‘Nagaki City’ proposal awaiting Centre’s approval, says Zhaleo Rio

DIMAPUR — A proposed ‘global city’ project, ‘Nagaki City,’ is awaiting approval and funding from the government of India.

Planned for Chathe Valley in Medziphema, the project aims at becoming a “gateway to Southeast Asia”, said Zhaleo Rio, advisor of Urban Development and Municipal Affairs.

On Monday, the advisor, along with Chümoukedima Deputy Commissioner Abhinav Shivam, met with landowners at Zone Niathu by The Park in Chümoukedima, to discuss the acquisition of 380 hectares of land needed for the project.

Addressing the media, he explained that the government of India has plans for eight new cities nationwide, only two in the Northeast region; including Himachal Pradesh would be granted “global city” status.

“So Nagaland has also submitted the plan and we are also in the competition. We are hopeful that our case will be considered, because after statehood, we do not have a single planned city, so we are hoping that GoI will also look into our existing infrastructure,” said Zhaleo.

He said that Chathe Valley is centrally located and accessible, and representatives from the relevant central ministry have already visited the proposed site and expressed satisfaction.

The project requires 380 hectares of land, and the meeting was called to engage in discussions with landowners to acquire the necessary land at a fair and reasonable rate, as the project would bring employment opportunities and improve economic well-being of the local population.

Highlighting the proposed city’s potential to attract a diverse range of sectors, including healthcare, education, civil aviation, and mobile phone manufacturing, he said that numerous investors, both from within Nagaland and outside, have already expressed strong interest in the project.

While expressing hope for the project’s approval, he maintained that the state government is also willing to invest a lot. He added that the initial focus during the master plan and incubation phase would be on acquiring the necessary land.

As per a circular issued by the Chümoukedima DC, a total of 13 landowners have been identified from Medziphema village, along with 31 from New Socunoma, and 57 from Ruzaphema Village.

Tarachu Fithu, joint director of Urban Development Department, Nagaland, presented the plans and details of the project.