Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio says Hornbill Festival 2026 preparations are on track, with road conditions and PPP plans under review
-1791892138024.webp&w=1200&q=75)
KISAMA — Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Tuesday said preparations for the 27th edition of Hornbill Festival were on track, with the departments concerned submitting their preparedness reports. He also acknowledged the need for a further review of road conditions leading to the venue.
Speaking to media persons after a High Power Committee (HPC) meeting at Bamboo Hall, Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, Rio said the government was working to ensure the smooth conduct of the festival and a comfortable experience for visitors.
In a social media post later, Rio said he had met officials from various line and sectoral departments to review preparations for the festival, stressing the need for coordinated planning and collective efforts.
He said another meeting would be convened to examine road conditions in detail. Asked about the chief guest for the festival, Rio said invitations had been sent, but confirmation was awaited.
Also read: Deputy CM Y Patton meets FNR, NSF on key issues
On the proposed public-private partnership (PPP) model for managing Kisama Heritage Village, the chief minister said the process was underway, with tender documents being prepared.
Meanwhile, Minister for Tourism and Higher Education Temjen Imna Along said the meeting brought together the chief minister, HPC members and heads of the departments concerned to review preparations.
-1791892146655.webp&w=1200&q=75)
He said departments were working around the clock at Kisama Naga Heritage Village and across the state to ensure the successful conduct of the festival.
Along said Rio had provided guidance on improving preparations and expressed confidence that the 27th edition of the annual festival would be a success.
On the proposed PPP model, Along said the government intended to develop tourism into a year-round industry, with Kisama Naga Heritage Village operating throughout the year to attract visitors and provide opportunities for stakeholders to engage with Nagaland’s cultural heritage.
He said the modalities were being worked out and documents prepared for an open tender process. The government was expected to approve the process soon, he added.
On partner countries for the festival, Along said several countries had expressed interest in partnering with Nagaland. However, the HPC, headed by Rio, would take the final decision in consultation with stakeholders.
An official announcement would be made by the chief minister, he said.