Online building permission system set for launch on Sep 15
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 13 2022: For the first time in the State, an Online Building Permission System (OBPS) would be launched on September 15 .

MAHUD Minister Yumnam Khemchand made an announcement to this effect at the 19th foundation day of Manipur Architects' Forum (MAF) and a discussion on Imphal Municipal Corporation (IMC) building bye-laws held today at City Convention Centre here.

Speaking at the gathering, Khemchand said that OBPS which has been already launched in some cities of the country would be introduced in Imphal too on October 15 so as to streamline the licensing and house construction process and facilitate the process of obtaining building permits from the IMC.

He said that the OBPS would be launched in two phases.

While the first phase would be launched on October 15, the second would be launched around one week later.

Online building permission system set for launch on Sep 15

He also expressed keen desire for the municipality staff to discuss about OBPS with registered architects.

Taking serious note of the unsystematic nature of construction activities seen in Imphal municipal areas since decades back, the MAHUD expressed strong desire to streamline construction activities.

Talking about the State Government's initiative to make Imphal city systematic and eco-friendly, Khemchand informed that 100 e-cycles have been ordered and 21 e-cycle parking lots have been developed so as to provide e-cycle facility in Imphal city.

Taking note of the suggestions raised by some speakers to construct adequate number of pedestrian lanes and cycle lanes within Imphal city, the MAHUD Minister assured that he would work to translate the same suggestion into action.

It is the duty of Ministers to implement suggestions given by experts, he added.

"The State Cabinet earlier discussed about expansion of roads in different Assembly segments.

But in my home Constituency (Singjamei AC), roadside drains are being covered with concrete slabs so that they are fit for movement of people," Khemchand said.

Retired IAS officer RK Nimai said that Imphal city and all other towns of Manipur are very unsystematic as they were constructed without any planning.

Expressing keen desire to make Imphal a liveable city, Nimai stressed the momentous role of architects in developing Imphal city in a systematic manner.

Development of self contained township system in different parts of the world and the initiative to ban automobiles including cars in the cities of Scandinavian countries are not about environment and pollution alone.

These initiatives are also aimed at strengthening democracy by way of promoting social interaction through cycling and walking, RK Nimai said.

One popular demand of the public regarding development of Imphal city as a smart city is construction of adequate number of pedestrian lanes and cycling lanes but the Government has so far shown little interest, he remarked.

Some 40 years back, Imphal city had a very comfortable climate as it was surrounded by many water bodies like Lamphelpat, Sangaipat, Akampat etc.

But today, Imphal city is abound with concrete structures including schools and hospitals.

As a result, the status of Imphal city as a liveable city is now highly questionable, Nimai further said.

Even though it is impossible to reverse the climatic conditions, the adverse impacts of urbanisation can be certainly minimised through proper town planning, he asserted.

MAF president A Joychandra and Chief Town Planner N Benju were also seated on the dais.

The foundation day celebration also featured a workshop on 'IMC building bye-laws' .