Nagaland strengthens governance with new climate and urban committees

The Nagaland Legislative Assembly has constituted two key committees aimed at tackling climate change and strengthening local governance in the state. The move underscores the government’s commitment to environmental sustainability and effective decentralization, ensuring better governance in both rural and urban areas. The first panel, the Committee on Climate Change, will play a crucial role in shaping legislative policies to combat environmental challenges. Its key responsibilities include:

Evaluating climate policies and government initiatives on sustainability.

Assessing and improving air and water quality, particularly in major rivers.

Promoting green budgeting, electric vehicle adoption, and eco-friendly agricultural practices.

Speaker Sharingain Longkumer emphasized the importance of the initiative, stating, “The continuous efforts of our Assembly members to enhance governance made the establishment of these committees not just necessary, but urgent. This step aligns with our commitment to sustainability and global climate goals.” The second panel, the Committee on Urban Local Bodies & Nagaland Village Councils, has been tasked with enhancing local governance and ensuring the effective functioning of municipal and village councils. The committee will focus on:

Waste management and sustainable urban planning.

Water supply and housing for the underprivileged.

Traffic regulation and pollution control in urban and rural areas.

Strengthening decentralization and self-governance structures.

This initiative is expected to provide key policy recommendations to the government, addressing governance gaps and improving service delivery at the grassroots level. Apart from these two committees, Speaker Longkumer also announced the formation of 14 additional financial and non-financial committees, along with the panel of chairpersons for the 2025-26 term. This move aims to reinforce comprehensive governance and policy-making in Nagaland.