The drainage project aimed at addressing recurring flooding at Dimapur Airport recorded three point three eight per cent progress in 2024–25, according to the Ministry of Jal Shakti annual report 2025–26. The report noted that the Brahmaputra Board is implementing the Development of Dimapur Airport Drainage Scheme Phase IV at an estimated cost of Rs 248.7 million (mn). The slow pace has renewed concerns over operational resilience at the state’s only airport and prompted a review of support options at central and state levels.

Flooding and waterlogging have repeatedly disrupted flight operations at the airport, with flights suspended in July 2025 after heavy rainfall inundated the runway and parking areas. The report attributed the problem largely to heavy runoff from the Sugar Mill Nallah, which passes through the airport operational area, and flagged the need for regular de-silting of an approximately eight km external storm water drain towards Aoyimti village. The board’s scheme is intended to reduce inundation risk and improve drainage capacity across the site.

In view of the situation, the Nagaland government sought financial support from the Ministry of Jal Shakti, which asked the Brahmaputra Board to explore the feasibility of taking up the project under its River Basin Management Scheme in coordination with the state government. The report also recorded that works for pollution abatement of the Diphu and Dhansiri rivers in Dimapur have been sanctioned under the National River Conservation Plan at an estimated cost of Rs 786.5 mn, with a 25.43 MLD sewage treatment plant already commissioned. Those measures form part of a broader effort to address water quality and urban drainage challenges in the region.

At present, projects for pollution abatement of 14 rivers have been sanctioned under the plan at a cost of Rs 614.7 mn across 13 towns in Nagaland. The report informed that 13 faecal sludge treatment plants with a total capacity of 220 KLD are under implementation. Officials will monitor progress and coordinate desilting to mitigate airport flooding.