Rio asks DMC members to chart Dimapur’s growth path

Says state govt. has registered protest against SC ruling on Oting massacre

DIMAPUR — The inauguration of a new Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) office at the Integrated Business Hub and Innovation Centre on Friday marked the end of a long era without functioning urban local bodies (ULB) in the commercial hub of Nagaland.

Inaugurating the new office in Forest Colony, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio made it clear that the road ahead for DMC would be paved with complex challenges, ranging from infrastructure development to navigating the legacy of the state’s struggle with reconstituting ULBs.

Rio described the journey to re-establish ULBs as fraught with legal challenges stemming from the state’s unique customary laws and the need to balance them with national mandates. Opposition to the implementation of the 33% seat reservation for women in ULBs led to court cases and loss of grants from the 15th Finance Commission.

Eventually, the Supreme Court, understanding Nagaland’s unique traditions and customary laws, supported the decision as long as the reservation for women was maintained, he said.

Addressing Dimapur’s urgent needs

The chief minister urged the newly elected councillors, a diverse group of seasoned professionals and young leaders, to prioritise Dimapur’s development.

Emphasising the importance of addressing the city’s waste management needs, he announced that the government had already approved 10.54 acres for a new garbage dump site for the DMC and 9.41 acres for east Dimapur and the payments for these sites will be made.

Rio also stressed the need to secure appropriate land for cemeteries, noting the city’s diverse population, and varying cultural and religious burial practices.

Highlighting Dimapur’s significant revenue potential (over INR 14 crore generated in 2021-22), the chief minister urged the DMC to establish a consistent revenue generation system. He also noted that the DMC’s significant amount of land and properties could have been encroached, and stressed the need to reclaim these assets.

To alleviate traffic congestion, Rio suggested creating designated market zones within each colony. He also encouraged the DMC to adopt a balanced approach to regulating shops and hotels, acknowledging Dimapur’s role as a transit hub and the need to cater to travellers.

Rio emphasised the importance of a comprehensive development strategy for Dimapur, particularly in areas like water supply, sanitation, beautification, and street lighting, while urging the council to develop well-defined project proposals to secure government funding for these initiatives.

Eastern Nagaland and other concerns

He went on to say that while 25 ULBs had been installed across Nagaland, the eastern regions, despite their non-participation in ULB elections, will still receive funding from the government. He assured that the government will continue to work for their inclusion in future grants, especially in view of the impending visit of 16th Finance.

Rio also announced that the state government had released INR 36 crore in tied and untied funds to support development initiatives by ULBs and urged the councillors to prioritise urgent needs, particularly road repairs and maintenance.

He added that he had already secured assurances of support from the Union Finance Minister and the Urban Ministry. To expedite immediate action, Rio encouraged the councillors to submit detailed proposals for urgent requirements to the state government before the upcoming festive season. He emphasised the importance of prioritising visible improvements, such as road repairs, sanitation efforts, and repainting, to demonstrate progress and responsiveness to the needs of residents.

Briefly addressing the recent Union Cabinet decision on ‘One Nation, One Election,’ Rio expressed optimism that it will be followed by women’s reservation in Parliament and Assemblies. He lauded the increasing representation of women in Nagaland’s political landscape, attributing it to the 33% reservation in ULBs and women successfully contesting in open constituencies.

“This sends a strong message that we must respect and acknowledge the equal capability of women,” he asserted.

On the new office, which is a temporary arrangement, he encouraged the council to envision a permanent DMC office that reflects the state’s unique cultural heritage and incorporates Naga architectural designs. He pledged the state government’s support in realising this vision, promising to assist and secure the resources to construct a befitting headquarters for the DMC.

Meanwhile, responding to concerns raised by the Central Nagaland Tribes Council (CNTC) regarding the cut-off year of November 21, 1979, he assured that the government would engage in further discussions to address their concerns.

When questioned about the recent Supreme Court decision to dismiss criminal proceedings against the army personnel involved in the 2021 Oting killings, Rio stated that the state government had formally registered its protest against the court’s ruling. He expressed hope that the court would take cognisance and consider further action.

Meanwhile, Advisor Moatoshi Longkumer, highlighting urgent needs in Dimapur, called for improved road infrastructure, a comprehensive drainage system, a flyover to ease traffic congestion, and regulation of market prices to combat syndicate systems.

The MLA, who is also in-charge of the Excise department, responded to a query about the contentious Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act, stating that the “file is with the cabinet, so let’s wait for the cabinet decision.”

Responding to concerns about the easy availability of alcohol in many shops, he cited a severe shortage of enforcement personnel. He explained that the department currently operates with only 336 staff members, 40 positions of which are vacant. This, he emphasised, was insufficient to effectively monitor Dimapur alone, let alone the entire state.

He stressed the need for increased manpower and resources to effectively enforce liquor regulations in Nagaland.