Our Correspondent
Kohima | December 21
Growing up as a citizen of Kohima, Deputy Commissioner Rovilato Mor observed that since his school days there were a lot of places where things needed to be done, like road widening, proper pedestrian footpaths etc. But these are not taken up by any department.
During his term as SDO (Civil) in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Mor further noticed that pedestrians were facing immense problems due to congestion and lack of proper footpaths. A report was submitted highlighting the need for footpaths, but due to the lack of funds, the then DC could not take up the project. Finally, after becoming the DC of Kohima, Mor took up this long felt need and made sure substantial work could be done for the public.
In early 2016, the Kohima DC and his office initiated renovation of the unnoticed but significant corners and infrastructure in Kohima town. Drainages were constructed, roads widened and road dividers made. Over the course of these undertakings, the support of the public was also immense.
“In certain activities, the public support has been immense,” says Thejavizo Nakhro, EAC Sadar who informed that individuals as well as organizations contributed construction materials, manpower and some even generously consented to dismantle their houses for the convenience of public utility.
The Southern Angami Tata Sumo Association contributed over 45 bags of cement and truckloads of sand, while also mobilizing the drivers to help out in the construction, cited Nakhro. The initiative which started in April has now completed around 6 major undertakings such as the South Police Station Junction drainage, South End Market- Dzüvürü bridge drainage and foot bridge construction, wall painting and cleaning at Raj Bhavan area, provision of road dividers at PHQ area, footpath grills etc.
Meanwhile, the faulty drainage system from BOC to Mohonkhola was finally re-constructed this year with resources available under the DC and the supervision done by the office.
Through the DC’s coordination and internal mobilization, more support was gathered from offices such as the KMC and SP office that provided fuel, materials, manpower. Although there is no fund reserved for undertaking developmental constructions under the District Administration, most of the expenditure was covered by the DC’s fund.
“We have the Urban Development, PWD, R& B, BRO to take up major works but small things here and there seem insignificant for the departments. For the public those things are really important but the departments despite taking up major works do not take care for small corners and requirements,” the Kohima DC stated.
Noticing the waterlogged drainage at the South PS Junction, Mor requested the BRO to fix it. However nobody bothered to take up the work, therefore the construction for the drainage was also completed under the supervision and support of the DC.
While trying to revamp the traffic regulations, the idea to redesign the Classic Island came up in order to widen the road. Here, the Classic Club willingly redesigned the island on their own expense.
The DC also decided to take up permanent construction of road dividers, which were made out of plain sheet and readymade boxes and concrete.
“Our efforts are bringing improvement to the public. And in several locations, the public are taking up actions on their own. Citizens themselves are coming up with initiatives making new road connectivity to ease traffic congestion. In such initiatives, we are also trying to extend our assistance,” said Mor. “We depend on the public to serve the public. In the end it is public who uses the infrastructure,” added Nakhro.
