- Rock events likely in Dimapur
- Privatization in offing
Our Correspondent
Kohima | October 30
The Hornbill Festival of Nagaland, celebrated annually from December 1-10, is likely to be cut-down to 7 days from next year.
While a final decision is yet to be taken, the proposal for the same was discussed at a meeting chaired by Chief Minister TR Zeliang to discuss and improvise activities for the upcoming Hornbill Festival convened here today at State Banquet Hall.
With the aim of making it a plastic-free event, only paper bags and recyclable materials will be permitted at the festival.
While the dates of VVIP’s attendance, including the President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, is yet to be ascertained, the popular Music Rock events may also be shifted to Agri-Expo, Dimapur due of huge traffic chaos and security related matters in the state capital during such events.
Tourism Department, the Nodal Department which oversees the conduct of the Festival, has also been assigned to start arrangements for the much awaited Festival which attracts several international and domestic tourists every year.
Considering the number of vehicle accidents and unruly incidents that occur during this period, the use of IMFL will be restricted as per the State Liquor Prohibition Act although Naga local brew would be exempted, according to a release issued by CMO’s Media Cell.
The assistance of youth and public organisations would be sought for volunteering works in controlling illegal activities including the sale of IMFL and other illegal substance, it said.
On the presence of uniformed armed personnel within the venue during the Festival, considered as an unpleasant sight for visiting tourists, the release said that the District administration would ensure that armed forces conduct their drills and patrols outside the periphery of the Festival venue.
While the quality of sound system at the venue would be up-graded, all Media personnel possessing proper Identity cards would be allowed free access to the venue unlike in the past, where purchase of access-tickets were mandatory, it added.
While priority on catering services would be given to local entrepreneurs for income generation and as a means to enhance their business skills, uninterrupted power supply during the entire period of the Festival would be looked into with field staffs of Power Department posted on duty round the clock, the release said.
It further informed that the festival must be privatised in the near future to save time and resources of the State Government.
In this context, it said that the “Government would be inviting all North-Eastern States to be part of this year Hornbill Festival, intended to be among the best so far.”
Apart from the much favored cultural dances, wrestling, racing and eating competitions which have gained wide popularity since its inception, this year’s International Rock Contest is likely to be the best one held so far with around 26 Rock Bands, including one each from Singapore and Bhutan, are slated to perform, it added.
