Wild elephant menace, healthcare discussed at Pughoboto SDPDB meet

Pughoboto, September 10 (MExN): The Sub-Divisional Planning and Development Board (SDPDB) of Pughoboto has approved the establishment of a dedicated Information Technology (IT) Department for the sub-division, a move aimed at modernising administrative services.

The decision was taken during the board’s monthly meeting held at the Ghatashi Village Council Hall here on September 9, chaired by Extra Assistant Commissioner (EAC) Ghatashi, Yitachu Thur.

The board also proposed an Inter-Departmental Sports Meet to foster cooperation and team spirit among government departments. The EAC Headquarters was nominated as the convenor for the event.

A community initiative by Ghokimi village to organise an Organic Ground Nut (Khodam) Festival in November was discussed. The board, while appreciating the idea, cited technical constraints preventing official SDPDB support but clarified it had no objection to the village proceeding independently, stated a DIPR report. 

The meeting addressed the issue of wild elephant attacks damaging crops and properties in the Asukiqa Area. The administration confirmed the damage has been verified and the matter was forwarded to the District Forest Officer (DFO), Zunheboto. The DFO has since informed that the case has been referred to the Wildlife Warden in Dimapur, and the administration is awaiting further updates, it stated. 

In a push for agricultural innovation, MLA Dr Sukhato A Sema distributed five automatic sprayer machines to the region’s best-performing farmers. He promised to distribute five more machines at the next meeting.

The MLA expressed strong displeasure with contractors for “failing to maintain standards under the Economic Importance (El) Road Project.” He urged village leaders and the public to actively monitor contractors to ensure quality execution of works, stressing collective responsibility for infrastructure quality.

Earlier in the day, Dr Sema inaugurated a newly constructed concrete road and drainage system at Ghatashi under the PMAAGY scheme of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.

The MLA also conducted an inspection visit to the Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Ghatashi, where he interacted with staff. He addressed a major grievance regarding the absence of a dedicated doctors’ quarter, assuring them the issue had been noted for resolution.

In his address, ADC Tiameren Chang urged all Village Council Chairmen to actively cooperate with government officers to ensure effective service delivery to the public.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from board members and public representatives towards enhanced community development and inter-departmental collaboration.