Nagaland sees SDG progress in 2023–24 Index; Mokokchung ranks fourth, but inequality and climate challenges persist.
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DIMAPUR — Nagaland has recorded significant progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with nine of its eleven assessed districts categorised as “Front Runners” in the latest North Eastern Region (NER) District SDG Index 2023–24.
Despite this overall improvement, challenges persist in the areas of climate action, inequality, and responsible consumption. The NER District SDG Index—jointly developed by NITI Aayog, the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER), and UNDP India—ranked 121 out of 131 districts across the eight northeastern states on 15 SDGs using 84 indicators.
Among the top performers, Mokokchung district ranked fourth out of 131 districts assessed, with a composite score of 78.43. It was preceded by Hnahthial and Champhai districts in Mizoram, and Gomati district in Tripura. West Tripura secured the fifth rank.
Kohima and Dimapur also made it to the top 10, ranking sixth and tenth, respectively, with scores of 76.93 and 76.29. Dimapur showed strong performance in indicators related to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), while Kohima was among the top districts under SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). Mokokchung and Phek were recognised for their performance in SDG 13 (Climate Action).
The report noted that “Nagaland exhibits widest range (15.07 points between its highest and lowest performing districts), indicating the significant intra-state disparity,” with Mokokchung at the top (78.43) and Zunheboto at the bottom (63.36) among the ranked districts.
However, the report also highlighted declining performance across the North East—including Nagaland—on SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). These areas continue to challenge the state’s sustainable development efforts.
The SDG Coordination Centre (SDGCC) under Nagaland’s Planning and Coordination Department, supported by UNDP, has led awareness campaigns and initiatives such as the SDG Action Awards, student competitions, and the ‘Weaving Dreams’ coffee table book celebrating women leaders. The state has also developed an SDG Dashboard and launched capacity-building programmes for local officials, the report stated.
Five newly created districts—Chümoukedima, Niuland, Shamator, Tseminyu, and Noklak—were not included in this year’s rankings due to insufficient data.
The NER SDG Index aims to help states and districts identify development gaps, plan targeted interventions, and track progress towards the 2030 Agenda. The report called for decentralised planning, sustained data collection, and continued investment to address persistent socio-economic and environmental challenges in the region.