The Department of Urban Development has clarified some ‘misleading’ posts circulating on social media and in local dailies regarding the proposed Nagaki City at Chathe Valley in Chumoukedima District.
In a press release, the Department stated that the ‘Incubation City’ is a competition-based scheme under the 15th Finance Commission grant from the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs, Government of India, in which two cities from the Hilly/North East States and seven other cities from the rest of India are to be selected. The State Government decided to participate in the competition and submitted a proposal for Nagaki City at Chathe Valley in Chumoukedima District. This was incorporated into the 2024-25 Budget Speech by the finance minister. Furthermore, it added that the Government’s intention to develop Nagaki as a planned city was mentioned in both the Republic Day and Independence Day speeches of 2024.
“The project is to be funded by the Government of India, the State Government, and willing private investors, with a preference for local investors. There is no proposal to take out a loan from any lending institution,” it said.
The Department explained that the land will be acquired in accordance with existing state laws, with the Deputy Commissioner serving as the competent authority for land acquisition. The land rates will be set by the district authority with the Government’s approval, as is standard practice for acquisitions.
According to the Master Plan, approximately 40-50% of the 330-hectare incubation area will be designated for public amenities and services such as roads, parks, drains, hospitals, schools, police, fire services, etc. The Government will compensate for and acquire the necessary land, while the remaining land will be retained by the respective landowners.
The Department also clarified that the site selection was made considering its strategic location, existing connectivity, topography, and potential for future expansion.