In a major boost to Nagaland’s power infrastructure, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has granted final approval for the diversion of 3.93 hectares of forest land. This clearance paves the way for the Nagaland Power Department to construct a vital 220 KV transmission line connecting Dimapur and Kohima (Zhadima).
According to an official statement released on Wednesday, the approved diversion specifically pertains to land within the Nagaland Zoological Park (NZP) Division of the Rangapahar Reserve Forest. This area falls under the direct jurisdiction of the Divisional Forest Officer for the NZP Division in the Chümoukedima district.
The approval marks a critical milestone for the state’s energy sector. The proposed high-voltage transmission line is expected to significantly enhance power stability, reduce transmission losses, and meet the growing electricity demands of Nagaland’s two primary urban hubs, Dimapur and Kohima.
While the project involves the utilization of reserve forest land, official sources indicate that the clearance was granted after rigorous environmental assessments to balance developmental needs with conservation protocols. With the central government’s green signal secured, the State Power Department is now poised to expedite the construction process and strengthen the regional power grid.
