NAGALAND CM REVIEWS PREPARATIONS FOR HORNBILL FESTIVAL 2026

KOHIMA, November 10: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Tuesday chaired a meeting of the High-Powered Committee (HPC) and concerned departments at his Residential Complex in Kohima to review preparations for the upcoming Hornbill Festival 2026.

According to a statement issued by DIPR, the meeting deliberated on arrangements for the smooth conduct of the festival, including the Protected Area Permit (PAP) issue, the Chief Guest for the inaugural programme and other related matters.

Commissioner and Secretary of Tourism Kovi Meyase briefed the meeting on preparations at the Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, with particular emphasis on waste management, food stalls and sensitisation programmes for stall operators to ensure cleanliness and proper hygiene during the festival.

The meeting was also informed about the proposed barbecue zone in the amphitheatre area. It stressed the promotion of locally made products and ensuring that refreshments, including coffee and tea served at Kisama, were sourced from within Nagaland.

The Public Health Engineering Department informed the meeting that restoration of water supply pipelines was underway, while the Power Department apprised the gathering of the ongoing installation of solar lighting. Preparations for the stone-pulling ceremony, an important component of the Hornbill Festival, were also discussed.

Rio stressed the need for proper signage, zebra crossings and other necessary arrangements to ensure the convenience and safety of tourists visiting the festival site and other tourist destinations.

He also highlighted the State-wide mass social work scheduled for November 13, 2026, and called for active participation from all sections of society. He directed the concerned departments to give wide publicity to the programme.

The meeting was attended by Cabinet members, senior government officials and representatives of the departments concerned.