The monthly meeting of the Kohima District Planning and Development Board (DPDB) was held on May 15 at the DPDB Hall, Kohima. (DIPR Photo)
KOHIMA, MAY 15 (MExN): The monthly meeting of the Kohima District Planning and Development Board (DPDB) was held on May 15 at the DPDB Hall, Kohima, under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner B Henok Buchem, NCS.
The meeting marked a leadership transition with the official induction of Kevipodi Sophie, MLA, as the new Chairman of the DPDB.
Buchem expressed gratitude to the outgoing Chairman, Dr Tseilhoutuo Rhutso, MLA, for his leadership and contributions. Welcoming the new Chairman, he expressed hope for continued progress under his guidance.
In his address, MLA Sophie thanked the state government for the trust placed in him and assured full cooperation in implementing government policies. He urged officials to work with sincerity and honesty and reaffirmed his commitment to developmental activities.
A key highlight of the meeting was the felicitation of Riya Gupta, HSLC topper among Government High Schools in Kohima District. A student of GHS Chandmari, Riya follows in the footsteps of her elder sister, who had received the same recognition last year. Expressing gratitude, Riya thanked her teachers, mother, and well-wishers, saying she was "humbled and honoured" by the recognition.
The board also approved a proposal to upgrade GMS Daklane to a Government High School, based on a report from the District Education Officer confirming that all required criteria were met.
Tourist Officer Abigail Solo made a presentation on the Tourism Department, sharing data on tourist arrivals and existing accommodations in Kohima, which include 40 hotels and 91 homestays. She highlighted infrastructure constraints and called for improved coordination, privatisation, and communitisation of tourism assets.
She also shared updates on the 25th Hornbill Festival and various ongoing projects, including Enopen Resort and Services Block at Khonoma, Kohima View Point, Aradura Hills trekking route, The Dawn Chalet at Chakhabama, and eco-tourism initiatives at Jotsoma.
DC Buchem noted the lack of a tourist-friendly environment in certain areas and urged the department to initiate skill development programmes. He also stressed the importance of departments updating their websites regularly and instructed the concerned department to repair damaged drainage covers in Kohima town.
New members welcomed to the board included the Chairman of Kohima Municipal Council, President of Angami Public Organisation, ADC Kohima HQ Ruopfükuotuo Noudi, Assistant Controller LM&CP Shiekhozo Rhakho, SDO (C) Sechü-Subza Imliakum Sanglir, and SDO (C) Jakhama Vineikho Tetso.
The Social Welfare Department will deliver the next departmental presentation.
