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

The meeting deliberated on arrangements for the smooth conduct of the festival, including the Protected Area Permit (PAP) issue, selection of the chief guest for the inaugural programme and other related preparations.

Commissioner and Secretary, Tourism, Kovi Meyase briefed the meeting on the preparations underway 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 throughout the festival.

The meeting was also informed about the proposed barbecue zone in the amphitheatre area. It stressed the need to promote locally made products and ensure that refreshments, including coffee and tea served at Kisama, are sourced from within Nagaland.

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The Public Health Engineering Department informed the meeting that restoration work on water supply pipelines was underway, while the Power Department apprised the members of the ongoing installation of solar lighting.

Preparations for the stone-pulling ceremony, an important component of the Hornbill Festival, were also discussed.

Dr Rio stressed the need for proper signage, zebra crossings and other essential arrangements to ensure the convenience and safety of tourists visiting the festival venue 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. The Chief Minister directed the concerned departments to give wide publicity to the programme.

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