NDGBA for hydro project and industrial hub in Niuland

January 11, 2024 12 Views No Comment

Says Niuland plains economically strategic towards Act East Policy

Niuland, January 11 (MExN): The Niuland District GBs Association (NDGBA) has strongly advocated for the implementation of a hydro project and the establishment of the district as an industrial hub.

These proposals, among others, were part of NDGBA’s ‘proposals file’ for the improvement of infrastructure development in the newly-formed district submitted to the Union Minister of State (MoS) for Power and Heavy Industries, Krishnan Pal Gurjar, during his visit to the district on January 6.

NDGBA, President and Head GB, Nikhekhu village Isawoto Zhimomi, along with office bearers, handed over the file to the MoS Gurjar.

In its submission, the Association stressed on the urgent need for setting up and reviving of Hydro power project in Zubza River (Ato Ghoki).

It highlighted that the initial detailed project report (DPR) and technical feasibility report, completed in 2007 under Chief Engineer (Power), Government of Nagaland(GoN), included all necessary clearances and studies.

The DPR encompassed catchment areas, civil work of the reservoir in the foothills mountains under Kuhoxu and Nikhekhu villages and it designed to provide drinking water to growing areas like Dimapur, Chümukedima, and Niuland districts, along with irrigation facilities in the plains, it said.

However, the NDGBA noted that the project was put on hold “due to some minor differences” and requested its revival under the MoS’ leadership.

The Association opined that that the implementation of the hydro power project would address the state’s power deficits and contribute to the vision of New Nagaland.

It also anticipated the project becoming a “game changer” by creating employment opportunities, strengthening grassroots development, and aligning with the Act East Policy.

Furthermore, the NDGBA proposed the upgrading of the existing domestic power lines to higher capacity and the establishment of a dedicated industrial power line in Nagaland, currently unavailable for industrial usage.

This would meet the power demands of the special development zone in Niuland district, it said.

The Association underscored the strategic economic significance of Niuland, stressing on its “excellent” road connectivity, along with an airport and railway station accessible within a 30-minute radius, as well as just 80 km aerial distance from Myanmar.

Accordingly, the district has inherent natural potential to be a launching pad as Industrial and commercial hub into South East Asia, it asserted.

The NDGBA also apprised to the MoS Gurjar regarding the opening of the first large-scale tea factory (Atoqa Tea Producer Company Limited) in the region in 2021 at Nikhekhu village, producing 5 lakh Kg of tea with a license under the Tea Board of India.

Hence, it contended that availability of the industry is an indication that the plain area of Niuland has existing ecosystem needed to facilitate any heavy industrial growth and requested Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) under Government of India to make initiatives to establish heavy industrial verticals (Automotive/Agri/Petrochemical/Capital Goods etc) in the region.

To this end, it assured to assist in land acquisition and provide social security for a safe and productive investment with zero risk.

Collaborating with Naga industrialists with ground zero experiences, the Association also guaranteed to streamline long-term operations effectively, aligning with economies of scale.

In a press release, the NDGBA further stated that it will pro-actively pursue with the GoN for the proposals to be forwarded to Centre towards effective implementation.