The District Planning and Development Board (DPDB), Kohima, reviewed development, waste-management and infrastructure issues at a meeting held in Kohima on September 22. The meeting was chaired by Deputy Commissioner B. Henok Buchem in the presence of DPDB Chairman and School Education Advisor Dr Kekhrielhoulie Yhome.

The Board felicitated R. Ronald Meru, a teacher at Government Higher Secondary School, Sechü-Zubza, for receiving the National Teachers’ Award 2026. He was presented with a citation and cash award. Members also discussed shifting Bumble Bee Inclusive School and agreed to recommend the proposal.

Under the Ni-kshay Mitra Initiative 2026, the Board decided to organise a donation drive for economically weaker tuberculosis patients. Each patient would require assistance of Rs. 500 per month for six months, while funds from the common pool would also be used. Members were asked to support one or more patients and ensure that assistance reached genuinely needy beneficiaries.

The Board reviewed road maintenance and restoration proposals under NH-29. The Public Works Department proposed maintaining the 18 km stretch from Ayush Hospital, Sakhabama, to Pudunamei via Kezoma for heavy motor vehicles, along with the road from NH-02 Phesama Junction to NH-02 Kipfuzha for light motor vehicles. The proposals will be recommended to the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation, and a meeting with contractors and executing companies will be held to address maintenance compliance and labour cess deposits.

The Public Health Engineering Department presented the technical and operational status of the Mima Water Supply Facility, including power, manpower, logistics and asset-maintenance challenges. Members also reviewed Kohima’s Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan 2026, including source segregation, waste-stream categorisation, five waste pathways and the goal of eliminating dumpsites. Bulk Waste Generators were reminded of segregation and handover requirements, while the District Disaster Management Authority presented an action-taken report on reported disasters. Dr Yhome called for stronger inter-departmental coordination, improved rural development planning and better use of Common Service Centres, while officers were reminded to nominate personnel for the Kohima District Award for Distinction in Public Service.