The Grand Waterfall inaugurated in Mokokchung
Meraküm Tzüin Nagar Van, a 50-hectare urban forest, was inaugurated today in Mokokchung Village by Vedpal Singh, IFS, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & Head of Forest Force and Chief Wildlife Warden, Nagaland.
Welcoming the gathering, Dr Sentitula, IFS, DFO Mokokchung, said the project was envisioned to deepen understanding of local flora, fauna and cultural heritage. She noted that Meraküm Tzüin – “The Grand Waterfall”- stands as a symbol of continuity and life, and that the restored landscape carries “ancestral memory,” once having been a jhum field at Yakong Pok.
She said the Nagar Van marks “a turning point where a community once again becomes the custodian of its environment, its culture, and its future.” The initiative began through dialogue between the Forest Division and the Mokokchung Village Council in 2023, leading to the formation of the Nagar Van Committee.
Key features of the restored site include a 546-step eco-trail, resting shelters, viewpoints, a wilderness shelter, drinking points, restrooms, a bio-amphitheatre, a Bible Garden, and forest-bathing spaces. A QR-coded ‘Living Lab’ for plant information, will integrate ecology, culture and nature-based education, evolving into a digital conservation hub.
Terming it a model for the country, she said Meraküm Tzüin demonstrates how ecology, identity and livelihoods can coexist.
Addressing the gathering, Vedpal Singh, IFS, said the objective was to strengthen education, awareness and the relationship between people and forests by “reviving the connection between people living in urban areas and nature.” He suggested establishing a monitoring board and exploring revenue-generation mechanisms for upkeep.
Temjenzulu Longkumer, convenor of the Meraküm Nagar Van Management Committee, said entry has been fixed at Rs 30 per person, with additional charges for kitchen and accommodation facilities to support maintenance.
Rongsenlemla, IFS, Conservator of Forests, recalled that the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change launched the Nagar Van initiative in 2020 to promote environmental education and community-led forest care. She also noted how unique this Nagar Van was compared to other Nagar Van in the state as it has some cultural and traditional heritage such as the rock coffin, messenger rock and many others.
Deputy Commissioner Mokokchung, Ajit Kumar Verma, IAS, lauded the initiative and suggested creating revenue streams to ensure long-term maintenance.