Imphal pollution
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 31 2013: Increase in pollution level, haphazard transport system, various other inconveniences being faced in Imphal city and its possible sustainable solutions were deliberated in a discussion programme held at Hotel Imphal today.

Jointly organised by Manipur Cycle Club and Sustainable Urban Mobility Network, the programme was held under the theme, 'sustainable urban mobility' .

Chief Town Planner of MAHUD, M Jitkumar, high ranking police officers, representatives from Rickshaw Pullers' Association, student bodies and senior citizens attended the programme, which was moderated by Manipur Mail Editor Ningthoukhongjam Sanatomba.

In his keynote address, Ramananda Wangkheirakpam of Sustainable Urban Transport Network said that a specific planning is needed to make a city beautiful, eco-friendly, and have ample space for leisure and give hassle free movement for all types of traffic and pedestrians.

However, Imphal city is witnessing constant increase in traffic congestion and deteriorating transport system that lead to increase in road accidents.

2,28,056 heavy and light vehicles were registered in Manipur till December 2012 with Imphal West alone having around 1.05 vehicles.

James Mayengbam of Manipur Cycle Club said that no separate lanes for cycles and pedestrian are developed on the streets of Imphal.

He added that streets of Manipur does not have separate lanes for public transport, cycle lane, footpath, space for street vendors, parking and leisure areas.

Chief Town Planner M Jitkumar said that all the National Highways of the State pass through Imphal city which is also one of the reasons why the city witnesses traffic congestion.

He also urged the general public to opt for public transport instead of travelling by private vehicles.

DIG Range-I Clay Khongsai stressed on the need to give professional training to traffic police.

LC Santosh of DESAM said that delay in completion of Government development projects is also one of the reasons of traffic congestion in Imphal city.

He also said that lack of co-ordination of different Government Departments is also another important factor.

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