Chümoukedima, August 17: The 80th Independence Day was celebrated at Sammogooting Stadium, DC Office Complex, Chümoukedima, on Saturday, August 15, with Nagaland Minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Change and Village Guards, C.L. John, as the special guest.
In his address, John highlighted the State Government’s development initiatives, while acknowledging the long-standing Naga Political Issue and the need for an early and honourable solution.
On health, he said 214 villages were declared TB-Free in collaboration with the Rural Development Department and noted the ongoing 100-Day Ayushman Student Coverage Mission aimed at achieving universal health coverage. He also said the Centre has conveyed that a new greenfield AIIMS may be considered for Nagaland, subject to land availability, with the State proposing 200 acres at the proposed Nagaki City in Chümoukedima.
John also highlighted plans to develop inland waterways for tourism, economic growth and livelihood generation, including a proposed LiDAR survey of the Tizu-Zunki National Waterway. Development of Doyang Water Reservoir, Noune Lake and Shilloi Lake for tourism and water sports is also underway.
On connectivity, he said 132.50 km of roads and six modular steel bridges were completed during the last financial year, while 10,315.90 km of roads were maintained. The government is also pursuing short landing strips at Mokokchung, Mon, Tuensang and Ciethe.
Addressing the impact of the recent monsoon, John said the government, through NSDMA and district administrations, was undertaking rescue, relief and restoration works following landslides, flash floods and damage to infrastructure across several districts.
