Where it begins

Comparisons with other northeastern states like Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh highlight how far Dimapur, and Nagaland as a whole, have fallen behind. These neighboring states have overcome similar challenges, including constitutional land protections, and have successfully provided land for key infrastructure projects such as highways, airports, and railways. In contrast, Dimapur’s airport and railway station-the state’s only major transportation hubs-remain underdeveloped; primarily due to land encroachment issues. The encroachment problem has severely hampered the expansion and modernization of both facilities. For instance, Dimapur airport has been unable to upgrade due to illegal land occupations, a matter discussed recently in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly. Despite eviction orders being issued in 2016, 13 encroachers secured a stay from the lower civil court, and the state government only petitioned the Gauhati High Court in 2022, revealing a lack of urgency in addressing the issue. Similar delays plague Dimapur railway station, which, despite being a significant revenue generator for the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), lags behind in modernization compared to stations like Guwahati. The state government must first fulfill its basic obligations before embarking on grand economic visions, and the immediate test begins with Dimapur. As the commercial hub of Nagaland, Dimapur serves as the “laboratory” for developing a model of growth and urban planning. However, without addressing fundamental issues, the city risks becoming the equivalent of an “Old City,” akin to Old Delhi, trapped in urban decay and stagnation. The city’s challenges are many, but it is crucial to focus on solutions that can reverse the downward trajectory. To revitalize Dimapur, the primary needs must be addressed. An efficient administrative and policing system is essential to curb the rise of anti-social elements and ensure law and order. Additionally, basic amenities such as power, water, and sanitation must be improved. Mere infrastructure development, without strengthening the city’s economic foundation and providing essential services, will be futile in the long run. The city’s authorities must take on the monumental task of re-evaluating decades of random planning and poor decision-making that have contributed to the current urban mess. One of the most pressing concerns is the city’s sanitation system. Like any growing city, Dimapur urgently needs proper waste management and a functioning sewerage system to maintain livability. The absence of these basic amenities would render the city almost uninhabitable over time. Although a master plan for Dimapur has been shelved due to a lack of political will, there is still an opportunity to correct the course and implement thoughtful urban planning that addresses these urgent issues. In addition to resolving land issues, it is time to streamline Dimapur’s transport system. The introduction of private buses and the planned expansion of the city toward Chümoukedima and Niuland, where ample space exists for modern suburban development, should be prioritized. With Chümoukedima emerging as a fast-growing economic zone, an integrated development plan that includes Dimapur and its surrounding areas is crucial to meet the region’s expanding economic aspirations. Addressing Dimapur’s core issues is the first step toward realizing Nagaland’s broader economic vision. Without solid foundations, any grand development plans will be unsustainable. The time for action is now.