A consultative meeting on the study of Nagaland State Urbanization Strategy 2025–2050 was held at the DC’s Conference Hall, Chümoukedima, on April 17.
A DIPR report informed that the meeting was organised by District Urban Development Office under the Department of Urban Development and attended by officials from the district administrations of Chümoukedima, Dimapur, Niuland and various line departments.
Delivering welcome address, additional Director, Urban Development, Petevilie Khatsu, explained the purpose of the exercise.
He informed that the department is formulating a comprehensive urbanization strategy for Nagaland with the North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Ltd. (NEDFi) as the nodal agency and funding support under the Techno Economic Development Fund (TEDF).
The study, he said, will cover the period 2025–2050 and focus on planned urban growth, infrastructure development, economic expansion and sustainable urban management.
Khatsu further informed that 12 towns have been identified as potential urban centres for the study—Kohima, Dimapur, Chümoukedima, Zunheboto, Niuland, Tuensang, Mon, Meluri, Mokokchung, Tuli, Jalukie and Bhandari.
He stressed the importance of planned and sustainable urban development and called for active participation and inputs from all stakeholders.
Professor Utpal Sharma of MaRS Planning and Engineering Services Pvt. Ltd., Ahmedabad, presented a detailed background study on urbanisation in Nagaland.
He highlighted challenges posed by rapid urban growth, including poor land use planning, inadequate infrastructure, traffic congestion, unregulated settlements and environmental concerns.
He noted that while the State’s economy remains largely agrarian with a growing service sector, the industrial sector is underdeveloped.
Sharma also pointed to issues such as ineffective land use planning, absence of statutory master plans in most urban areas and limited financial capacity of Urban Local Bodies.
He emphasised the need for a comprehensive urbanization strategy to address infrastructure gaps, improve regional connectivity and promote sustainable, community-driven urban development.
Specific challenges in the Greater Dimapur Planning Area were also presented, including congestion in core urban areas, haphazard commercial development along major roads, lack of hierarchy in road networks, absence of adequate amenities and open spaces, and unregulated peri-urban expansion.
During deliberations, officials underscored the urgent need for proper master plans and planned urbanisation to meet the growing challenges in Nagaland’s towns.
Inputs and suggestions were shared by representatives from various departments to strengthen planning and implementation.
In his concluding remarks, Khatsu said more consultative meetings would be held in the future to further deliberate on the strategy and ensure inclusive and sustainable urban development in the State.