Nagaland Urban Development department clarifies on proposed Nagaki City Project

DIMAPUR — The Department of Urban Development has issued a clarification regarding the proposed Nagaki City project at Chathe Valley in Chümoukedima District, addressing recent “misleading posts” circulating on social media and in local news outlets.

In a press release issued on Tuesday, the department stated that the project, envisioned as an “incubation city” is part of competition based scheme under the 15th Finance Commission grant of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, government of India (GoI). Two cities from hilly/northeastern states and seven from other parts of India will be selected for this initiative.

“The State Government decided to participate in the competition and submitted a proposal for the Nagaki City at Chathe valley under Chümoukedima district”, it clarified, adding that the proposal was incorporated in the Finance Minister’s Budget Speech for 2024-25.

Moreover, the government’s intention to set up Nagaki as a planned city was mentioned in both the Republic Day and Independence Day speeches this year. “The project is to be funded by the GoI, the state government and willing private investors with preference to local investors. There is no proposal to avail loan from any lending institution”, it said.

The department stated that land for the project would be acquired as per existing state laws through the deputy commissioner, who is the competent authority to acquire land. “The land rates will be fixed by the district authority with the approval of the Government, as is done in all other matters of acquisition”, it added.

It further clarified that the proposed 330-hectare incubation area would allocate approximately 40-50% of the land for public amenities and essential services, including roads, parks, hospitals, schools, and emergency services.

“It is proposed that the government will compensate and acquire the required area and the remaining land shall be retained by the respective land owners,” it added.

The department also clarified that the project site was selected keeping in view the strategic location, existing connectivity, topography of the land and scope for future expansion.

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