Advisor Mhathung Yanthan directs NHIDCL, contractors to clear road and submit regular progress updates
The District Planning and Development Board (DPDB) in Wokha has directed NHIDCL officials and contractors to complete the Wokha–Merapani National Highway within three months, following concerns over the condition of the road and delays in the work.
The direction was issued by DPDB Chairman and Advisor Mhathung Yanthan during the board’s August meeting held at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall in Wokha on August 11.
The condition of the highway was a major point of discussion, with the board questioning NHIDCL officials and contractors over delays and shortcomings in the road work.
NHIDCL officials cited funding and maintenance-related challenges during the meeting and assured that efforts would be made to keep the highway pothole-free. The board also discussed the disruption caused by mudslides and landslides along the highway.
Yanthan directed NHIDCL engineers and contractors to ensure that the highway is cleared and completed within three months. He also called for regular progress updates.
The NHIDCL officials and contractors are to be called again in October for a final review, with the board seeking to ensure that the highway meets satisfactory standards.
The meeting also took up the proposed District Hospital for Wokha, with ADC Wokha Renbomo Ezung presenting the location identified by the committee. The house also approved the LADP 2026–27 fund.
On the Banana Festival 2026, the board decided that the festival would be held on a biannual basis, meaning the next edition will be held in 2027.
Several departments also presented reports during the meeting, including the Excise and Prohibition Department, which reported 96 cases, 98 arrests and fines amounting to approximately Rs 1.29 lakh during 2025–26.
The meeting also discussed solid waste management in Wokha, while representatives of the Lotha Hoho raised concerns over the failure of water supply in Wokha town. A detailed project report on the water supply issue was submitted to MLA Mhonbemo Humtsoe for further consideration.
The meeting was chaired by Yanthan and co-chaired by Deputy Commissioner and DPDB Vice Chairman K Mhathung Tsanglao, with MLA Mhonbemo Humtsoe in attendance.
