DIMAPUR, APRIL 20 (MExN): The Lotha Students' Union (LSU) has appealed to the Government of Nagaland to immediately station a unit of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) in Wokha district, citing recurring fatalities linked to the Doyang Hydro Electric Project.
A press release from the LSU stated that Wokha district is home to one of Nagaland’s most significant water bodies, with the Doyang Hydro Electric Project generating 75 MW of power for over twenty-five years. It noted that the project has contributed to the State exchequer and played a role in the development of the energy sector, but added that associated risks have not been adequately addressed.
The LSU highlighted that, on average, three to four lives are lost annually in the Doyang reservoir and its downstream currents. According to the union, the victims include fishermen, picnickers, and residents from Wokha as well as neighbouring districts and Assam. It added that two deaths have already been reported this year.
Stating that these incidents point to systemic gaps, the union said, “The absence of a permanent, professional disaster response unit in Wokha District is no longer a gap. It is a failure of policy.” It maintained that reliance on ad-hoc rescue efforts, delayed responses, and untrained volunteers has resulted in avoidable loss of life.
The LSU has urged the State Government to sanction and station an NDRF camp in Wokha without delay. It stated that the presence of a dedicated unit would enable expert water rescue operations during emergencies and facilitate awareness programmes on water safety and disaster preparedness.
In addition, the union called for strengthening local response mechanisms by equipping the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Home Guards, and Civil Defence units with adequate training and modern equipment. It stated that improving the capacity of these agencies would ensure coordinated and timely responses to emergencies.
The LSU said that recurring fatalities linked to water-related incidents require immediate intervention and that measures such as deploying an NDRF unit and strengthening local forces would improve disaster preparedness and response in the district.
The union further appealed to the Government to treat the matter with priority and take necessary action at the earliest.
