By Wahengbam Ibotombi Singh
Imphal, Mar 22 : While discussing a motion moved by Dr L Ibohalbi, the Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh worked out a brief roadmap for reducing the congestion in the Imphal City. Though what he suggested is a huge task and a lot of difficulty will arise in making Imphal City a planned city. Nevertheless, one feels it is the right time to address the issue of this growing city.
The consequence of this massive growth over the last few years has led to not just traffic congestion but has also affected other aspects of our day to day lives like sanitation, security etc. Task as the CM pointed out, solving this problem is not a matter of joke but for an able leader like him who can stir the boat through difficult times and issues, he should be able to work out a solution. It is also a good sign on the part of the CM to invite suggestions from the general public in solving the problem of congestion of Imphal City. The government should incorporate the ideas and and suggestions from the public in formulating and implementing a policy to decongest the city.
It is generally noticed that whatever ideas, policies or programmes, howsoever fantastic it may be, when it comes to actually implementing, there is lack of commitment. Take for instance, the idea of developing nearby townships to reduce congestion in the main city area. How can it be achieved? Have we addressed the connectivity and accessibility issues of the townships with the adjoining areas? Have we prioritized or developed area specific licensing of shops and marketing channels? Have we ever pondered on the distribution of facilities like banks, healthcare and education in that area? Until and unless one finds a pharmacy from where one can buy ones medicines, until and unless one finds a bank from where he can encash his salary, one has to come to Imphal City, there is no way out.
If one engages in a little brainstorming, it becomes clear that it not only widening of roads, building huge infrastructure but a proper thought out utilization and judicious management of available resources. One cannot ignore the fact that every day women vendors have to be chased away from the roadsides even after the construction of three huge markets for them. A large number of traffic and other police personnel are used daily to maintain order and ease congestion in the main Imphal market which would translate into huge amount being spent by the state exchequer, all because of lack of a long term policy and plan.
Another very unfortunate aspect which contributes greatly to congestion is the undue concern and concessions shown to the VVIPs, which puts the general public to a lot of inconveniences. There are always special considerations or rules and norms for VIPs, be it traffic rules or VIP electricity lines. It not surprising that a totally VIP centric plan, that of constructing super flyover from Keisampat to Tulihal Ariport, is doing the rounds. It stands to reason that as far as the traffic jam around the Keisampat Junction is concerned, only a small passage which does not intersect the junction will serve the purpose. Over and above that the huge expenditure such an exercise would entail could well be used for more urgent and pressing requirements.
All said and done, the Chief Minister’s initiative of inviting suggestions to solve the congestion problem of Imphal City is a good step.
The writer is a World Bank awardee for grass root initiative 2007.
Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/traffic-congestion-in-imphal-city/
