Central team pledges swift aid for Nagaland’s monsoon damage

DIMAPUR — A central team deployed to assess monsoon-related damages in Nagaland commended the state’s disaster management authority and government for their effective response efforts, while acknowledging the persistent challenges presented by the region’s vulnerable terrain.

During a debriefing session chaired by Chief Secretary Dr. J Alam on Friday, the Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) pledged to expedite immediate relief assistance and recommend long-term mitigation measures to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.

According to a DIPR update, the ICMT, led by Joint Secretary (FFR) Anant Kishore Saran, noted the recurring nature of landslides, flash floods, and flooding in Nagaland, attributing it to the state’s fragile geological conditions. He assured the state government of swift aid through central assistance schemes, particularly for restoring vital road connectivity, which was severely impacted by the recent disasters.

Advisor to the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA), Z Nyusietho Nyuthe, emphasised that natural calamities are a year-round threat for Nagaland, urging the IMCT to convey the severity of the situation to the central government.

In this connection, Saran pledged to recommend long-term measures and schemes for the state to the Ministry of Home Affairs, based on the IMCT’s findings and recommendations.

He also suggested a timely revision of existing office memorandums, stating that the current one was outdated. He urged department heads to familiarise themselves with the updated memorandum for up-to-date information on central assistance categories.

While admitting the team’s inability to visit all affected areas, Saran said that their assessments of specific locations revealed the extensive damage. He reassured the state government that assistance, particularly for restoring critical road connectivity, would be expedited, the update stated.

Saran lauded the NSDMA and the state government for their proactive approach to disaster management, particularly highlighting their adoption of technology and scientific methods.

Chief Secretary Alam expressed gratitude for the IMCT’s visit and detailed the state’s monsoon-related challenges. He specifically requested timely central assistance for road repair and maintenance.

Officer on Special Duty, NSDMA, Johnny Ruangmei presented an overview of the monsoon damage report, compiled jointly by the IMCT, NSDMA, DDMAs, and various line departments.

The IMCT comprised officials from various ministries, including Ranjana Saini, Assistant Director, Ministry of Rural Development; MS Saravana Kumar, Superintending Engineer, Central Water Commission, Ministry of Jal Shakti; Adelbert Susngi, Superintending Engineer, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways; and Atul Bamnai, Section Officer, Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance.