Will Nagaland’s DoA and PWD (NH) turn promises into progress?
By Moa Jamir
The bold promises made in a single day by top echelons from two key departments concerning livelihood and connectivity in Nagaland deserve serious attention from the general public and other stakeholders to ensure that these commitments are not mere rhetoric, but are actually implemented.
On December 18, the first commitment came from Nagaland’s Department of Agriculture (DoA) and its Advisor, Mhathung Yanthan, in response to widespread concerns raised by various stakeholders regarding the “uncritical promotion” of oil palm cultivation in the state by the department.
The Nagaland Community Conserved Areas Forum (NCCAF), the apex forum for community-conserved areas in the state, had called for a transparent and informed dialogue on the long-term implications of oil palm cultivation. The forum, among other issues, had flagged the DoA's display of a poster titled "Myths and Facts" about oil palm cultivation at the recently concluded 25th Hornbill Festival, which underscored perceived benefits, including claims about environmental sustainability and economic viability.
In response, the DoA and its advisor expressed their full "endorsement" of a "broad-based stakeholder consultation to ensure transparent public engagement and critical deliberations" on oil palm cultivation, as well as other plantation and field crops, including biodiversity conservation and water security. The consultations, among other things, will explore viable and sustainable alternatives to ensure that agricultural policies are farmer-friendly while preserving Nagaland’s natural resources, the Advisor stated in a press release on December 18. The DoA also assured that a platform would soon be created to facilitate this much-needed dialogue.
While the sudden 'change of stance' after consistently championing oil palm cultivation is welcomed, it remains somewhat curious. For instance, apart from the "Myths and Facts" poster, in November 2023, the DoA contended that oil palm cultivation in Nagaland, under the National Mission on Edible Oils – Oil Palm (NMEO-OP), was a "sustainable and farmer-friendly Centrally-Sponsored Scheme." The department listed various perceived benefits of the cultivation. Since its initiation in FY 2015-16, the DoA and other line departments in Nagaland have consistently defended oil palm cultivation despite concerns raised by experts and other stakeholders.
The second significant commitment came from Nagaland's Deputy Chief Minister and Minister in charge of Planning & Transformation and National Highways (NH), TR Zeliang, who assured that he would continue to oversee ongoing works in the state through onsite inspections of NH projects.
A press release from the Deputy CM's office stated that a detailed plan of action is in place to further Zeliang’s “sincere concern and effort in the sustainable development” of NH projects in the state.
Among the plans outlined, it was stated that monthly coordination meetings would be held on an as-needed basis, with the first scheduled for January 2025, involving the NPWD (NH), NHIDCL, and BRTF to assess the status of all ongoing projects under their respective supervision. The Deputy CM also pledged “in-depth discussions” on projects facing land acquisition issues in order to resolve any impasses. Zeliang had toured several ongoing projects from November 11-14, covering six districts.
A statement from the Deputy CM's office also claimed that sustainable road connectivity remains one of the top priorities of the current administration under the leadership of CM Neiphiu Rio, asserting that the Deputy CM intends to implement this without compromising on quality and workmanship. He also appealed to all stakeholders to cooperate and support the existing government policies and regulations regarding the construction of NHs to ensure the timely completion of projects.
As reported regularly in this newspaper, the inordinate delays in NH projects in Nagaland have been a constant issue. The state has also been plagued by numerous natural calamities, including rockslides, landslides, and mudslides, among others. Often, blame is directed at the implementing agencies, contractors, and the state government for a lack of supervision, monitoring, and adherence to environmental and quality parameters. A similar initiative for state roads and highways is equally imperative.
The promises made by these two entities, amid the ongoing festive season, may bring hope to the public. However, the big question remains: will these promises be translated into action? The citizens of Nagaland must wait until the New Year to determine whether these commitments are mere token gestures or genuine efforts to bring about meaningful change.
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