The new Dimapur Municipal Office was inaugurated on 20th September 2024 at the Integrated Business Hub and Innovation Centre (IBHIC), Forest Colony, by Neiphiu Rio, Chief Minister of Nagaland, as the special guest. Rio stated that the event marked a significant step in enhancing the city’s administrative infrastructure and boosting civic services.
In his speech, Chief Minister Rio called on the newly elected Urban Local Body (ULB) councillors to embrace the challenge of transforming Dimapur into a vibrant and livable city. He highlighted his expectations of the councillors, describing them as educated, hardworking, and eager to serve, while emphasizing the need for sincerity and deep commitment to their roles.
Rio noted that it took over two decades to hold ULB elections, but with the support of the people of Nagaland, they were conducted peacefully. He praised the cooperation of the citizens and assured the councillors that the state government would fully support the municipalities, particularly through the upcoming 16th Finance Commission, which begins next year. Rio encouraged them to submit strong development proposals.
A key issue discussed was the temporary nature of the Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) office, which currently occupies a Forest Department office managed by IDAN. Rio urged the councillors to design a new, permanent office building and submit proposals to the Finance Commission, extending the state government’s support for such initiatives.
Addressing immediate concerns, Rio emphasized the need for road repairs, traffic management, and cleanliness. He announced that the government had approved a garbage dump site for DMC, allocating 10.74 acres for Dimapur and 9.41 acres for East Dimapur. Additionally, he advised the councillors to identify cemetery sites, stressing the need for a burial system accommodating the diverse tribes and religions in Dimapur.
Rio also proposed that the councillors implement a system to generate revenue through entry and exit taxes in Dimapur. He underscored the importance of maintaining public parks, managing encroachment issues, and developing designated marketing and shopping areas to ease traffic congestion. He further suggested allowing certain shops and hotels to remain open on Sundays, given Dimapur’s role as a transit hub for travelers.
Water supply was another major concern. Rio noted that the widespread digging of bore wells was depleting the water table and urged the municipal body to plan for clean and safe water. He advised the councillors to develop a comprehensive project to seek government assistance.
Rio outlined broader urban development goals, including improving sanitation, beautification, street lighting, and educational institutions in Dimapur. He stressed the need for a master plan to elevate the city’s rankings and attract resources to sustain its growth.
“Dimapur is the commercial hub not only for Nagaland but also for neighboring states,” Rio stated, emphasizing the need for the city to generate revenue and become self-sustaining. He called on all stakeholders to work together to make Dimapur the most vibrant and livable city in the region.
In his closing remarks, Rio encouraged the councillors to take pride in their roles and embrace the opportunity to lead Dimapur towards a prosperous future.
Hukheto Yepthomi, Chairman of DMC, shared that the office has been functioning since last August and the relocation has brought much-needed change. The office has begun digitizing its trade license branch, with plans to expand digitization to other branches. Yepthomi also mentioned DMC’s participation in the Swachhta Hi Seva campaign, focusing on community engagement and waste management. He noted that the new office space has given fresh momentum to the DMC’s efforts, and the current councillors are working tirelessly to address Dimapur’s challenges and elevate the city.
MLA and Advisor for Labour, Employment & Skill Development, and Excise, Moatoshi Longkumer, remarked that the dedicated office for Dimapur has become a reality, thanks to the support and leadership of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio. Longkumer reminded the newly elected DMC members that their work has just begun, pointing out pressing issues such as improving roads and implementing a comprehensive drainage system.
Guest of honour H. Tovihoto Ayemi, MLA and Advisor for Tribal Affairs, congratulated the councillors and hailed the event as a significant achievement. He highlighted the long journey to successfully conduct the ULB elections and establish a new office for the DMC. Ayemi expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Rio for securing the new office location.
Encouraging the DMC members, Ayemi stressed the importance of hard work and dedication. “As you take on this responsibility, I urge you to embrace new challenges and strive for improvement,” he said, reinforcing the need for progressive action.
Abu Metha, Chairman of the Investment & Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN), highlighted the perseverance that led to this moment, acknowledging the legal battles and consultative meetings involved. He remarked that the recent ULB elections were among the most peaceful in history, largely due to the cooperation of the people.
Metha noted that for the first time in over two decades, fully functioning ULB bodies now exist across Nagaland. He emphasized the importance of the 33% reservation for women in the ULBs, a policy he said reflects Nagaland’s progress toward greater inclusivity.
Dimapur, Metha stressed, holds a key position in Nagaland’s future. Describing it as a “Mini India” and the gateway to ASEAN markets, he underscored the city’s economic potential. However, for Dimapur to achieve its role as an economic hub, Metha urged all citizens to work together.
The inauguration program began with a dedicatory prayer led by Rev. Dr. Lima Jamir, Associate Pastor of DABA, followed by the unveiling of the plaque by Chief Minister Rio. The welcome address was delivered by I. Sentinuklu Jamir, Councilor of DMC, and a vote of thanks was given by Imlinaro Stephanie Ezung, Deputy Chairperson of DMC. A special song was performed by NK Naga, and the event was chaired by Kili N. Sumi, Councilor of DMC.