From waste and subsidence grounds to a recreational centre

Our Correspondent
KOHIMA, APRIL 7

Lok Sabha MP, Neiphiu Rio today inaugurated a recreational park called the ‘Sakhrie Park’ in the state capital. Located in AG Colony, Sakhrie Park is a private-owned project undertaken by VAST Group, developed from a garbage dumping ground and a sinking area prone to landslides.
Speaking at the inaugural function of the park, Rio lauded the VAST Group, led by Viketol Sakhrie and his family, for creating a recreational area for the public, which he described, is a novel contribution to the society. He asserted that it was a pleasant surprise to see a wasteland transformed into a pleasant sight and a place of blessing.
“This is a farsighted vision given by God and for the wellbeing of the society and environment,” the Parliamentarian said, and remarked that the park will in no time become a well known landmark for Kohima town.
While maintaining that a great city needs a recreational park to create space for community activities, Rio however lamented that Kohima lacks such areas mainly due to congestion and want of space. By stabilizing the land independently without any external assistance and recycling it to create this park, he said the VAST Group has set a great example, and he expressed hope that it would inspire others to make good use of redundant land for the benefit of the public.
Asserting that a town’s appearance and its facilities speak of its health, he called upon all citizens to collectively and constructively contribute towards not just beautification of their town but also in maintaining the health of the town.
Citing the advantages of recreational parks, Rio said they are great destinations for family outings, community events, they provide space to relax or exercise, and even offer platform for public debates, seminars and ceremonial functions etc.
He also pointed out that the number of tourists is increasing in Kohima and when people visit a new place, they want to go sightseeing, however, he observed that there is not much to see in here except for a few places including the Kohima War (WWII) Cemetery. “Although many people come to see the historic WWII Cemetery, if we really think about it, taking our visitors to see a cemetery, a graveyard, is somewhat bizarre,” he said. Towards this, he shared that it has been on his mind to propose to the state government to rename the historic cemetery to ‘WWII Heritage Site’.
Reminding that there are very few places of importance or interest, he stressed on the maintenance and cleanliness of the surroundings of what the town has. We also need to create more recreational places in the town like the Sakhrie Park which has been opened to the public today, he added.
The new park was dedicated by Angami Baptist Church Council executive director, Dr. V Atsi Dolie in the midst of a host of well wishers and family members of the VAST Group.
In his address on the occasion, VAST Group chairman, Viketol Sakhrie said the park has been named after an ancestor, which has been adopted by his family as a surname. He explained that the park area used to be a garbage disposal ground and prone to landslides. Seeing the possibility to transform and recycle the area into something useful for the people, we procured the land without any hesitation from the landowners, he said. Stating that the mini park, though still in its initial stage but now in place and open to the public, he expressed hope that it will provide people with a pleasant ambience and an “alternative oasis” from their busy schedules and day-to-day hassles of life. He also said the park will endeavour to infuse the concept of smart city for Kohima and will incorporate IT factors in the site such as making it a wi-fi zone in the near future.
“This park has been made for the young and old, families and friends for recreational activities, meditation and to have a quiet time. It took more than 6 years to establish it into its present state, and we dedicate it to the loving memory of our family members – our beloved elders and parents who are no longer with us,” he stated.
While observing that there is very less concept of parks in Kohima, he urged the people to maintain cleanliness in their surroundings stating that these small efforts can go a long way in developing Kohima town.
Sakhrie Park is made up of five levels, consisting of a hall with a sitting capacity for about 200 people, children’s play area, open air barbeque facility, bonfire area, work-out station, recreational games including air hockey, table tennis and soccer table, a food café and candy store, a viewpoint, separate car parking lot (limited) and a bicycle parking station. The main entrance is located in Mid-AG Colony but an alternative mini-entrance is also accessible from NH-29, near Lerie Baptist Church.