Chief Minister of Nagaland, Dr Neiphiu Rio, while inaugurating the new Deputy Commissioner’s Bungalow in Mokokchung, suggested seeking expert consultancy to “rebuild” the old bungalow and preserve it as a heritage site, citing the example of a similar restoration in Kohima. Without explicitly stating it, Rio appeared to endorse the Mokokchung DPDB’s proposal to preserve the old bungalow, as he shared personal memories and ideas for its conservation.
The Chief Minister also personally visited the old bungalow after inaugurating the new one, both of which are located in the same compound.
The inauguration was held in the presence of all Members of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly from Mokokchung district and other dignitaries. In his speech, Rio noted that the Mokokchung DC Bungalow is a historically significant site dating back to the British occupation of the Naga Hills. He added that his late father-in-law, an IFAS officer, had stayed there as Deputy Commissioner from August 1969 to May 1970.
He lamented the loss of several artefacts and items of cultural and historical value over the years and appealed to the administration to maintain a proper inventory of all properties. The Chief Minister also commended the contractor and engineers for completing the project ahead of schedule, calling it a benchmark for others. He stressed that maintaining the new building is as important as constructing it and expressed hope that its occupants would be inspired to serve the people better.
The newly inaugurated DC Bungalow is a G+1 storied RCC structure with a basement, totaling a plinth area of 5,934 sq. ft., constructed at a cost of Rs 473.81 lakh. It includes the main building, guard barracks, retaining walls, water supply systems, and furniture, and was funded under the SASCI (Part 1) scheme. Construction began in November 2023 and was completed in December 2024—eleven months ahead of schedule, according to Er. Sungtiba Amer, Assistant Chief Engineer (CAWD).
He also noted that the old DC’s bungalow, originally occupied by the SDO (Civil) until 1957 and by Deputy Commissioners thereafter, was built in the late 1870s—making it over 145 years old—and has long exceeded its lifespan. The new bungalow, a long-cherished need of the department, was realized through the initiative of Speaker Sharingain Longkumer, who proposed the project to the Chief Minister.
Nagaland RD & SIRD Minister Metsubo Jamir also spoke at the event, recalling childhood memories of the old bungalow when his father served as DC in the 1960s. He expressed hope that the new building would inspire its future occupants to serve the public with wisdom.
The inaugural event was chaired by Mokokchung Deputy Commissioner Thsuvisie Phoji, who happens to be the 40th occupant of the old DC Bungalow, with the dedicatory prayer offered by Yanglu Pongen, Pastor, MTBA.