(Morung File Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | March 2
Nagaland Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla today stressed on the need to “responsibly harness our rich natural resources, particularly our petroleum and natural gas reserves, which have remained untapped for decades, to strengthen our resource base.”
The State Government has taken up with the Centre to evolve a State-specific policy for the exploration and production of petroleum and natural gas in Nagaland, while fully respecting the special constitutional provisions applicable to our State, he said while addressing the NLA today.
Stating that Nagaland state is also endowed with other substantial mineral resources, including coal, nickelcobalt-chromium bearing magnetite, and limestone deposits, Bhalla said “ The scientific and sustainable development of these valuable resources offers a significant opportunity to augment our revenues, promote industrial growth, create employment opportunities for our youth, and accelerate the pace of economic development in the State.
For this, Governor sought the cooperation and support of all stakeholders in this collective endeavour “so that we can build sustainable and self-reliant sources of revenue.”
Road Connectivity
During the year, NPWD (R&B) completed two CRIF projects covering 26.5 km worth Rs 55 crore and two NESIDS projects spanning 27.85 km worth Rs 89.76 crore. Critical stretches of the 139.85 km Foothill Road across six districts, including eight double-lane bridges, are 70% complete as of February 2026.
Under NH works, 6.68 km of two-lane pavement from Tragopan junction to Dillai gate on NH-29 (Rs 12.94 crore) and 10.44 km widening from Longsa to New Wokha village on NH-2 (Rs 65 crore) were completed. The 23.06 km widening from Chuchuyimpang to Chare (Rs 115.1 crore) and repair of three bridges on NH-202 in Kiphire (Rs 1.75 crore) were also completed.
Nagaland Innovation Hub for IT Startups
The Department of Information Technology & Communication is establishing the Nagaland Innovation Hub for IT Startups at Chümoukedima under the NESIDS-OTRI scheme. The virtual foundation stone was laid by Union Minister Jyotiraditya M Scindia on December 5, 2025.
AI Data Labs will be set up in two ITIs under the India AI Mission to introduce foundational AI courses and build local trainers. The Drone School – Drone Centre of Excellence was also inaugurated on January 26, 2026.
