Nagaland CM pushes for NH-2 completion before Hornbill Festival

DIMAPUR — Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio on Wednesday cautioned the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) over the non-completion of the four-lane road (NH-2) between Dimapur and Kohima even after seven years. He asked the implementing agency to ensure that “both lanes” are operational before the commencement of the Hornbill Festival, an annual cultural extravaganza which is held from December 1 to the 10th.

He said this during a meeting with all line departments in the Secretariat Conference Hall, Kohima, to discuss the status of preparation and road map for the Hornbill Festival 2023 celebration, according to an update from DIPR.

Only one lane is currently operational in several portions of the NH-2 between Dimapur and Kohima, especially along the Chathe bridge-Khoukhi bridge stretch, due to continuous rockfalls and mudslides.

Addressing the meeting through video conferencing from New Delhi, the CM said the quality and content of the Hornbill Festival should not be compromised, as it has become a platform to showcase the very best of Nagaland to the national and global audience.

He urged all departments to gear up for the state’s most significant upcoming event, emphasising the importance of upgrading infrastructure, sanitation, and beautification of the Heritage Village.

He also asked the department of Road and Bridges to expedite the repair and maintenance of roads in and around Kisama village, the main venue of the festival.

Maintaining that the festival has become a globally recognised brand, Rio urged all departments and agencies to ensure the success of the 24th edition of the event. He also stressed the promotion of local food and beverages to showcase the unique Naga traditions and culture to the world and the importance of social media coverage in showcasing Nagaland and its people to the outside world.

While highlighting activities such as wrestling competitions, music festivals and traditional stone-pulling ceremonies to be held at various venues as part of the Hornbill Festival, he also ‘encouraged more people to participate in the World War II vintage car rally with full uniforms and showcasing their vintage cars to the public and visitors’.

‘Hornbill Festival 2024 will be a grand celebration. This year will be a prelude to its Silver Jubilee. We have statewide programmes and events in over 8 districts. More districts will be added, making it more wholesome and inclusive. It’s a festival of all Nagas reflecting true unity in diversity,’ he also wrote on X.

Also speaking at the meeting, Minister of Tourism and Higher Education, Temjen Imna Along, told the gathering that the departments are fully prepared to host the festival.

He added that three consultative meetings have already been held with line departments and stakeholders to review the preparedness.

Chief Secretary, J Alam, thanked the AHODs and HODs for their cooperation while urging all the departments to commence their activities and be prepared.

The DIPR went on to update that Advisor to the chief minister and chairman of Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland, Abu Metha, and Commissioner and Secretary of Tourism, Kitto Zhimomi also discussed various issues related to the preparations for the festival.

Also read: Nagaland: SAYO serves ultimatum to NHIDCL over delay in completion of National Highway