Kohima Smart City ‘journey thus far’

Our Correspondent
Kohima | March 25

Nagaland’s Urban Development and Municipal Affairs, Advisor Zhaleo Rio expressed satisfaction over series of development projects, upgradation and rejuvenation of the community assets undertaken by Kohima Smart City Development Limited (KSCDL) for Kohima Smart City over the period of seven years.

Addressing the 7th Foundation Day of KSCDL at Capital Cultural Hall on March 24, he said that the aim of smart city is to provide development projects with an intention to make it citizen friendly and for sustainability in terms of providing basic amenities and facilities and also for urban poor livelihood.

“As we celebrate seven years of Kohima Smart City, KSCDL has achieved many things in the area of infrastructural development, even in the area of providing basic amenities/facilities,” Zhaleo said, adding that such facilities have been done purely for the use of Kohima citizens.

Stating that many assets/facilities have been created, Zhaleo said, “It is also expected that, even, we should have smart citizen.” In this, he stressed on the need to have high quality civic sense and good hygienic sense.

He called upon the people make proper use and maintenance of the provided facilities/assets in hygienic way.

The Advisor stressed on the need to manage sanitation in proper way. Stating that since the Kohima city dwellers are mostly educated people and advanced in many aspects, he expressed apprehension that “if we cannot maintain our created assets for use in a manner it is expected, then, we will be projecting a very bad image of the Nagas.”

Stating that the smart city mission is about to wind up, he was told that the operation and maintenance of the assets created is likely to be handed over to Kohima Municipal Council (KMC).

In this, he appealed all the stakeholders including those departments connected with this Mission to see that “our assets created are properly used and maintained.”

KSCDL: Journey thus far
Presenting KSCDL: ‘Journey thus far,’ KSCDL Chief Executive Officer, Er K Theunuo, highlighted the activities and achievements of the Kohima Smart City in seven years.

He said that the Smart City Mission was launched by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 25, 2015. Nagaland’s state capital, Kohima was selected as one of the 100 smart cities in 2016 and was incorporated under the Companies Acts’ 2013 as Kohima Smart City Development Ltd and the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) of the Company was established on March 24, 2017.

Since then, KSCDL functions as a company and began its journey in line with the objectives of Smart City Mission with a vision to leverage Kohima into a city where the economy & quality of life of the citizens are improved by providing basic core infrastructures, clean and sustainable environment through smart solutions.

Kohima Smart City further aims to create a resilient community led inclusive development and foster economic growth. The implementation jurisdiction of Kohima Smart City is limited to 7(seven) Municipal wards covering 285 acres; Midland, D Block, Choto Bosti, North Block (Kezieke), Naga Bazar, Daklane and New Market.

As approved by the SPV of the Company, KSCDL has taken up 32 projects with the budget provision of Rs 550.00 crore on the basis of funding pattern (90:10) that is Rs 500 crore from MOHUA as GOI share and Rs 50 crore as State Share.

20 projects completed, six on verge of completion
Out of 32 projects, 20 projects have been completed as of today, six projects are on the verge of completion and other six projects are expected to complete by the end of this year, said Er Theunuo.

Some of the milestones achieved over the years included; Integrated Command & Control Centre (ICCC), Capital Cultural Hall, Kohima town beautification, safe and accessible pedestrian footpath, up-gradation and rejuvenation of the community amenities. Multi level car parking at Old Medical Directorate and NST.

The ongoing projects include up-gradation of Kohima Local ground, redevelopment of WWW-II battle tank area and Kohima City Centre.

He said that Kohima Smart City has also been rendering continuous support in traffic management, smart street lights & City Surveillance through various initiatives.

Further, in its contribution towards Good Governance/E-Governance wherein the team succeeded in developing the Open Data Portal and conceptualizing the Data Maturity Assessment Framework (DMAF), KSC was accredited with the Top performer for its outstanding contribution towards promoting Data Governance by the Ministry.

He said that Kohima Smart City became the only City from the NE States to be accredited Top Ten in all the 3(three) major Ministry interventions; Street for people, Cycle for Change & Nurturing Neighbourhood Challenge and then went on to win the first seasons and being awarded cash rewards in all the categories.

“While the Kohima Smart City continues to cater to the needs and aspirations of its citizens to build a sustainable city, I firmly believe that it is the principle of collective responsibility that will enable our city to grow and attain its full potential. Together let us build Kohima as a model city to live in,” Er Theunuo said.

Earlier, KSCDL General Manager (Planning) Kezhochole Rhetso delivered welcome address. The programme was chaired by Kekhriesetuo Ziephrü, General Manager, Human Resources KSCDL while KMC Administrator, T Lanusenla Longkumer proposed vote of thanks.