be carried out from time to time. The house also acknowledged and thanked him for the successful completion of his tenure as DPDB Chairman.
