Election to Urban Local Bodies in Nagaland could be held after a gap of almost twenty years and hence most of the ULBs are still at the nascent stage. Many of the ULBs at present are neither equipped with resources nor manpower and it is likely to take time for the newly elected bodies to be properly established. In view of the rapid urbanization and increasing responsibilities given to the ULBs and for the implementation of Centrally Sponsored Schemes, the ULBs require enhanced technical, financial and administrative capacities to meet emerging urban challenges. Thus, Capacity Building and institutional strengthening are critical for improving the effectiveness, accountability and service delivery of the ULBs.
With the recent establishment of the newly elected local bodies as Institutes of Local Self Governments, capacity building of the newly elected Councillors as well as the functionaries of the ULBs has now become the core functions of the Department of Municipal Affairs. Hence, the Department has been continuously handholding and providing trainings on various subject with the meagre resources made available to strengthen and build up the capacities of the ULBs.
In tandem with this, the Department along with SBM-U and NPCB conducted a One Day Training on Solid Waste Management on 14th Oct’2025 where about eighty participants including CEOs/EO/Administrators and ULB functionaries attended the training. The training highlighted on Solid Waste Management Rules, Construction & Demolition Waste, National Green Tribunals and Single Use Plastics.
Moreover, a four-day training programme on ‘Urban Disaster Resilience’ was jointly organized by the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) and the Municipal Affairs Department from 28th to 31st July, 2025 at the Capital Convention Centre, Kohima for the elected Councilors, CEOs/EOs/ Administrators of the ULBs, with the objective of strengthening disaster preparedness and resilience at the local government level. The training aimed at developing a cadre of local government trainers equipped with practical knowledge and tools to support resilience-building initiatives and promote multi-stakeholder engagement within urban local bodies. The training enabled participants to assess vulnerabilities, prioritize risks and integrate resilience principles into urban planning and governance.