Published by Aloto Naga | August 9, 2025
The Purna Bazar water dispenser in Dimapur’s busiest daily market now lies in ruins, just months after its January 2025 inauguration. Once praised as a much-needed public facility, the dispenser has been dismantled, leaving residents frustrated and questioning why such a useful amenity was so short-lived.
Inauguration and Public Praise
The dispenser was inaugurated on January 23, 2025, by local MLA and Adviser for Industries & Commerce, Hekani Jakhalu. Constructed by EDTC with support from the Purna Bazar local authorities, the project aimed to provide free drinking water to thousands of daily market-goers. Also Read Dimapur Flooded Again: ULB Promises Sink in Corruption
In its first weeks, the Purna Bazar water dispenser was celebrated as a step towards better civic amenities. Shoppers and vendors said it offered relief during Dimapur’s intense summer heat, with many praising the MLA for prioritising public welfare.
From Celebration to Disappointment
That goodwill soon turned to anger when the dispenser was dismantled. Eyewitnesses claim that the same authorities involved in building the facility were responsible for removing it. While no official reason has been given, locals allege the project lacked proper permissions or agreements with the market’s controlling body, leaving it vulnerable to disputes.
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Questions Over Permissions and Planning
Residents and vendors are now asking whether the Purna Bazar water dispenser was built primarily for political publicity rather than long-term service. In civic infrastructure projects, contractors are expected to secure written permissions, coordinate with space owners, and commit to maintenance and relocation plans if necessary steps that may have been overlooked in this case.
Public Reaction and Concerns
Market vendors expressed their disappointment, noting how valuable the dispenser had been, particularly during this summer’s record-high temperatures. Many are now concerned that without proper oversight, other small but vital public facilities could face the same fate. Also Read Shocking Assault on Child Sparks Outrage in Dimapur Market
Need for Transparency and Accountability
The premature destruction of the Purna Bazar water dispenser has raised wider questions about transparency in public works. Even small-scale amenities require resources, and their removal before fulfilling their purpose undermines trust in governance.
Key questions remain unanswered:
- Was there a written agreement for the dispenser’s placement?
- Who was responsible for its maintenance and security?
- Why was it dismantled instead of relocated?
- Will it be replaced at Purna Bazar or elsewhere in Dimapur?
On-Site Inspection and Official Response Awaited
This report is based on an on-site inspection by Nagaland News Today editor on August 9, 2025, visual evidence, and interviews with shopkeepers and market-goers at Purna Bazar. Nagaland News Today reached out to the East Dimapur Town Council which is responsible for Purna Bazaar for comment. Any official responses or documents will be published in full.
