Morung Express News
Dimapur | June 21
A novel initiative of the Ao Students’ Union Dimapur (AKTD) will go a long way in enhancing the landscape of Naga Shopping Arcade, which has suffered decades of neglect in terms of development, infrastructure and sanitation.
A Jubilee Park and free public water drinking booth constructed by AKTD is now open for all citizens to enjoy and make use of the public amenities. The Park and water booth adjacent to Hotel Saramati, is one of the three major projects undertaken by AKTD in commemoration of its golden jubilee held last year.
Nagaland PWD minister, Tongpanng Ozukum, who inaugurated the Jubilee Park and water booth here on Saturday lauded AKDT leaders and members for their “noble and thoughtful initiative” and exuded confidence that such initiatives for the welfare of society in general would serve as an eye opener to inspire and encourage other organizations and student bodies to contribute their bit for the common good.
The minister said such an infrastructure (park) was not only for beautification but would have positive impacts on health and environment and social aspects in the long run. “Since Dimapur belongs to all of us, let us (citizens of Dimapur) ‘ownership’ of the city, not in ‘khushi khushi’ manner but contribute in positive ways for the greater wellbeing and growth of our city”, he said.
Ozukum said Nagaland has too many organizations and unions with lofty mottos, but wondered whether all organizations or unions were sincerely striving or working to achieve the objectives they profess.
He further said after the “eye opener”, AKTD should focus on environment and climate change.
Convenor, golden jubilee planning committee, K Temjen Jamir, in his introductory note said as part of year-long celebration in commemoration of AKTD golden jubilee, the union initiated three major projects –tree plantation drive at Dimapur Government College, Naga Cemetery and ISBT on World Environment Day 2018, murals on 1000 ft long wall and repair of foothpath alongside the wall at PWD colony, and, the park and water booth at Naga Shopping Arcade.
The convenor said to meet the expenses of the three projects, AKTD ordered 10,000 waste bins and sold them at less the MRP.
A host of invitees including chairman and secretary of Development Authority Nagaland, president and colleagues of Naga Council Dimapur, Dimapur Naga Students’ Union, Tenants Association Naga Shopping Arcade, Ao frontal organizations and other also spoke on the occasion and attended the inaugural.
