Dimapur: Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister Y. Patton on Saturday inspected several flood-affected areas across Dimapur, Chumoukedima, and Niuland, identifying illegal encroachments on drainage channels and roadways as the primary cause of recurring floods in the region.
Patton, accompanied by the Deputy Commissioners of the three districts, officials from the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA), and the Water Resource Department, visited 10 flood-hit localities throughout the day.
Speaking to the media during his inspection, he described the floods as “man-made disasters” caused by unchecked and unregulated construction activities.
“Structures and houses are being built directly over drainage and road spaces, obstructing natural water flow. This is the root of the waterlogging and floods we face year after year,” Patton said, calling for immediate action against such encroachments.
He directed the administration and police to submit a comprehensive report to the government, based on which necessary action would be taken. “We cannot give an assurance at this point unless we receive a proper report. But we will surely do the needful in the affected areas,” he added.
When questioned about the lack of long-term solutions and repeated inaction despite recurring floods, Patton acknowledged the issue but emphasized the need for community cooperation.
“I appeal and request all those encroachers and those buildings obstructing the drainage to immediately remove. In a few places, I think we need to request them to remove those encroachments. If needed, with the support of the administration and police, the government may be compelled to carry out demolitions,” he stated.
Addressing concerns regarding the implementation of central flood mitigation schemes and the allocation of funds under Special Assistance for urban development, Patton said discussions are ongoing.
“While district-wise allocation has not been finalized, Dimapur, Niuland, and Chumoukedima will be given special importance,” he assured.
On the issue of local resistance, Patton noted that some ward leaders had already assured the administration that encroachments would be voluntarily removed.
“We need full cooperation from a particular colony or the ward. Now, as I’ve said during the government high school interaction with those counsellors, they said that they will take care and ensure there won’t be any further encroachment. They will even start demolishing those buildings. Since they’ve given assurance, we may be compelled from the state government’s side, with support from the administration and police, to demolish those encroachments,” he said.
The visit comes as Dimapur and its surrounding districts grapple with one of the worst flood situations in recent years, exposing serious gaps in urban planning and underlining the urgent need for structural and administrative reforms.
Also Read: Guwahati has space for only 14 leopards: Even that’s shrinking