Nagaland's ULBs: Frontline Defence Against Disasters

Nagaland's Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio, has issued a clarion call to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) across the state to assume proactive roles in disaster risk reduction. He emphasized their vital position as first responders in protecting lives, infrastructure, and the environment amid increasing natural disasters.

During the inaugural session of a training on Urban and Local Resilience, Rio underscored the vulnerabilities of Nagaland, located in Seismic Zone V. He urged municipal leaders to uphold stringent building regulations to avoid disasters, stressing that approving unsafe structures could have fatal consequences.

Highlighting recent incidents of floods and landslides, Rio advocated for enforcing building by-laws, soil testing, and geotechnical assessments for infrastructure projects. He called for coordinated pre-monsoon planning, regular infrastructure inspections, and community awareness to bolster resilience in the face of growing challenges.

(With inputs from agencies.)