Chümoukedima is a district in the Indian state of Nagaland. It was carved out as a separate administrative unit from Dimapur district and lies in the western part of the state, adjoining the foothills that mark the transition from the Brahmaputra plains to the Naga Hills. The district takes its name from the town of Chümoukedima, which serves as its headquarters.
| Country | India |
|---|---|
| State | Nagaland |
| Headquarters | Chümoukedima |
| Region | Western Nagaland |
| Parent district | Dimapur |
| Type | District |
Chümoukedima town has long been a settlement of historical and administrative importance in the Naga foothills. It was once an early British administrative outpost in the region before the headquarters of the colonial sub-division was shifted elsewhere. In contemporary Nagaland, the town has developed as a satellite of Dimapur, hosting educational institutions, training establishments and residential areas along the National Highway corridor.
The district was created when the Government of Nagaland reorganised the territory of the erstwhile undivided Dimapur district to form smaller, more manageable administrative units. Chümoukedima district was constituted as part of this reorganisation, alongside Niuland district, with the aim of bringing administration closer to the people and easing pressure on the Dimapur district administration.
The district occupies a transitional zone between the plains and the hills. Its terrain rises from low-lying areas near the Assam border to forested hills further east. The region is drained by tributaries of the Dhansiri river system. The climate is broadly subtropical, with a distinct monsoon season and moderate winters.
The district is administered by a Deputy Commissioner, with subordinate sub-divisional and circle offices. Law and order is overseen by a Superintendent of Police. The district is part of the legislative and parliamentary constituency framework of Nagaland and falls within the jurisdiction of the Gauhati High Court's Kohima Bench.
The population of the district is ethnically diverse, reflecting the cosmopolitan character of the Dimapur–Chümoukedima belt. Communities present include various Naga tribes, particularly the Angami and other groups, alongside settlers from elsewhere in Nagaland and neighbouring states. Christianity is the predominant religion, in keeping with the wider pattern in Nagaland.
The local economy combines agriculture, horticulture, small-scale trade and services. Chümoukedima hosts several institutions of regional significance, including training establishments and educational campuses. Its location along the highway link between Dimapur and Kohima gives it commercial importance as a transit and service centre.
The district is served by National Highway connectivity linking Dimapur to Kohima and onward to the rest of Nagaland. The nearest airport and major railway station are in Dimapur, which adjoins the district to the west.