Advisor and DPDB Chairman Mhathung Yanthan and MLA Mhonbemo Humtsoe during the DPDB meeting held at DC Conference Hall, Wokha on August 11. (DIPR Photo)
Wokha, August 11 (MExN): The condition of the Wokha–Merapani National Highway came under sharp focus at the District Planning and Development Board (DPDB) meeting on Tuesday, with the chairman issuing a three-month ultimatum for completion of repair works.
Advisor and DPDB Chairman Mhathung Yanthan directed NHIDCL engineers and contractors to clear and complete the highway within three months, warning that officials would be summoned again in October for a final review to ensure satisfactory standards.
The meeting, held at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall, Wokha was co-chaired by Deputy Commissioner K Mhathung Tsanglao and attended by MLA Mhonbemo Humtsoe.
According to a DIPR report, the board expressed strong dissatisfaction over the road’s poor condition, questioning contractors about delays and deficiencies. NHIDCL officials attributed the problems to funding and maintenance constraints but assured efforts to keep the highway pothole-free.
Deliberations also covered frequent mudslides and landslides disrupting traffic flow. Yanthan directed that progress updates be submitted regularly and warned that non-compliance would be viewed seriously.
ADC Wokha, Renbomo Ezung, presented the committee’s identified location for the proposed District Hospital, which was placed before the house. The meeting also approved the LADP 2026 27 fund.
Discussion on the Banana Festival 2026 was held, where it was decided that the festival will be organized on a biannual basis, meaning it will be held only next year.
Several departments presented PowerPoint reports. The Excise and Prohibition Department, through Superintendent of Excise Wokha, reviewed cases detected during 2025 26, reporting 96 registered cases, 98 arrests, and fines amounting to approximately Rs 1.29 lakh. The Tourism Department highlighted opportunities and schemes to enhance tourist experiences in Wokha, while the Nagaland Khadi and Village Industries Board presented its training programmes and activities.
The Urban Department, represented by Er Kesoweu Wetsah, deliberated on solid waste management, focusing on segregation and recycling practices in Wokha. Officials from Lotha Hoho addressed the failure of water supply in Wokha Town, warning of its impact on multiple sectors and establishments. A detailed project report was submitted to MLA Mhonbemo Humtsoe for further consideration and assessment at the higher level.
Following the meeting, the DPDB Chairman and members undertook institutional visits to the District Jail Wokha and Governance Higher Secondary School Wokha.
Advisor Yanthan inspects Wokha District Jail
Advisor Yanthan, accompanied by DPDB members, visited the District Jail Wokha where a short programme was held within the jail premises.
Addressing the gathering, Yanthan appealed to various departments to extend support and assistance towards the development of the District Jail. He expressed appreciation that the facilities within the jail were in order, highlighting the sanitation arrangements inside the cells and the overall cleanliness of the compound.
He remarked that staying in jail should not always be viewed negatively, but rather as an opportunity for rehabilitation and transformation. “A jail should act as a place of recreation and reflection, where old habits are changed and individuals are guided to become better human beings. That is what Wokha District Jail is striving to achieve,” he stated.
It was noted that the jail currently houses a total of 29 prisoners.
