Nagaland governor Nikhil Kumar (centre) flanked by chief minister Neiphiu Rio on his right and home minister Imkong Imchen on his left, at the inauguration in Salt Lake. Picture by Saradindu Chaudhury

People of Nagaland now have a place to put up in Salt Lake. The second Nagaland House in the city opened its doors on November 16. The first is located in the heart of the city, on Theatre Road.

The nine-storeyed building has come up at LA 6 overlooking the Broadway. The building took seven years and Rs 15 crore to complete. It has 40 rooms, two dormitories, one each for boys and girls, a conference room and eight quarters for the staff. Apart from students, people coming for medical treatment, families on a visit to Calcutta or those coming on business trips can stay at the new building.

Governor of Nagaland Nikhil Kumar inaugurated the second Nagaland house on November 16. Chief minister Neiphiu Rio and home minister Imkong Imchen accompanied Kumar.

“This building would strengthen our ties with Bengal and mainland India. The student community would definitely be given priority as many come here for higher studies. Lodging is an important factor which needs to be addressed,” said Kumar.

Chief minister Rio spoke of his long association with Bengal since his student days in Sainik School, Purulia. He completed his graduation from North Point College, Darjeeling. “Calcutta is my second home. Bengali cuisine, especially Bengali sweets, are my all-time favourite. I hope the kitchen here would have provisions to cook Bengali food besides Naga food,” he said.

Speaking of the advantages of the new building’s location, he pointed to the congestion surrounding the Theatre Road address. “Those travelling to and from the airport had to spend quite a lot of time on the road. This especially affected patients coming to Calcutta for treatment. Salt Lake being closer to the airport, putting up here would help one avoid the city traffic. Moreover, there are so many good hospitals and nursing homes in Salt Lake and its adjoining areas,” said Rio.

“There was so much demand that it was becoming impossible for us to accommodate everyone at our Theatre Road address. A second campus was badly needed,” said Jaane Alam, home commissioner, Nagaland.

While priority will be given to citizens of Nagaland, those from other states can also rent the rooms. Information regarding booking and availability of space would be available soon.

At present, there are six Nagaland Houses located elsewhere across India.