Urban amenities stretched to the limit
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 03 2012:
In view of the unprecedented rise in urban population in the last 10 years, urban services such as electricity, potable water and health care facilities which are not adequate at present would come under even more heavier pressure in the coming years.
Talking to The Sangai Express ahead of the World Environment Day (June 5), Research Officer, Directorate of Environment, Dr T Brajakumar said that Imphal East recorded 68 per cent urban population growth rate during the past, much higher than the all India average of 31 per cent.
During the same period, Imphal West recorded urban population growth rate of 62 per cent.
Ukhrul town also recorded population growth rate of 30 per cent.
This is a matter of serious concern because there has been little improvement in urban infrastructure such as electricity, potable water and health care facilities.
On account of the mounting pressure on the existing infrastructure, the life style of the people has been changing at an alarming rate.
Whereas dependence on packaged water and thermal energy has been rising, the crucial need for conserving ecology has been neglected, said Dr Brajakumar.
The changing situation demands promotion of water harvesting techniques, keeping a close check on the ever increasing number of vehicles and adoption of green building concepts.
The quantity of potable water as thought necessary and planned by experts for Imphal city is 101.37 MLD per day.