IMPHAL, October 6: Settlements in Manipur have no characteristics of a city and people still tend to throw their garbage on the roads, said IAS (retd) RK Nimai, and currently adviser to the government, attending the World Architecture Day observation today.
The observation was organised by the Manipur Architects`™ Forum at the Lamyanba Shanglen, Palace Compound.
As part of the observation, the forum also conducted a free consultancy programme for those who are affected by the road widening process of the Tiddim Road, Keishampat stretch.
People think of an architect as someone who only draws and designs buildings, but an architect is much more than that, he said.
Here, government employment avenues are limited for architects, which has affected the popularity of the architects, he observed.
Continuing with his speech, the recently retired IAS officer said architects of the State has a lot to learn from the ancient buildings and houses of the State.
In the past all houses were constructed facing east, because the sun rises from that direction and when the morning rays fall into the house, it helps in sanitising the house, he said.
Our architects could also focus more on promoting `green buildings.`™ We have the needed materials, it is economical and at the same time environment friendly, he continued.
Water and power supplies are indexes of development, he said before adding that the government is unable to provide both.
Most people don`™t take the service of architects while constructing their houses which is the reason why it is doubtful there are many buildings in the State which can withstand natural calamities, he observed.
There is no long term planning in the State, he also said.
Comparing the State to other States in the country, he said in Manipur we cannot walk along the roads due to dust, whereas it is not the case in other States.
Meanwhile, lauding the forum for the free consultancy conducted today, he said it is a good endeavour.
However, he also was sceptical and said knowing the attitude problem of the people of the state, not many are likely come to take the benefit as they would be under the impression this is just another show organised to meet the interest of the forum alone, he added.
During the observation, two senior architects, namely retired senior architect PWD L Mangi Singh and architect PDA M Uma Devi were also felicitated for their pioneering works in the field.
MAF president architect B Krishnakumar Sharma attended the observation as president, while the two felicitated architects attended as guests of honour.