State government is contemplating privatizing the annual Hornbill Festival, observed from December 1-10 every year, in the near future to save time and resources of the government.
In a press release, CMO media cell stated that the issue was discussed at a meeting convened to discuss and improvise activities for the upcoming ‘Festival of Festivals’ on Monday at State Banquet Hall, which was chaired by state chief minister, TR Zeliang.
CMO also informed that the government was also likely to cut down the duration of 10-day annual Hornbill Festival to seven-day event starting from 2018.
It stated that this year’s Hornbill Festival would be a plastic-free event where only the use of paper bags and recyclable materials would be permitted.
While the dates of VVIP’s attendance, including the President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, was yet to be ascertained, the CMO said popular Music Rock events could be shifted to Agri-Expo, Dimapur considering the traffic problems and security related matters in the state capital during such events.
Tourism department, the nodal department that has been overseeing the conduct of the Festival, so far has been assigned to start arrangements for the much awaited Festival.
Considering the number of unfortunate vehicle accidents and unruly incidents that occur during this period, CMO said the use of IMFL would be restricted as per the State Liquor Prohibition Act though Naga local brew would be exempted.
It stated that assistance of youth and public organisations would be sought for volunteering works in controlling illegal activities including the sale of IMFL and other illegal substance.
On the presence of uniformed armed personnel inside the venue during the Festival, which is considered as an unpleasant sight for visiting tourists, the district administration would ensure that armed forces conduct their drills and patrols outside the periphery of the Festival venue.
Media Cell also stated that the quality of sound system at the venue would be up-graded.
All media personnel possessing proper Identity cards would be allowed free access to the venue unlike in the past, where purchase of access-tickets were mandatory.
While priority on catering services would be given to local Entrepreneurs for income generation and as a means to enhance their business skills, uninterrupted power supply during the entire period of the Festival would be looked into with field staffs of Power Department posted on duty round the clock.
CMO also stated that the state government would be inviting all North-Eastern states to be part of this year’s Hornbill Festival, which it maintained was intended to be among the best so far.
Apart from the much favoured cultural dances, wrestling, racing and eating competitions which have gained wide popularity since its inception, this year’s International Rock Contest was likely to be the best one held so far with around 26 Rock Bands, including one each from Singapore and Bhutan, slated to perform.
DC Kohima informs
Deputy commissioner (DC) Kohima, Rajesh Soundararajan, has informed that there would be an emergency meeting to discuss on the preparation for the upcoming Hornbill Festival 2017 on November 1, 2017 at 11am in the conference hall of the DC office Kohima.
In this regard, DC has requested all the officers of the concerned departments and other officials to attend the meeting positively.