IMPHAL, July 31: The problems of traffic congestion and mitigating challenges to make the streets of Imphal more pedestrian friendly was discussed at length at Hotel Imphal today. The discussion titled “Sustainable Urban Mobility in Imphal” was jointly organized by Manipur Cycle Club and SUM Network.
The discussion was attended by representatives of various civil organizations and from concerned departments including chief town planner Nepram Geetkumar, IG Clay Khongsai, President of Rickshaw Drivers Association Basanta and DESAM representative LC Santosh among others.
President of Manipur Cycle Club, Ram Wangkheirakpam in his presentation stated that Sustainable Urban Mobility (SUM) is about planning for the future with people as the main focus and not on automobiles hence ensuring a healthier and better quality of life.
He pointed out that proper planning has to be done with concerned stakeholders to chalk out a proper transport policy for the state. He however also pointed out that the draft policy presently prepared by the government needs to be highlighted to the public. This would assure participation from various stakeholders and also from the public resulting in an environmental friendly and yet effective transport system for the urban locality, he said.
General secretary of MCC, Maibam James dwelled on the present traffic issues afflicting the State and highlighted that policies should not be prioritized for motorized vehicles transit but also for cycling and pedestrian routes.
He observed that the number of two wheelers alone has gone up from 56,786 in 1994 to 1,39,675 vehicles in 2010. The number of new vehicles is ever increasing and simultaneously pollution, which is a major cause for multiple health issues.
Chief town planer N Geetkumar gave views that Imphal city is significantly congested and attributed the problem to various factors.
He said that all highways pass through the city, location of private offices and schools in Paona bazar and Thangal bazar, encroachment of sidewalks at the peripheral and mentioned market area and more so, from passenger vehicles coming into the city, inclusive of buses, diesel autos etc. His presentation showed the difference of congestion at the market area during holidays and working days but however was adamant that there is no need to plan road widening or other works at bazar areas.
It may be mentioned that Paona bazar and Thangal bazar are also among the most congested areas and the heart of the city. Despite measures inclusive of road widening being taken up for the nearby areas of Sagolband, Singjamei, Keisamthong, Wahengleikai and other nearby locations to ensure smooth flow of traffic, the bazaar areas have remained status quo despite some changes in traffic directions.
Geetkumar announced that the Government will shortly start stamping a fine of Rs 500 for a vehicle found parked at the streets in municipal areas during the early morning city clean up by the Imphal Municipality Council.
IG, Clay Khongsai also pointed out the localized problems and problems in controlling traffic. He said that the public occupies road ways for their personal functions inclusive of ceremonies, that the projects include digging up of roads already black topped and after some time digging it up yet again. There is no parking space for shoppers as the bazar community uses it up, the employees and tenants within the bazaar uses up space and their ‘idle’ vehicles remains parked in the streets during the daytime, he said.
The later interactive discussion saw different perspectives from the gathering and multiple issues were highlighted. It concluded on the note that there should be transparency and participation from the concerned stakeholders inclusive of the public while framing a State Transport Policy.