12 towns identified for urban roadmap
Chumoukedima, April 17 (MExN): A consultative meeting on the Study of Nagaland State Urbanization Strategy 2025–2050 was held at the DC’s Conference Hall, Chumoukedima on April 17.
The meeting was organised by the District Urban Development Office under the Department of Urban Development and attended by officials from the district administrations of Chumoukedima, Dimapur and Niuland, along with representatives from various line departments.
Additional Director, Urban Development, Petevilie Khatsu, who chaired the meeting, said the department is in the process of formulating an urbanization strategy for Nagaland with the North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Ltd. (NEDFi) as the nodal agency under the Techno Economic Development Fund. He said the study aims to prepare a comprehensive strategy for the period 2025–2050, focusing on planned urban growth, infrastructure development, economic expansion and sustainable urban management.
Khatsu informed that 12 towns have been identified as potential urban centres for the study—Kohima, Dimapur, Chumoukedima, Zunheboto, Niuland, Tuensang, Mon, Meluri, Mokokchung, Tuli, Jalukie and Bhandari—and called for inputs from stakeholders.
During the meeting, Professor Utpal Sharma of MaRS Planning and Engineering Services Pvt. Ltd., Ahmedabad, presented a background study on urbanisation in Nagaland. He highlighted that rapid urban growth in the State has led to challenges such as poor land use planning, inadequate infrastructure, traffic congestion, unregulated settlements and environmental concerns.
He noted that the State’s economy remains largely agrarian with a growing service sector, while industrial development is limited. He also pointed to the absence of statutory master plans in most urban areas and the limited financial capacity of Urban Local Bodies.
Referring to the Greater Dimapur Planning Area, Sharma highlighted issues including congestion in core urban areas, unplanned commercial development along major roads, lack of road hierarchy, inadequate amenities and open spaces, and unregulated peri-urban expansion.
During the deliberations, officials stressed the need for proper master planning and coordinated urban development. Departments shared inputs for effective planning and implementation.
In his concluding remarks, Khatsu said more consultative meetings would be held to further develop the strategy and ensure inclusive and sustainable urban development in the State.
