what is taking shape at Chathe Valley?
The proposed Nagaki City at Chathe Valley in Chümoukedima district is taking a larger shape, with the State Government identifying 39 sq km for the project, receiving Rs 100 crore under SASCI and now proposing 200 acres for a greenfield AIIMS.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio announced the developments in his Independence Day address on August 15.
Rio said the State Government has received Rs 100 crore under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) for Nagaki City. He said additional resources would be required to build the city’s basic infrastructure and that the State has requested the Centre to consider the project under the Incubation of New Cities scheme or through a special financial package.
A high-level Governing Council headed by Rio has also been constituted for the project, with the Deputy Chief Ministers, Ministers, Advisors and Chief Secretary as members.
The government has also proposed 200 acres at Nagaki City for a greenfield AIIMS.
According to Rio, the State has submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare for establishment of a new AIIMS in Nagaland. Following communication from the Centre that an AIIMS may be considered subject to availability of sufficient land, the State has proposed the Nagaki site for the institution.
The proposal is yet to be approved by the Centre.
The larger Nagaki area covers 39 sq km, while 330 hectares were earlier identified for the initial incubation-city development. Plans for the area have included residential, commercial and office spaces, along with roads, parks, drainage, hospitals, schools, police and fire services.
Land surveys and acquisition processes for the 330-hectare area were initiated in 2024, covering areas under Molvom, New Socunoma and Ruzaphema.
The State has also previously indicated that Nagaki is being developed with a wider focus on education, healthcare, innovation and economic activity, with an IIT proposal also being pursued at the site.
With the latest announcements, Nagaki now has a 39-sq-km area identified, Rs 100 crore in initial funding, a governing council and proposals for major institutions including AIIMS.
What the final Nagaki City will look like, how the different projects will be accommodated within it and the total investment required for its development are yet to be fully outlined.