DIMAPUR: Principal Secretary and Development Commissioner, Y. Kikheto Sema, accompanied by Deputy Development Commissioner, Imlikokba, and other officials, inspected the Library cum Museum at Ungma village and the Dikhu Bridge–Amguri Road project in Mokokchung on October 5.
According to DIPR report, during the inspection, Kikheto informed that the Library cum Museum was constructed under the North Eastern Council (NEC). Sanctioned in April 2017 at a cost of Rs. 4.21 crore, the project was completed in November 2024. NEC released Rs. 3.55 crore, while the State share of Rs. 42.07 lakh was also cleared. He added that a claim of Rs. 12.55 lakh towards GST reimbursement was under consideration in the Finance Department.
Kikheto further stated that an additional requirement of Rs. 63.30 lakh for library resources, museum display units, furnishing and installations had been recommended by the State Level Empowered Committee (SLEC) and submitted to NEC for approval. If sanctioned, he suggested the interiors be developed with strong traditional character to reflect the heritage, architecture and cultural identity of the area. He emphasised that the facility should serve the people, particularly students of Ungma and beyond, and called for active community participation in its upkeep.
Describing Ungma as one of Nagaland’s iconic villages, Kikheto encouraged the village council to extend its charitable initiatives beyond the village to support less developed communities.
Later, Kikheto inspected the Dikhu Bridge–Amguri Road project under NESIDS (Roads). The 17.155 km stretch, sanctioned on August 5, 2019 at a cost of Rs. 59.77 crore, was executed by M/s TTC_ANK_JV and completed on May 13, 2025, achieving 100% physical and financial progress. The project is under maintenance until May 2029.
While finding the workmanship satisfactory, Kikheto noted landslides at three locations and directed the contractor to clear them during the working season and construct retaining structures using rock boulders and wire mesh to strengthen the affected stretches.
He stated that the Planning & Transformation Department, as the nodal agency for Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) and NEC, had been directed to inspect projects across all districts to ensure quality, proper implementation and timely completion. Mokokchung was the first district covered under this initiative, with inspections to follow in other districts.
Highlighting Mokokchung’s performance, Kikheto said the district ranks 4th among 121 districts in the North Eastern States in SDG performance, making it the top performing district in Nagaland.
