DMC, Urban Development and Youth Resources come under RTI scanner

March 1, 2025 25 Views No Comment

• DUCCF demands info on projects

• Flags poor air quality in Dimapur

Morung Express News
Dimapur | March 1

As announced in January, the Dimapur Urban Council Chairmen Federation (DUCCF) filed a series of Right to Information applications with three government entities. It made the announcement at a press conference in Dimapur on February 28.

The DUCCF President, Zasivikho Zakiesato, informed that it sought information from the Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC), Urban Development (UD) Department, and Department of Youth Resources and Sports (DYR&S) with regard to certain issues. The applications were submitted on February 24, and copies of which were revealed to the media.

The application to the DMC contained 14 queries centred on recruitment/appointment of employees, salaries budget, revenue sources, reason for pending salaries, and staff strength.

The DMC has yet to pay salaries to around 430 employees since October 2024.

One of the questions went, “Has the government or any other competent authority issued any directives or notices regarding illegal or unauthorised appointments within the DMC?”

The letter to the DYR&S sought information on the status of the Multi Disciplinary Sports Centre in Dimapur, formerly known as the State Stadium. The MDSC remains incomplete almost 20 years after construction started in 2006.

The queries raised by the DUCCF ranged from tender notice, DPR, sanctioned amount, funding agency to state government’s share and reason for delay. It basically asked for the latest progress report, complete with all details about the project.

The letter to the Urban Development Department demanded the listing of all development projects implemented within the limits of the DMC or Dimapur urban area by and under the said department over the last five years (2019-2024). It also asked for details of any upcoming projects planned for Dimapur, and the duties and functions of an Urban Development officer of a district.

The press conference was preceded by a meeting wherein they discussed issues pertaining to electricity, including the push for prepaid metering, DMC’s Residential Sanitation Fee, besides other issues.

Zakiesato added that the DUCCF would use the RTI tool to get details on the refurbishing of the Dimapur Town Hall. It was refurbished at a cost of Rs 19 cr.

NCAP and air quality
Zakiesato further disclosed that the DUCCF wrote a letter to the Nagaland Pollution Control Board (NPCB) on February 28 demanding action on Dimapur’s poor air quality, and transparency and accountability regarding the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) funds.

It requested for a detailed report on NCAP fund allocation and utilisation over the past five years (2020-2024), including project specifics, current status, and impact. They also ask for public access to daily air quality reports.

While highlighting the classification of Dimapur as a ‘Non-Attainment City,’ it said that there has been no visible air quality improvement despite funding from the NCAP.

It cited poor waste mismanagement, uncontrolled construction, vehicular emissions, road dust, illegal burning and lack of road maintenance as major contributors, while highlighting inadequate action from the DMC, PWD (Roads and Bridges), Urban Department and Transport Department.

The DUCCF warned of filing a PIL against the NPCB, DMC, and Transport Department, besides organising protests, if no action is taken within 15 days.