CM Neiphiu Rio inspecting Ganeshnagar Industrial Estate with his entourage on May 29. (DIPR Photo)
• 600 beds in place, 600 more needed
• Expecting 500 returnees next week
Morung Express News
Dimapur | May 29
The long defunct Ganeshnagar industrial centre in Dimapur district is set to finally become more than a picnicking spot. An ambitious Special Economic Zone (SEZ) left to rot, the sprawling complex would finally see some use, albeit, as a quarantine centre.
The state government had issued a directive on May 21 to start refurbishing the complex. Nagaland Police officer, DIG (Training) Aotemsu was given the charge to oversee the restoration.
Work started immediately and 8 days since the directive, the place began to display a semblance of habitability. Thick foliage, which had overcome the place, was cleared and a workforce of around 250 people drawn from the Police, PHE and Power Departments were putting in over 12 hours a day.
According to one of the personnel stationed at the site, the complex holds 20 large dormitories, excluding other buildings. “We are trying to make the place as comfortable and safe as possible. Each dormitory could house 50-60 people (with the safe-distance norm in place),” said the personnel, who requested anonymity.
While some of the buildings have attached toilets and bathrooms, over 130 outhouses and bathing stations have been built. An approximated 1000 people will be housed in the complex.
“The bore wells are over 20 years old, pumps are out and plumbing is all messed up. Restoring it would take a long time. So, we have made a temporary 1.5 lakh litre capacity reservoir. It will be filled for washing purposes and for drinking, packaged water will be provided,” he said. Lighting works were on but power outages “continues to be a big deterrent.”
He informed that they have already received 600 beds and another 600 is required. While stating that a 1000 people would be a safe number, he said that they are targeting to complete the restoration by the end of June first week.
Meanwhile, the complex is expected to receive the first batch of returnees of around 500 next week.
He added that they are making arrangements to provide reading material, toiletries, mosquito nets, basic furniture and ample disinfectants in the toilets and hand sanitizers in all the dormitories.
When done, the police department would likely take responsibility of the facility, including security, with doctors and nurses from the department stationed at the complex.
4500 beds in Dimapur
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, along with a Ministerial entourage, today inspected the restoration works at the Ganeshnagar SEZ. According to a DIPR report, Rio declared that the number of beds in the quarantine centres in Dimapur district totals 4500, including Ganeshnagar. In Kohima, the target is set at 3000 beds minimum.
While informing that the State Cabinet would review the existing Standard Operating Procedure on June 1, he called for doing away with the stigma associated with COVID-19 and rather welcoming them.
He also hinted at making registration mandatory for persons wishing to work outside the state. While stating that the government would not be responsible unless the person registers, he added, “Government will discuss and take decision very soon in this regard.”
The report added that Rio assured of governmental support for imparting motivational training on entrepreneurship to those who desire to earn their living in Nagaland.
He further appreciated the Nagaland Police for making the place habitable in record time. “Police lends their committed services in times of disaster and today also you have shown your caliber,” Rio said, while announcing Rs 5 lakh towards wellbeing of the workforce.
PHED Minister, Jacob Zhimomi highlighted the shortage of medical personnel in Dimapur to which the Health and Family Welfare Minister S Pangnyu Phom assured to send additional personnel by next week.
