Morung Express News
Kohima | June 25
The seventh anniversary celebration of Smart City Mission was commemorated at the Capital Cultural Hall, Kohima with KD Vizo, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister as the special guest on June 25.
Themed ‘Sabka Bharat, Nikharta Bharat’, the celebration also focused on the concept of “towards a smarter city with our identity” and witnessed a series of cultural performances.
“Towards a smarter city with our identity is very appealing since our identity is what uniquely identifies us from others,” stated Vizo. Therefore, he added, “The best way is to incorporate our unique culture and traditions into the developmental programs of our Smart City Initiative. This, I believe, will give our people a better sense of identity and belongingness at a time when our younger generations seem detached from our roots, as well as stand out to make our city appealing to those who come visit our land.”
While congratulating the Kohima Smart City Developmental Limited (KSCDL) team for the initiatives that has been completed and the ones which are on the pipeline, Vizo encouraged the team to build the four pillars of the Smart City Mission (Social infrastructure, physical infrastructure, Institutional infrastructure) around one's identity with the citizens as the center of attention for each of these pillars. “Let our plan be to serve citizens at the center be it in planning, execution or delivery,” said Vizo.
Asserting the need to start from the basics especially in the case of Nagaland, Vizo highlighted a number of issues that need redressal: ensuring cleanliness focusing on segregation of waste and recycling of wastes, implementing sustainable methods to provide safe drinking water for citizens, planning green spaces and plantation, implementation of community facilities and spaces, efficient drainage systems, better sewage system, and long term solution for public transport and traffic congestion.
Vizo also advised that planning, designing and implementing projects must be centered around the principles of engaging the community, leveraging technology, inclusivity and envisioning sustainable solutions.
In his keynote address, Er K Theünuo, Chief Executive Officer, Kohima Smart City Developmental Limited (KSCDL) updated on the status of the Kohima Smart City projects. Theünuo informed that the Kohima Smart City Area based development is limited to seven municipal wards only: Midland, D. Block, New Market, Daklane, Naga Bazaar, Choto Bosti and Kezieke Wards covering 280 acres. However, projects on mobility, bus stoppage, CCTV, Green belts and Nurturing Neighborhood Challenge, Hotspot covers the entire city.
“The original project cost of Kohima Smart City was 1000 cr on the basis of 50:50 funding pattern. However, the project cost was revised to Rs 550cr due to change of funding pattern to 90:10 by MoHUA, (Government of India-500, State Share-50) resulting to cancellation of 450cr projects,” mentioned Er Theünuo.
17 out of 35 projects of Kohima Smart City completed
The Kohima Smart City has so far completed 17 projects out of 35 projects, such as the ICCC, Capital Cultural Hall, Beautification works, Community building at New Market, Pedestrian friendly footpath, procurement of mobility hot spot.
Some of the ongoing works such as the Multi-level parking at Old Medical Directorate and NST Bus station, Walkable streets, Cycle Track are expected to be completed within three months.
Er Theünuo also informed that new major projects- City Centre, Local Ground Development, Battle Tank redevelopment and community buildings with parking and commercial facilities- has started and is expected to be completed before June 2023.
“Since the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs has extended the duration of Smart City projects till June 2023 only, beyond which no Smart City projects can be implemented. It is my sincere request that Kohima Smart City needs your full co-operations and support for completion of these ongoing projects on time,” stated Er Theünuo.
Special performances were delivered by the Japfüphiki Cultural Society, Eastery Project, Pelenuo, Nancy Magh and Keneiletuo Metha. The welcome address was delivered by Lanusenla Longkumer, Administrator, Kohima Municipal Council while the words of gratitude was by Mhonchumo Kithan, Finance Officer, KSCDL.
