MLA Achumbemo Kikon chairing the SDPDB meeting at the conference hall of the Summer House-Cum-Guest House, Bhandari on March 10. (DIPR Photo)
MLA Achumbemo asserts ancestral land rights
Bhandari, March 10 (MExN): The monthly meeting of the SDPDB Bhandari was held at the conference hall of the Summer House-cum-Guest House, Bhandari on March 10. ADC and Vice Chairman SDPDB, Bhandari, Longasen Lotha, NCS, chaired the meeting.
As per the DIPR report, reviewing the recent confrontation between the public of Old Ralan and the Central Reserved Police Force (CRPF) stationed at DAB area, MLA and Chairman SDPDB, Bhandari, Achumbemo Kikon stated that “no one has the right to interfere or hinder developmental actives undertaken within our ancestral land.”
The Border Magistrate Uriamghat, Tsenthungo E Ngullie, highlighted to the house that tension allegedly “arose when the CRPF tried to stop installation of solar panel by the IOCL technical experts, maintaining that the petrol pump is within the ancestral land of old Ralan village.” The Border Magistrate further stressed that the oil station at the Old Ralan village, which is the only one in the area and was commissioned by the IOCL has been a long felt need of the public after years of struggle.
Foothill Road Project may faces realignment due to natural factors
Upon deliberation on the progress of the ongoing road construction work under Foothill Road project, PWD (R&B) Baghty Division informed the house that pertaining to Pangtong VR Junction to Merapani stretch, realignment may be initiated due to natural factors, the DIPR report stated.
It was suggested that the road could be constructed along the upstream of Yangri river which would require fresh cutting of about 800 meters, and widening of existing road of around 1200 meters length, and construction of a bridge across the Yangri River thereof.
MLA Kikon stressed that road construction should be carried out by adhering to prescribed specification and work should be expedited for completion before the monsoon.
SDEO Bhandari, also informed the house stating that transferring out teachers from SDEO Bhandari's establishment is faced with some challenges as some schools are being manned by one or two teachers, and that, some schools have acute shortage of teachers.
While highlighting departmental activities in the house, JE Power, stated that work has been going on for installation of the 1.6 MVA Power Transformer.
Assistant Conservator of Forest, Baghty Range, under the department of Environment, Forest & Climate Change also highlighted the house that the critically endangered species of Soft Shell Black Turtle, found at its natural habitat of Akuk and Mekukla area is further endangered due to mining activities. While planning is underway for its protection and preservation, rejuvenation of soil conservation for wildlife preservation is equally important, it added.
After the Planning Board meeting, MLA Achumbemo Kikon inaugurated the newly constructed APMC Office, Bhandari, and Lotha Morung (Chumpo) constructed under State Plan 2023-24, Department of Arts & Culture, Government of Nagaland. He also flagged off the 5th edition of the Departmental Sports Week, Bhandari, as the special inaugural guest.
