TR Zeliang and others dignitaries during the inauguration of
Baptist School in Ngwalwa village on Saturday.
KOHIMA — Deputy
Chief Minister and in-charge of Planning and Transformation and National
Highway, TR Zeliang, inaugurated the Baptist School in Ngwalwa village under
Peren district on Saturday.
According to an update, Zeliang, in his address, extended
best wishes to the Zeme Baptist Churches Council (ZBCC) for its remarkable
achievement in bringing the much-needed educational infrastructure to Ngwalwa.
He emphasised the strategic importance of Ngwalwa's location, highlighting its
proximity to the nearest railhead, the current airport and the proposed
international airport, which positions the area advantageously for future
development.
Reflecting on past proposals, Zeliang noted that the state
government had earlier envisioned establishing a Smart City in Jharnapani and
the Sainik School area but opposition from some quarters led to its relocation
to the state capital, Kohima.
However, he disclosed that the government is now planning to
develop 'Nagaki’ (Green City) as a model township, with steps already being
taken to acquire land for the project.
He expressed optimism that this vision would become a
reality due to the area’s favourable conditions including reliable water
supply, power supply and excellent road and railway connectivity.
Zeliang also recalled a previous proposal for an
international airport at Rüzaphema for which the Airport Authority of India
(AAI) had conducted a technical survey and approved the feasibility report. He
expressed optimism that the vision would materialise once Nagaki City is
developed and enhance the region’s integration into the broader Smart City
initiative.
Expressing gratitude to those who conceptualised the
establishment of the Baptist School in Ngwalwa, Zeliang commended ZBCC
leadership for embracing the ‘visionary proposal.’
The deputy CM urged the people of Ngwalwa and neighbouring
villages to cooperate with ZBCC and nurture the ‘humble beginning,’ while
expressing confidence that the school would grow from strength to strength and
meeting the needs of present and future generations.
Zeliang further shared on ongoing major infrastructure
projects in the northern Zeme area, emphasising their transformative potential.
He noted the development of key routes, including NH-29
connecting Jalukie via Jharrnapani-Ngwalwa, NH-129A Maram-Peren-Dimapur route
via Ngwalwa, and the Foothills road linking Kukidolong-Ngwalwa
town-Jalukie-Khelma and new railway line connecting Dimapur to Kohima.
According to Zeliang, those infrastructure projects would
significantly change the landscape of the northern Zeme area by improving
connectivity to key urban centres like Dimapur, Chümoukedima and Kohima.
He elaborated on the multiple benefits those developments
would bring including enhanced economic opportunities through better market
access, increased property values, improved healthcare and educational
facilities and greater access to emergency services.
Zeliang further expressed optimism that those
infrastructural advancements would not only facilitate the movement of people,
goods and services, but also attract businesses and investment, thereby
boosting the local economy and significantly enhancing the quality of life for
the villagers.
Dr. Rangro Herie, ZBCC education secretary, led the
programme and Rev. Dr. Mongzeung Mpom, ZBCC president, offered prayers.
Earlier, Dr. Rampaukopoing Michui, ZBCC executive secretary,
delivered the welcome address. Kiepeube Ziehuny, convenor of the building
construction committee, also presented a report.
