Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Tuesday called on Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) across the state to step up as frontline defenders in the battle against natural disasters, citing their critical role in safeguarding lives, infrastructure, and the environment.
“You are not just administrators—you are the first line of defence,” Rio told municipal leaders at the inaugural session of a three-day training on Urban and Local Resilience held in Kohima, PTI reported.
Organised by the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA), Home Department, in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), International Institute of Safety and Security Management (IISSM), and the state’s Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Department, the training aims to strengthen local preparedness and risk reduction efforts.
Citing Nagaland’s vulnerability as part of Seismic Zone V, the highest earthquake risk zone, Rio warned against complacency in enforcing building regulations. “Your signature on a building permit can save a life; your vigilance can prevent a man-made disaster,” he stated.
Rio expressed concern over the repeated devastation caused by flash floods and massive landslides during the monsoon season, citing recent incidents in Chümoukedima, Niuland, Dimapur Market, Kisama, and Piphema. He also lamented the poor condition of the Dimapur–Kohima highway, part of the Trans-Asian Highway No 1, attributing the damage to unregulated development and neglect of fragile land.
Rio emphasised the need for strict enforcement of building by-laws and called for zero tolerance against illegal constructions, especially in floodplains and landslide-prone zones.
He urged municipal authorities to issue stop-work notices wherever necessary and take decisive action to demolish unsafe structures. He further called for mandatory soil testing and geotechnical assessment prior to the approval of infrastructure projects, particularly along NH-29 and other vulnerable corridors. “This is non-negotiable. The safety of our people must come before convenience,” Rio said.
To ensure monsoon preparedness, Rio urged ULBs to coordinate with District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs), police, fire services, PWD, PHED, and health departments.
He also called for routine maintenance of drains, culverts, and stormwater channels, stating that clearing clogged drains and removing encroachments should not be treated as a last-minute effort.
Municipalities were directed to reinforce weak retaining walls, identify chronic water logging areas, and plan long-term structural solutions.
Rio also stressed solid waste management, especially in low-lying areas, and called for intensified garbage collection and disposal to avoid overflow and contamination during heavy rains.
On the public health front, the chief minister highlighted the importance of preventive action against waterborne diseases, promotion of safe drinking water, and rapid response to monsoon-related outbreaks.
On infrastructure, Rio instructed municipalities to inspect roads, culverts, and bridges for structural integrity, especially in high-risk landslide zones, and to carry out timely repairs. He recommended collaboration with the Department of Geology and Mining and NSDMA to map landslide-prone slopes and implement temporary protective measures such as boulder netting where necessary.
He called for community engagement through awareness campaigns on flood safety, early warning systems, sanitation, and hygiene. Rio encouraged the use of public announcements, SMS alerts, and social media to spread emergency information swiftly.
Calling on elected representatives to lead by example, Rio said, “When you clear a drain, you save a shopkeeper’s life. When you enforce building laws, you protect a child’s future.”
Rio expressed hope that the training would equip local bodies with the tools needed to lead effective and resilient urban governance. “Let us rise to make Nagaland the model of a resilient mountain state,” he said.
(With PTI inputs)
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