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Our Correspondent
Kohima, Sep. 29 (EMN): Kohima Smart City Development Ltd. (KSCDL) on Wednesday launched Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (AKAM), in collaboration with government stakeholders and citizen-based organisations.
Speaking at the launching programme, Advisor for Urban Development and Municipal Affairs, Dr. Neikiesalie Kire, said that Kohima is a small city among the 100 smart cities across the country. 'However, that does not mean we cannot perform. We are definitely performing well in some areas and that will be an example to others', he said.
Kire said that AKAM is an initiative of the Centre to celebrate and commemorate 75 years of progressive India and the glorious history of its people, culture and achievements. Smart Cities Mission (SCM) under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MOHUA) has planned numerous events across 100 Smart Cities.
As part of AKAM, Kohima Street Carnival, is being organised covering an array of events targeting all groups of citizenry from the Sep. 29 to Oct. 2
Joint Secretary of KSCDL, Avelu Ruho, informed that the the space (Old NST) will be a permanent walk-in plaza for all. This change, she said, might be a little difficult initially and has appealed to citizens to cooperate and make the space ‘walkable’.
The area will be inclusive for all citizens including senior citizens, early childhood groups and caregivers and people with special needs, Ruho informed.
She further appealed to the shopkeepers nearby to keep the space clean and cooperate with the KSCDL.
As informed earlier, a new parking plan has been introduced in Kohima town. Area along NST to Razhü Point and Razhu point to Khuochiezie (Kohima Local Ground) has been earmarked as no parking zone.
Meanwhile, parking is made available in Old MLA hostel and Khuochiezie.
Founder of Brillante -- Nagaland's piano festival (which is also a part of AKAM), Khyochano TCK, informed that the festival was virtually celebrated across the world --seven countries participating in this year's third edition.
‘It is the power of music that brings peace and unites the community’, she observed.
Bringing music to the streets is a tradition in many parts of the world, she said and expressed happiness at the initiative of KSCDL.
The events in this year’s AKAM edition included Nagaland Piano Festival organised in collaboration with Brilliante, zumba in collaboration with De Operettas Music Institute, busking in collaboration with TaFMA, Street Health Clinic for senior citizens with office of the Chief Medical Officer, flower exhibition and sale with Kohima Village Women Organisation, cyclothon with Nagaland Mountain Biking Association, blood donation camp with the Voluntary Blood Donors Association, etc. Other events include street food festival, painting competition, walkathon and street carnival for children.