Dimapur: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Tuesday chaired a high-powered committee meeting in Kohima to review preparations for the upcoming 10-day Hornbill Festival, which will begin on December 1 at Kisama near Kohima.
The meeting, held at the chief minister’s residential complex, brought together cabinet members, senior government officials and representatives of various departments involved in organising the festival.
Rio emphasised the need for adequate infrastructure and safety arrangements to ensure a smooth experience for visitors. He specifically called for proper signage, zebra crossings and other essential facilities at the festival venue and tourist destinations.
He also highlighted the state-wide mass social work scheduled for November 13 and urged people from all sections to participate actively. The concerned departments were directed to give the programme wide publicity.
The meeting reviewed several aspects of the festival arrangements, including the Protected Area Permit (PAP) issue, the selection of the chief guest for the inaugural ceremony and other logistical preparations.
Commissioner and Secretary for Tourism Kovi Meyase briefed the committee on the arrangements underway at the Naga Heritage Village in Kisama. He highlighted measures concerning waste management, food stalls and awareness programmes for stall operators, with a focus on maintaining cleanliness and hygiene throughout the festival.
The proposed barbecue zone near the amphitheatre was also discussed. The meeting stressed the importance of promoting locally manufactured products and ensuring that refreshments, including tea and coffee served at Kisama, are sourced from within Nagaland.
The Public Health Engineering Department informed the committee that work to restore water supply pipelines was underway. Meanwhile, the Power Department briefed members on the ongoing installation of solar lighting.
Preparations for the traditional stone-pulling ceremony, an important feature of the Hornbill Festival, also figured in the discussions.