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Our Correspondent
Kohima, March 3 (EMN): Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Wednesday stressed on the need to have a system to regulate the mad rush for urbanisation, saying that the decadal growth rate of urban population in the state is 67.38% ,which is much higher than the national average of 31.80%.
He was speaking at inaugural programme of the newly constructed building of the Directorate of Municipal Affairs near Nagaland civil Secretariat in Kohima.
Rio, who inaugurated the new office, said that it will be become urban areas will become unlivable without modern town planning, including building bylaws.
While expressing happiness over the growth of Municipal Affairs department, he said Urban Development has become a demand-driven department and asked the concerned departments to gear up to manage the affairs of the municipality and town councils.
Recalling how Kohima city secured the 27th rank among the 60 best livable cities with the input of the department and public participation, by creating awareness after being tagged as the second worst unlivable city, he expressed happiness that there has been "tremendous improvement" and changes in all the municipal and town council areas, particularly in the district headquarters.
However, he underscored the need to change the attitude and mindset of the people, saying that traditional village systems are still used in towns and have failed to understand the concept of rural local bodies and urban local bodies.
He said that as per the 73rd Amendment Act, the state has been continuing to function with village councils and development boards along with customary laws, village court etc. in the district administrative centres.
Disapproving the way people try to introduce traditional and customary systems into the urban sector, he said, "The rural and urban systems cannot be mixed.”
He stated that it has become mandatory to implement reforms and transform cities and unless the modern ways of life in the cities are improved, the state won’t receive financial commissions and grant-in-aid.
Rio underlined the need to respect women and make them part and parcel of the decision-making body.
He also laid emphasis on the need to impose tax on the citizens to provide facilities like roads, streetlights, sanitation, etc. in any township.
"You have to give local tax for your town which is not meant for the state government but for maintaining your own town," he said.
He asked the department to visit each town and meet the local leaders to discuss such matters and act accordingly as per the 74th Amendment Act.
He also acknowledged the Municipal Affairs department for introducing the building bylaws for the common people "so that we follow the system", while encouraging to give Naga designs like motives and traditional touch to new structures in the towns and cities in Nagaland.
‘I hope this new building (Municipal Affairs office) will boost the morale and working atmosphere for the welfare of the service of the people while aiming to make our town a healthy and prosperous and livable city,’ he said.
He also suggested setting up of farmers market in both rural and urban areas for the convenience of the farmers in their respective jurisdictions. For this, he asked the concerned authority to identify land to construct such facilities where villagers can sell their products in the villages itself without going to congested streets.
Rio also advised the authorities to take care and manage the government facilities meant for hosting various events.
Apart from good buildings, he said, waste management, drainage system and cleanliness in the town has improved because of better roads today, enhancing the livability in towns.
The chief minister also asked to put up necessary signboards displaying name of colony roads in the municipal wards for the convenience of visitors. He further expressed hope that the government and public will co-operate for the development and betterment of township.
Dr. Neikiesalie Kire, Advisor to Urban Development and Municipal Affairs, thanked the chief minister for inaugurating the new office building. In the meantime, he requested him to renovate the building of Urban Development.
Kevide Nakhro, Addl. chief engineer, Urban Engineering Wing, delivered the technical report of the facility at the event.