The Alempang Futsal Turf in Mokokchung’s Alempang Ward was inaugurated today with Col Gaurav Singh, SC, SM, Commanding Officer of the 164 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army) Naga, as the special guest.
Built under the Indian Army’s Operation Sadbhavana, the futsal turf was completed at an estimated cost of Rs 40 lakh. The facility has been constructed on land belonging to the Lady Bird School Society.
Speaking at the event, Col Gaurav Singh stated that the project was made possible after Nagaland’s Advisor Water Resources, Tongpang Ozukum, approached him in November last year.
As part of Operation Sadbhavana, the initiative aims to improve infrastructure and quality of life in remote areas. He also mentioned that two more similar projects are underway in Chakpa village and Yaongyimti New.
Operation Sadbhavana is undertaken by the Indian Army to uplift the local population in remote areas, including addressing their basic needs such as construction of schools, healthcare facilities, sports infrastructure, and disaster relief efforts.
Singh further highlighted that the 164 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army) Naga is the only unit in the Indian Army that includes personnel from all 17 recognized tribes of Nagaland, including the recently recognized Tikhir tribe. “Since 2006, our unit has been working to bridge the gap between security forces and the people while making meaningful contributions to society,” he added.
Calling Ozukum a “concerned and committed” leader for his people, Singh said that the people had been lucky to have a leader like him as he is someone who gives back to the society.
Advisor Tongpang Ozukum, in his address, stated that while every district in Nagaland is set to receive a futsal turf, Alempang Ward was not on the list. However, with the intervention of Col Singh, the project was made possible.
Lemasashi, Chairman of Alempang Ward, expressed gratitude to Col Singh for securing the funding and emphasized that the new facility will help groom young athletes in the area.