Chief Minister of Nagaland, Dr. Neiphiu Rio, on January 14, officially declared Chungtia Village a tourist destination, envisioning its development as the “Chungtia Heritage and Adventure Park,” during the 70th Ao Kaketshir Mungdang (AKM) General Conference held at the village, where he attended as the Chief Guest.
The declaration was announced after a formal representation and concept note was submitted to the CM by the Chungtia Village Council, seeking government recognition and support to develop the village as a heritage and adventure tourism hub, while preserving its cultural, historical, and ecological legacy.
The Chief Minister, in his announcement, stated that upon the request of the Chungtia Village Council and the student body, the State Government had decided to declare Chungtia Village as a tourist destination. He cited the village’s unique historical and contemporary heritage, including the Tüvlong stone and traditional stone structures, a distinctive sacred tree, and a historical pond located atop the mountain, as key reasons for the declaration. Rio added that the government would also explore measures to develop the area into a tourist destination.
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Addressing the gathering, Rio noted that Chungtia holds immense historical and cultural value deserving of wider recognition. He assured that the State Government would extend support to initiatives promoting sustainable tourism.
The proposed Chungtia Heritage and Adventure Park is planned to incorporate several ancestral and sacred sites, including:
-Tüvlong, regarded as the highest peak and origin site of the village, symbolizing ancestral authority.
-Yimpang Sungküm and Sungküm Api, a historic stone pathway of 783 steps connecting Tüvlong, traditionally used for rituals and processions.
-Yimrongdong, a sacred tree associated with communal victory ceremonies.
-Arijuma Tzütü, a perennial sacred pond central to traditional rain prayers.
Tongden (log drum), which historically served as the village’s primary communication system for signalling events, warnings, and emergencies.
Alongside its cultural significance, Chungtia Village has notable potential for adventure tourism. The concept note highlighted proposed activities such as paragliding with a 4.3-kilometre flight route, 160-metre rock climbing cliffs, 360-degree viewpoints at Tüvlong, and cliff-side footpaths extending nearly one kilometre, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
The Village Council emphasized that while the sites are currently managed by the local community, government recognition and infrastructural support are essential to unlock their full potential.
