Kohima, August 17: the Advisor for School Education, Dr Kekhrielhoulie Yhome, called for coordinated inter-departmental action to tackle water supply, waste management and other pressing urban challenges during a meeting of the District Planning and Development Board (DPDB). He said the matter required integrated planning, clear timelines and accountability across departments to protect public health and maintain essential urban services. The meeting was convened to review current measures and set priorities for the district. Dr Yhome directed the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) to submit a detailed report on proposed water-treatment initiatives and to outline technical and financial requirements for swift execution. He urged the Urban Affairs and Municipal Affairs departments to ensure preparedness in response to a Supreme Court directive on waste management, noting that plans have been initiated in localities including Lerie and at the main landfill site in Kohima. He stressed the importance of timely and coordinated implementation to prevent environmental degradation and health risks. On Externally Aided Projects (EAPs), the Advisor asked departments to coordinate with their respective heads of department and prepare sectoral outlay details, with particular focus on solid and liquid waste management, for presentation at the next monthly meeting. He also requested presentations by relevant agencies on broader aspects of urban development to facilitate integrated investment and policy decisions. The approach was framed to ensure that external funding aligns with local priorities and delivers measurable improvements. Departments responsible for rural development, urban engineering and disaster management were directed to conduct a rapid survey of major community issues and submit a concise brief to the DPDB, enabling prompt remedial action. The meeting was chaired by the Additional Deputy Commissioner, Kohima, Ruopfükuotuo Noudi, NCS, and took place at the DPDB Hall. The directives were issued as part of an effort to accelerate coordinated service delivery and strengthen district level governance.