The Chathe Riverbed Mining issue was a key focus of the District Planning and Development Board (DPDB) meeting held at the DPDB Conference Hall, Chumoukedima, under the chairmanship of Zhaleo Rio, Advisor for Urban Development & Municipal Affairs.
Hall, Chumoukedima on 10th February 2025. (IA Chumoukedima)
The board underscored the urgency of preserving the Chathe River and decided to hold a consultative meeting with village councils. It was also suggested that a documentary in Nagamese be produced to raise awareness of how riverbed mining, excavation, waste dumping, and road cutting have affected water quality for drinking and other essential purposes.
Other key agendas discussed included speed regulation on National Highways within Chumoukedima district. The District Road Safety Committee raised concerns over safety issues, and the board recommended stopping roadside parking, enforcing speed limits, and prohibiting heavy vehicle parking along the highways.
Zhaleo Rio stated that, with the support of the Chief Minister, Chumoukedima district is receiving increased attention for infrastructure development. He urged all district officers to submit proposals for post creation, staff quarters construction, or land requirements and to expedite necessary actions for their respective departments.
He also emphasized the need for a systematic, department-wise action plan and encouraged officials to present their initiatives at board meetings to achieve better outcomes for public welfare.
The board also approved a proposal to create a separate Project Director post for the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) and deliberated on the need for State Disaster Response Force personnel. Additionally, a proposal was made for the creation of a Revenue Officer post under the Chumoukedima district administration.
The chairman further suggested proposing the establishment of a Fire Service Station in Medziphema town. Meanwhile, the Water Resources Department will present a PowerPoint presentation on the ’Jal Shakti Abhiyan’ and ’Nari Shakti se Jal Shakti’ schemes in the next DPDB meeting.
The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks by Deputy Commissioner Polan John, NPS.