Nagaland: Urban forest project launched in Mokokchung

With a vision to deepen understanding of local flora, fauna and cultural heritage, the Mokokchung Forest Division in collaboration with the community of Mokokchung inaugurated Meraküm Tzüin – Nagar Van Mokokchung on Wednesday. The 50-hectare area, which had lain fallow for nearly a decade, has now been restored as an urban forest with ancestral memory.
The Nagar Van was inaugurated by Vedpal Singh, PCCF & HOFF and CWLW Nagaland. Speaking at the programme, Singh said the Nagar Van is primarily aimed at enhancing urban greenery and serving educational purposes. He stressed that its main objective was to reconnect people, especially the urban population, with the forest. Lauding the initiative, he remarked, “You have shown a success model,” and called upon all to join hands in preserving nature.
Earlier, the welcome and keynote address was delivered by Dr. Sentitula, DFO Mokokchung. Brief addresses were also delivered by Mapuyanger, chairman Mokokchung Village Council, Rongsenlemla, conservator of forest (NTC), and Ajit Kumar Verma, deputy commissioner Mokokchung.
The 50-hectare community-led restoration stands as a landmark of ecological renewal, cultural memory and shared responsibility, marking a turning point where the community once again becomes custodian of its environment, culture and future. The revival of Meraküm Tzüin began through dialogue between Mokokchung Village Council, elders and the Forest Division, leading to the formation of a Nagar Van Committee for its development.
The restored forest now serves as a model of community-driven conservation, featuring: afforestation with native species; a concrete eco-trail with 546 steps; resting shelters, viewpoints and gazebos; a wilderness shelter; drinking points and restrooms; a bio-amphitheatre for ecological and cultural storytelling; a Bible Garden featuring plants linked to Scripture; a sanctuary for forest bathing and wellbeing; a sustainable eco-tourism model and a Living Lab for real-world learning and research, integrating ecology, culture and hands-on education, envisioned to evolve into a digital conservation hub enabling global participation, tree adoption and AI-powered learning.
Beyond restoration, Nagar Van pioneers future-ready conservation tools, bridging traditional ecological knowledge with modern climate strategies. The effort demanded sacrifice and labour, with community members carrying materials, shaping trails and guarding the land against degradation. The restored jhum landscape now offers stabilised slopes, reduced soil erosion, improved water infiltration, microclimate regulation, carbon sequestration, revival of flora and fauna, strengthened wildlife corridors and ecosystem resilience.
Officials noted that the initiative stands as a model for the country where ecology, identity, livelihoods and conservation coexist, and could be replicated across Northeast India. The project reflects a collective vision nurtured through partnership between the community and the Forest Department.