In a notable example of transparency, accountability and collective action, Chukitong village under Chukitong sub-division in Wokha district has successfully completed government-sanctioned road works while also undertaking additional infrastructure development through voluntary public participation.
The village constructed an internal cement concrete (CC) road under the Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAAGY), implemented by the Directorate of Tribal Affairs, Government of Nagaland. Despite statutory deductions from the sanctioned grant, the Chukitong Development Committee (CDC) completed the approved work efficiently and within the available resources.
Building on the sanctioned project, residents contributed voluntary labour and resources to extend development further.
An additional 400-foot stretch of 12-foot-wide CC road was laid from National Highway-2 to the EAC and BDO offices, significantly improving connectivity to key administrative centres, particularly during inclement weather. To enhance durability, two Hume pipes were installed in a cross-drain connecting to the National Highway drainage system, ensuring proper water flow and reducing the risk of monsoon damage.
The community also addressed a long-standing safety concern by constructing a 250-foot-long, 4-foot-wide footstep pathway linking NH-2 to Government Higher Secondary School, Chukitong. The earlier pathway had reportedly become unsafe during the rainy season.
In addition, around 200 feet of a problematic 15-foot-wide stretch at E-Khel was improved through soiling and metalling after it frequently turned non-motorable during heavy rains.
Speaking to Nagaland Post, CDC auditor Zaben Ngullie said the initiative demonstrated prudent utilisation of public resources and the strength of collective responsibility.
He noted that the CDC was formed to bring systematic development and positive change to the area, and acknowledged the proactive role of C-Khel Chukitong in initiating the footstep project benefiting students.
However, Ngullie highlighted Chukitong’s continuing identity challenge. An order issued on July 11, 2019 by the Deputy Commissioner’s office, Wokha, pursuant to a communication from the Home department, clarified that Chukitong is not a recognised village but functions only as an administrative headquarters without a legally constituted Village Council. Consequently, the Village Development Board (VDB) was revoked, leading to discontinuation of regular development funds.
After nearly seven years without VDB support, a grant was recently sanctioned and utilised for the current works. Despite administrative constraints, Ngullie said coordinated community participation and transparent leadership have enabled tangible grassroots progress.