Nagaland to construct helipad at Kohima

Kohima, Nov 10 : The Nagaland government is contemplating to construct a helipad at its capital Kohima as presently the state has to depend on the Assam Rifles helipad.

Official sources here today said that the government has decided to convert the Taklu Ground, a mesa (flat tableland on a hilltop) prepared for Hockey ground, into a helipad.

The decision was taken in view of the National Hornbill Festival, a noted tourist festival which showcases Naga tradition and culture.

Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, who visited the site yesterday to check the feasibility, ordered immediate preparation of the helipad.

The week-long Hornbill Festival begins at Kisama Heritage Village, about 12 KM from here from December one. It coincides with the Nagaland Statehood Day.

Hundreds of foreigners are expected to come. Last year over seven thousand tourists, including those from the UK, USA,Australia, Korea and Japan visited during the festival.