KOHIMA: Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio announced that Nagaland has registered the highest urban population growth rate in India, which is as high as 66.7%.
He made the statement while inaugurating the upgraded Dimapur Town Hall (DTH) at the Naga Shopping Arcade. Rio also underlined the urgent need to deal with the problems of rapid urbanization in the state.
The new data from the 2011 Census, shows that the percentage of the population in urban areas in Nagaland has changed and risen to 28.86%. The renovation of Dimapur Town Hall at Rs. 17.37 crore reflects the commitment to modernizing the infrastructure and bringing about development in cities.
Rio emphasized the global trend of urbanization, as projected by the World Bank that by 2050, 68% of the world’s population will live in urban areas. He further added that India is also undergoing a similar transformation, where the urban population will surpass the rural one by mid-century. Rio emphasized the growing rural-to-urban migration in Nagaland and the need for urgent urban development and modernization of infrastructure to meet the growing population.
“Urban centers are the engines of economic growth,” Rio said, pointing out the importance of Dimapur as one of the oldest urban centers in the state. Dimapur is a critical transportation link connecting Nagaland to neighboring states through rail, road, and air networks. According to Rio, the city’s infrastructure is important not only for its residents but also for the entire state.
Echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for resilient infrastructure, Rio assured the audience that the Nagaland government remains committed to developing sustainable infrastructure that meets both modern standards and long-term community needs. He also acknowledged the challenge of land scarcity in urban areas, noting that vertical development and the renovation of existing spaces are key solutions to this problem.
The revamped Dimapur Town Hall, once in disarray and dilapidated, now stands as a very successful example of infrastructure renewal. Constructed 24 years ago, the hall had fallen into disuse due to neglect. Consultation with experts led to the decision to upgrade and modernize the facility which now boasts state-of-the-art amenities, including an advanced sound system, lighting, and electrification.
“I am happy that quality control has been maintained and that this infrastructure can now serve multiple purposes, such as community events, private gatherings, church programs, and concerts,” Rio said. He urged the citizens to take responsibility for maintaining the upgraded facility, which he believes will strengthen community relationships and serve as a hub for various events.
Reflecting on the history of the Dimapur Town Hall, Rio noted that its foundation was laid in 1986, but it took some years before it became operational in 2008. However, mismanagement has been its fate since its establishment. For proper management in the future, Rio suggested that a management committee be formed under the Development Authority of Nagaland, DAN, with representatives from the administration, municipal council, and civil society. He also suggested the possibility of a nominal fee to ensure the hall’s long-term upkeep.
Rio thanked all persons involved with the renovation project, that is Urban Development Department DAN, all contractors, and other agencies of the state as well thanked the success registered in ULB elections taken across all 25 centres in this state. These are considered among the top milestones in a move that will empower areas to decide on their specific development interests through elected members.
Adviser for Tribal Affairs and Elections, who was the guest of honor, H Tovihoto Ayemi, in his speech appreciated the refurbished Town Hall as a tremendous achievement and a new step forward in Dimapur’s development. He appreciated Chief Minister Rio’s leadership, saying that the citizens need to treat the hall as their own and take up collective responsibility for its upkeep.
DAN Superintending Engineer Mhonlumo Ngullie said that in terms of finance, Rs. 17.37 crore was sanctioned for renovation, of which Rs. 2 crore was from the state government and Rs. 15.73 crore was from the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment. So far, Rs. 16.91 crore has been released to the contractor.
The event was graced with an invocation by Nukmen Baptist Church Pastor Kilang Longkumer, a keynote address by DAN Chairman Dr. Watizulu Süzümeren, and a vote of thanks by Deputy Commissioner Dimapur, Dr. Tinojongshi Chang. The occasion was further enriched by a cultural performance from the Task Force for Music & Arts (TaFMA), highlighting the state’s rich cultural heritage.
This is a very significant milestone achieved in the urbanization path of Nagaland and establishes the state’s dedication toward modernizing infrastructure, and coping with the problems arising through rapid urbanization.
