The Committee on Government Assurances of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, led by Kuzholuzo Nienu, undertook a crucial visit to the Nagaland House in Navi Mumbai on November 6th and 7th, 2023. The committee, accompanied by G. Ikuto, Member; Er. Hozheto, Chief Engineer, PWD (Housing); officials from the PWD Department; and the Nagaland Legislative Assembly Secretariat, conducted a 'spot verification' to understand the reasons behind the prolonged non-operational status of the building, which has remained unused for 13 years since its completion.

            The inspection included high-level meetings with key officials, such as Chief Secretary Manoj Saunik IAS, Principal Secretary of the Environment Department & Chairman of Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority Pravin Darade IAS, and Vice-Chairman & MD Anil Digikar IAS from City Industrial Development Co-operation, along with Joint MD Dr. Kailas Shinde.

            It was clarified during these meetings that, according to the new Coastal Zone Management Plan 2019, the Nagaland House building is now outside the Coastal Regulation Zone. As such, it can be occupied at any time, pending consultation with the Chief Minister of Nagaland. The prolonged delay in utilization, spanning over 13 years, was attributed to the unavailability of an Occupational Certificate from the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation due to the land falling under the Coastal Regulation Zone.

            The Committee expressed gratitude to the Maharashtra Government and the officials mentioned above for their full cooperation in resolving this long standing issue. The successful resolution is anticipated to significantly benefit the lives of numerous Nagas who have faced hardships and challenges in Mumbai.

                                                                                                                        (DIPR)