DIMAPUR, AUGUST 31: Despite repeated reports, inspections and directives to clear unauthorised structures beneath the railway flyover in Dimapur, several temporary shops continue to operate in the area, raising questions over enforcement and the continued collection of fees from vendors occupying public space.
A ground reality check conducted by Nagaland News Network (NNN) on August 31 found that a number of shops were still functioning beneath the flyover near the railway station and Station Road. While portions of the area have been cleared and are being developed for parking, several other temporary structures remain in operation.
The issue is not new. In November 2023, Advisor for Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Zhaleo Rio, along with the Deputy Commissioner, DMC Administrator, police and other officials, had inspected several parts of Dimapur, including the area below the new railway flyover. At the time, it was stated that the structures were unauthorised and that steps would be taken for their removal.
A report published in December 2023 also highlighted that shops continued to operate beneath the railway flyover despite directives for the removal of temporary structures. Shopkeepers at the time reportedly claimed that DMC was collecting monthly payments from them. The Naga Council Dimapur had also urged the administration to remove the temporary structures and develop the area into a systematic vehicle parking lot.
More recently, the Dimapur Municipal Council launched a phase-wise demolition and clearance drive in November 2025, including the space beneath the new flyover. DMC Chairman Hukheto Yepthomi stated that the cleared spaces would be converted into designated parking zones and that the drive would continue in phases.
However, NNN’s ground report on Monday found that the clearance remains incomplete.
₹20 daily collection raises questions
During interactions with shopkeepers operating beneath the flyover, some claimed that they are paying ₹20 every day to the Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC). They also stated that they had not received any notice or information directing them to vacate the area.
The claim raises a key question: if the structures have already been identified as unauthorised, on what basis are payments being collected from vendors occupying the same public space?
The ground report also found an alcohol outlet operating beneath the flyover. During NNN’s visit, the outlet reportedly shut its shutter after the news team arrived, raising questions over its operation and regulatory status.
Nagaland continues to have the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition Act, 1989, which prohibits the possession, sale, purchase, consumption and manufacture of liquor, subject to the exemptions provided under the law. The State Government continues to list the Act among its operative laws, while the Excise & Prohibition Department remains responsible for its enforcement.
The issue therefore raises another question for the Excise & Prohibition Department and district administration: how is an alleged liquor outlet able to operate from a location that has already been identified for clearance?
What was originally described as temporary vending structures now appears, in several sections, to have evolved into more established commercial spaces, according to the ground observation.
This is particularly significant because the administration’s earlier stated plan was not merely to remove the structures but to restore the space for public use, including parking.
In November 2023, Zhaleo Rio had stated that the shops below the railway flyover were illegal, noting that there were no records with the DMC showing that the council had allotted such spaces to individuals. He had also called for immediate action and a clear timeline for removing illegal structures.
There has since been visible progress in some portions of the flyover area, with cleared sections being used for parking. However, the continued presence of other shops indicates that the process remains incomplete.
