Kohima: The District Planning and Development Board in Wokha delivered a sharp ultimatum on Tuesday. Chairman Mhathung Yanthan ordered NHIDCL engineers and contractors to finish repairs on the Wokha-Merapani National Highway in three months. Officials will face a follow-up review in October to confirm the work meets expected standards. The board expressed frustration over current road conditions, citing frequent landslides and mudslides as primary traffic blockers.
NHIDCL blamed the poor road quality on limited funding and maintenance hurdles. Despite these claims, they promised to keep the route free of potholes. The meeting, held at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall, included MLA Mhonbemo Humtsoe and Deputy Commissioner K Mhathung Tsanglao. Participants also approved the LADP 2026-27 fund and designated the Banana Festival as a biannual event starting next year.
Department reports highlighted several local challenges. The Excise and Prohibition Department documented 96 cases and 98 arrests for the 2025-26 period, collecting Rs 1.29 lakh in fines. Meanwhile, the Urban Department focused on new waste management strategies, and the Lotha Hoho flagged a failing water supply system in Wokha Town. A report on the water crisis now sits with Mhonbemo Humtsoe for review.
The board also reviewed a proposed location for a new District Hospital. Following the meeting, members toured the District Jail, which currently holds 29 prisoners. Advisor Yanthan praised the facility’s cleanliness and sanitation. He argued that incarceration should foster personal growth rather than just punishment. "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," Yanthan said.
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