Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio inaugurated Unity Gate at Chumoukedima on 30th November, 2023. The NPWD National Highways was assigned the task of execution of this project under the supervision of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio.
Rio, speaking at the inaugural program of Unity Gate informed that this gate is constructed with a motive to build on the cliff and not across the road so that it does not come to any obstruction and also keeping in mind the Dimapur 4 lane road by pass via the NH 29 bridge road. He stated that it's a Naga traditional gate which has all the combination of traditional designs, motifs and with a note "Welcome to Hills of Nagaland" which rightly deserved to be named as Unity Gate, mindful of the Government of Nagaland logo and theme as well. This Gate has come as a permanent structure for the Nagas in a better form and more permanent with a combination of Naga tradition and culture, he added.
Rio hoped that the construction of Unity Gate will bring and motivate the Nagas to unite, prevail of peace in our land and preserve the new activities with full vigour. He expressed his gratitude to the contractors, consultation, department of NPWD, Government agencies and local bodies and NHIDCL for their generous contribution. He requested all to take care of the unity Gate, as it belongs not only to the people of Nagaland but people coming from across any other states or countries. Also urge the locals, youths, and citizens of Chumoukedima to keep the place clean and make it a tourist destination.
Rio, also highlighted his vision of developing the areas near the Unity Gate with some lighter construction with food court, cafe, toilet blocks, and put up a high mass light so that whether it's day or night it will look grand and light up the place and children, youth, family and tourist can spend a quality time around the place. He informed that the issues with the land owners will be shared and compensated and the rest will be used for public utility. He added that this new vision of developing the areas will generate employment for young entrepreneurs where they can sell their local produce, ethnic food, coffee and the best of what is produced. He encouraged all to think fresh and work towards it.
He is hopeful that this gate will bring unity, sense of belonging, forge of oneness among the Naga family and serve as a beacon of good will to everyone who comes across this gate. He wishes State peace, development, unity, harmony and progress to be a vibrant society.
Chief Engineer NPWD (National Highways), Er. I Tiameren in his technical report highlighted that the architecture of this gate has been designed after the rich cultural and traditional heritage of the people of Nagaland. The specification of this Gate is 55ft length, 12ft breadth and 56.5 ft height.
The structure adopted for this gate is primarily Reinforced Cement Concrete frame consisting of combined footing, Raft foundations, columns, beams and slab. It includes roof shingles on the sloping roof, decorative stone works such as cladding, dressed stone works for base and 2 nos of carved gate Monolith. It also incorporates 4 nos huge wood carvings and about 6 nos stone boulders erected as decorative elements. The project has proper illumination bit in the exterior including the area beyond the main road. The edifice is well lit with sufficient flood lights and LED lights. These works have been protected with melamine sealer mate and remaining exposed works have been painted. Total project cost is Rs 180 lakhs constructed by M/S Chabou & Co and Home consultant was M/S Paragon Prime and Executive Agency was PWD (NH) Kohima Division.
The programme was chaired by Commissioner & Secretary, Works & Housing Department, Kesonyu Yhome, IAS. Dedicatory prayer was proposed by Vice President, Nagaland Joint Christian Forum, Rev. Dr N. Paphino. Greeting was delivered by the president of Angami Public Organisation, Razouvoto. The inaugurations witnessed a presence of Ministers, Advisor, HoDs, Government officials, youth organisation, GBs and local authority.
(Tovikali, IA, Chumoukedima)
