Three development projects inaugurated in Mokokchung

MOKOKCHUNG — Three major development projects were inaugurated in Mokokchung on Thursday, undertaken under the Iconic Project, LADP 2024-25, and LADP Common Pool 2024-25.

These initiatives were undertaken during the tenure of former DPDB Chairman Mokokchung and current Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Sharingain Longkumer.

The first inauguration, a clock tower christened ‘ΜΑΡΑΝG TONGSHI’, is described as a symbol of unity, heritage, and the enduring spirit of Mokokchung.

The structure was inaugurated by Sentirenla Jamir, wife of the speaker, and constructed at a cost of approximately INR 50 lakh as per NPWD SOR 2021. The land for the project was donated by the Kichu clan of Mokokchung Village.

The G+4 structure stands at a height of 62 feet, with each floor measuring 13X13 feet and a plinth area of 1,250 sq. ft. The ground floor houses a cafeteria, the second floor will feature an art gallery and souvenir shop, and the third floor offers a viewpoint. Four electrically operated clocks, synchronised via GPS and illuminated at night, crown the tower.

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Following this, Advisor for Minority Affairs and Sericulture, Imkongmar, inaugurated a cold storage facility aimed at supporting community development and local entrepreneurship.

Minister for Rural Development and SIRD, Metsubo Jamir, later opened a natural banana fibre production unit, both located at the MMC Shopping Complex and funded under the LADP Common Pool 2024-25.

Speaking at the event, Speaker Longkumer said that the clock tower is the realisation of a promise made to the people and expressed gratitude to the Kichu clan for their contribution of land.

Longkumer also spoke on the state government’s “Made in Nagaland Initiative”, stressing that its success depends on the achievements of “Made in Mokokchung” and other districts. He called on MMC leaders to ensure that banana fibre products remain original to Mokokchung’s identity.

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Minister Metsubo Jamir noted that global attention is shifting toward renewable, sustainable, and recyclable materials. He expressed optimism that the natural banana fibre production unit could become a productive income-generating venture, especially given Mokokchung’s abundance of raw materials.

Jamir also disclosed that a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) project (paper shredders and recycling units) is in the pipeline for Mokokchung, with MMC expected to play a vital role in sustainable revenue generation.

He, however, raised concerns about the shortage of available land in Mokokchung. “Even if we bring projects without land, it is impossible to set up; we need land, which is something we don’t have in Mokokchung,” he said.

Advisor Imkongmar said the cold storage facility would help farmers and vendors reduce losses in perishable goods, contributing to market stability and food security. He suggested that more such facilities be set up to increase storage capacity, reduce food inflation, and ensure a fair market atmosphere in the town.