Bhandari SDPDB discusses water facilities, road repair, power upgradation, and African Swine Fever cases.
DIMAPUR — The Bhandari Sub-Divisional Planning and Development Board (SDPDB), in its meeting held at the Community Health Centre (CHC) Bhandari on September 16, deliberated on improved water supply facilities at CHC Bhandari, road connectivity, and land survey for power upgradation.
According to a DIPR report, giving a presentation on the performance status of Bhandari Medical Block, covering 56 villages, and CHC Bhandari, covering seven villages, Medical Officer for Ayush, Dr. Lydia, highlighted the healthcare services delivered as well as challenges faced during the current year.
Stating that CHC Bhandari is a first referral unit for the sub-division with a large rural populace, she stressed that the health centre needs to be equipped with adequate manpower, including specialists.
The house reiterated the immediate requirement to post a senior medical officer (SMO) to replace the transferred officer. The replacement of old water pipelines with an improved facility and adequate water supply to the health centre was also discussed.
President of Lotha Lower Range Public Organization (LLRPO), Dr. Khonsao Alex, retired Additional Director of Health and Family Welfare, stated that the connectivity road for Longayim, Mekirang, and Lio Longchum villages has faced hazards due to monsoon rains and natural factors.
He proposed a collective contribution from Advisor for SCERT and Food Processing and Chairman of SDPDB Bhandari, Achumbemo Kikon, alongside Bhandari-based heads of departments, to help repair the five-kilometre stretch from Merapani into a jeepable road.
President of Yanmhon Area Public Organisation (YAPO), N Thungdemo Tungoe, apprised the house on the current status of the Yanmhon area police outpost at Ruchan village. In a representation letter, a proposal was submitted for a temporary site allocation until a permanent post is established by the state government. He informed that a meeting between YAPO and Ruchan Village Council was held on September 11, and logistical arrangements were available.
Reviewing power supply in the sub-division, Junior Engineer (Power) Bhandari, Mhaden Murry, thanked the Bhandari administration, government departments, and civil society organisations for supporting departmental initiatives to upscale infrastructure, including the installation of distribution transformers.
He appealed for continuous public cooperation for jungle clearance to maintain free power lines. Murry further pointed out the need for additional manpower and highlighted the lack of a pool vehicle for staff transportation.
Veterinary Assistant Surgeon of Check Post Merapani, Dr. Kikali G Sumi, apprised the house that following pig mortality at Merapani village, swine tissue samples sent to the State ELISA Laboratory in Kohima on September 2 tested positive for African Swine Fever (ASF). Informing that 10 pigs had died due to the disease, she stated that farmers were sensitised on procedures for proper carcass disposal and burial to prevent further spread.
Lead Bank Manager of Wokha district, Chophathung Yanthan, highlighted the current functions and status of banks, including deposits and advances.
The house also deliberated on rationalisation and feasibility aspects for the upgradation of the existing power supply from 11 KV to 33 KV for the Yanmhon area covering 20 villages.
Longasen Lotha directed YAPO leaders to work closely with the concerned department to conduct a land survey for the upgradation facility. The next board meeting will be held at Government Higher Secondary School, Bhandari.