Kohima DPDB meeting focuses on traffic woes, solutions ahead of Hornbill Festival

The Kohima District Planning and Development Board (DPDB) convened its monthly meeting at the DPDB Hall, Kohima, on 20 August 2024.

The meeting began with a review of the minutes from the previous session, followed by a discussion on the registration of societies. The registration proposal for the Sericulture Board, Nagaland, was deferred for further comments from the Sericulture Department. However, the registration of the Nagaland Dart Association Kohima was approved and will be forwarded to higher authorities. Additionally, the proposal to open a new Jolly Stars Pre-school in P Khel, Kohima, was accepted and will be forwarded to higher authorities.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to addressing traffic congestion in Kohima. The Deputy Superintendent of Police (Traffic), Kohima, delivered a comprehensive PowerPoint presentation outlining the current traffic challenges and potential solutions. Key recommendations included reconfiguring roundabouts, implementing one-way traffic on certain stretches during peak hours, developing link roads, constructing pedestrian-friendly foot overbridges, and enforcing the draft parking policy for Kohima City 2023.

Dr Tseilhoutuo Rhutso emphasized the need for strategic planning ahead of the upcoming Hornbill Festival, suggesting the implementation of an odd-even system for commercial vehicles and a one-way traffic system on select roads to mitigate congestion during the event.

Additional SP Kohima also highlighted the underutilization of foot overbridges in the city and suggested measures to increase their usage. He further proposed phasing out old vehicles and designating specific marketplaces for vendors to prevent roadside business activities.

The Board also welcomed six new members during the session. The Urban Development Department was tasked with presenting an overview of their ongoing activities at the next DPDB meeting.

The meeting was chaired by Deputy Commissioner and Vice-Chairman of DPDB Kohima, Kumar Ramnikant, IAS, with Dr Tseilhoutuo Rhutso, MLA and Chairman of DPDB, also in attendance.

MT