Kohima, 18 October (MTNews): During a meeting convened at the Secretariat Conference Hall in Kohima on 17 October 2023, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio expressed deep concern over the prolonged delay in the construction of the highly anticipated four-lane road connecting Dimapur and Kohima.
The Chief Minister also emphasized the importance of upgrading infrastructure, sanitation, and beautification of the Heritage Village. Furthermore, he called upon the Department of Roads & Bridges to expedite the repair and maintenance of roads in and around Kisama village and demanded that both lanes must be fully operational before the commencement of the Hornbill Festival.
The Chief Minister addressed the meeting through video conferencing from New Delhi, where he delivered a stern message to the company. The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) has been tasked with this project, which has now lingered for seven years without completion.
The CM demanded that the festival’s quality and content should not be compromised. The Hornbill Festival serves as a global platform to showcase the rich culture and heritage of Nagaland to a national and global audience.
Rio highlighted that the Hornbill Celebration has become a globally recognized brand and urged all departments and agencies to ensure that the festival’s 24th edition is organized grandly. He emphasized the promotion of local food and beverages to showcase the unique Naga traditions and culture to the world during the festival.
The Chief Minister also stressed the importance of social media coverage of the Hornbill Festival, emphasizing the need to reflect on Nagaland and its people. He encouraged the participation of more people in the World War II vintage car rally with full uniforms and showcasing their vintage cars to the public and visitors.
In addition to these events, the Chief Minister highlighted activities such as wrestling competitions, music festivals, and traditional stone-pulling ceremonies to be held at various venues as part of the Hornbill Festival.
Minister of Tourism & Higher Education, Temjen Imna Along, informed the gathering that the departments are ready and fully prepared to host the 2023 Hornbill Festival. He mentioned that three consultative meetings with line departments and stakeholders have already taken place to review the state of preparedness.
Chief Secretary J Alam IAS, in his address, encouraged all tribes to participate in this common festival of the entire state. He expressed gratitude for the cooperation of AHODs and HODs and urged all departments to commence their activities and be well-prepared.
Additionally, Advisor to the Chief Minister and Chairman of IDAN, Abu Metha, and Commissioner & Secretary of Tourism, Kitto Zhimomi, discussed various issues related to the ongoing preparations for Hornbill Festival 2023.