NEC releases Rs 478 crore for development projects in Nagaland

Dimapur: The North Eastern Council (NEC) released Rs 478.27 crore for Nagaland in November to support a wide range of development programmes across the state. The funding focused on strengthening heritage and cultural centres, building youth and sports infrastructure, and promoting initiatives that help preserve indigenous traditions while boosting tourism and local enterprise.

The NEC extended support to projects across key sectors, including infrastructure, agriculture and allied activities, tourism, culture and heritage, education, sports, skill development, livelihood promotion and innovation.

During the same month, the council released a total of Rs 562.37 crore for projects across all eight northeastern states. The funding also covered cultural festivals, seminars, research activities and other regional development initiatives, according to updates from the Union Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region and the NEC Secretariat in Shillong.

Among the major works completed in November was the project titled “Rain Water Reservoir for Fire Safety and Skill Training Centre, Nagaland.” The project, sanctioned on March 9, 2023, cost Rs 381.795 lakh and aimed to strengthen fire safety and disaster response, especially in Nagaland’s inter-state border areas.

As part of the project, authorities constructed rainwater-harvesting reservoirs at key locations in Dimapur, near the Assam border, and Khuzama, along the Manipur border. These structures now provide reliable water sources for firefighting operations. The project also included development of important facilities at the Skill Training Centre in Chiechama.

Another major project completed during the month was the Bamboo-Based Craft Concentration Centre, Nagaland, set up at Sovima village in Chumoukedima at a cost of Rs 4.48 crore. The centre is expected to promote traditional bamboo crafts and strengthen local livelihoods.