Zunheboto DPDB reviewed public service issues while Peren DPDB prioritised a ban on single-use plastics.
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DIMAPUR — The monthly meeting of the Zunheboto District Planning and Development Board (DPDB) was held on Tuesday at the Deputy Commissioner's Conference Hall, Zunheboto.
According to a DIPR report, the meeting was chaired by Advisor for Food & Civil Supplies, Legal Metrology & Consumer Protection, K Tokugha Sukhalu, who is also the chairman of DPDB Zunheboto.
Reviewing the minutes of the previous meeting, Sukhalu urged all officials to actively participate in discussions and raise district-specific issues without hesitation.
Addressing the board members, he observed that Nagaland has one of the highest ratios of government employees relative to its population, while the state's revenue generation remains limited.
In view of this fiscal reality, he emphasised the need for government departments and officials to work diligently to ensure the proper and efficient utilisation of available resources for public benefit.
Sukhalu also stressed the importance of conducting public awareness programmes at least once or twice a year. Such campaigns, he said, are essential to educate and motivate citizens about various government initiatives and developmental activities, while fostering a greater sense of public responsibility and participation.
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Highlighting infrastructure challenges in the district, Sukhalu acknowledged the acute shortage of government quarters for officers posted in Zunheboto.
To address the issue, he informed the board that the General Administration Guest House under construction at North Point Colony would provide temporary accommodation for government officials, thereby improving public service delivery.
During the meeting, president of the NPF Zunheboto Division, Khehoshe H Yepthomi, pointed out that despite the district producing sufficient quantities of local vegetables, farmers continue to face difficulties in marketing their produce due to inadequate infrastructure.
He called for the construction of a rural marketing shed to create better marketing opportunities for local farmers and entrepreneurs.
The board also deliberated on and approved several proposals. The registration of the Taekwondo Society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, was approved and recommended for further action.
A proposal to upgrade The Cedar School in Aghunato was also approved and forwarded to the competent authority for consideration.
The board further discussed the transfer of unassigned public properties, presently under the custodianship of the district administration, to the Zunheboto Town Council (ZTC).
As part of the arrangement, the Multi-Purpose Hall was formally handed over to the ZTC.
Peren DPDB bans single-use plastics on priority
The Peren DPDB meeting was held at the DC’s conference hall on June 8 under the chairmanship of Deputy Chief Minister TR Zeliang.
According to a DIPR report, the board discussed the formation of an Officers' Club in the district to provide a common platform for officers from different departments and promote greater interaction among them.
On issues concerning Ntangki National Park, the board urged the Forest department to coordinate with the Director of Ntangki National Park and the DFO Peren, to ensure the proper functioning of the director's office at the Forest Camp in the park.
The meeting also deliberated on imposing a total ban on single-use plastics (SIPs) in the district. During the discussion, Zeliang highlighted the harmful effects of single-use plastics, stating that they take hundreds of years to decompose, clog waterways, endanger wildlife and release toxic microplastics into food and water sources, posing serious health risks.
Considering their adverse impact on the environment and public health, the board decided to ban single-use plastics in the district.
The house also resolved to constitute a committee headed by the deputy commissioner as the convener to oversee matters related to the proposed ban.
Deputy Commissioner Hiazu Meru suggested that town councils and ad hoc town councils under Peren district should undertake awareness initiatives to educate the public on minimising the use of single-use plastics.
Earlier, the board reviewed the minutes of the previous meeting, including matters related to the adoption of Peren Government College and hospitals in the district.
The Selco Foundation also presented an overview of its activities in Peren district through a PowerPoint presentation.