Achievements of Development Authority Nagaland (DAN) during the period from April 2006 to March 2007
The Development Authority Nagaland was established in 1976 under the Town and Country Planning Act 1966 to be the implementing agency of the present department of Urban Development. Over the years, the DAN has constructed Nagaland House Kolkata, Naga Shopping Arcade Dimapur etc. It has got enough technical manpower to carry on any urban infrastructure development projects.
During the year under report, the Development Authority has achieved the following:
1. Revenue collection: The main objective of Development Authority is to function as a revenue earning agency. Nevertheless due to so many factors, revenue collection was not satisfactory. For example, during 2005 the total revenue collection from all sources was Rs.63,36,259/- only. With the full cooperation and sincerity from the revenue section, the revenue collection increased to Rs.72,25,917/- during 2006. During the year under report, there was a record collection of revenue to the tune of Rs.9,91,542/-only. There was also revenue saving of Rs.1.50 lakhs in the electricity section. There is scope for further improvement.
2. Market building: The long pending two market buildings have been completed and ready to hand over to DMC on lease which can fetch some more revenue. In the Naga Shopping Arcade there are many stalls which were closed for many months. This was due to accumulation of huge outstanding rent. After thorough investigation and giving enough time to clear the dues with proper information, with the help of the two security personnel the Authority could break open two stalls and reallocate to new tenants which are now running profitably.
3. Maintenance of Naga Shopping Arcade: In two blocks, there was heavy leakage of rain water. As a result, the tenants were facing untold miseries and were about to vacate the stalls. The water proofing work is completed and the tenants are now happily doing their business without any problem.
4. New Projects: In fulfillment of the provisions of the Town and Country Planning Act 1966, and as part of commitment of the present government, the honorable Minister of Planning and Urban Development Dr Shurhozelie has kindly allotted the work for construction of 10 kms Ngwalwa Town circular road. The work has started and in good progress for which DAN is very grateful to the honorable Minister. Another scheme initiated by the Secretary M Toshimanen is for construction of Commercial Complex at Naga Shopping Arcade under 90:10 funding pattern between the Ministry of Urban Development and Development Authority Nagaland has been sanctioned by the Ministry.
5. Investment in Human Resource Development: During the period under report, there was a marginal increase in the recruitment of a few staff. As a result, there was improvement in the revenue collection and the long pending ADA arrears both for regular as well as work charge employees have been paid. Interestingly, unlike in many of government departments where the salary of the work charge employees are paid only after 3-4 months, they are also paid on the same day.
Visions of the DAN
The late Chairman honorable MLA Lakhimong had a great vision for revamping DAN. This vision statement can be called the Legacy of late Lakhimong:
1. Expansion of Development Authority: It is our vision to divide Nagaland into four Zones manned by an Executive Officer, an Engineer with technical staff, and establish shopping malls initially in all the District Headquarters thereby generating self employment to five thousand unemployed in five years. This shall also encourage Naga entrepreneurs to take up business whereby their income shall increase and learn the technique of saving for further investment. Revenue from the malls shall be good enough for payment of staff salary and little savings.
2. Construction of Multi-purpose Complex: DAN has enough land of its own where we can construct a multi-purpose complex with all modern facilities. This shall include a marriage hall of 1000 capacity with Kaelley Kitchen and bridal make up room, a theatre hall, conference hall and a number of other facilities which all the people of Nagaland shall appreciate.
3. Public Park: If people say Kohima is the mirror of Nagaland we say Dimapur is the face of Nagaland. If the face is dirty and ugly it shall reflect in the mirror. Dimapur is the commercial hub of Nagaland and many people have their plot of land in Dimapur. The city is so congested and there is no open space for the beautiful citizens to breathe fresh air. Therefore DAN is proposing for development of a public park where both young and old, rich and poor can come and relax and enjoy the beautiful nature.
4. Technical Assistance to other Departments: It shall be the endeavor of DAN to rope in other departments where there is no engineering wing and extend technical assistance in the field of construction. Good workmanship and quality control is the motto of the Development Authority of Nagaland. We are earning reputation both from Central departments as well as state departments. For example, construction of the Directorate building of Science and Technology is in good progress. Other Central schemes are also in the anvil. Likewise, DAN can take up any infrastructure development works both within and outside the state.
5. Establishment of a Construction Training Center: In order to train local construction workers and generation of employment to educated unemployed youth, DAN is proposing for establishment of a construction training center within its complex. There is enough land and scope for this purpose.
6. Preparation of Master Plan for Dimapur: The Development Authority in collaboration with DMC, Civil Administration, Urban Development and land owners can take up an ambitious scheme for preparation of Master Plan for Dimapur with Ganesh Nagar, Niuland and Chumukedima as satellite towns connected by a four lane outer ring road. A number of flyovers can be constructed.
7. If all the people cooperate with DAN, by 2030 Dimapur will be a modern city.
M Toshimanen, Secretary
Development Authority Nagaland
