Smart city : MU VC shares thoughts
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 30 2015:
"If Imphal must be developed as a smart city, we would like the development work to start from the existing landscape and structure of the town", said Manipur University Vice-Chancellor Prof H Nandakumar.
In response to the State Government's appeal for suggestions and opinions so that Imphal can make it to the first list of 20 cities which would be developed as smart cities across the country, many citizens have been sharing their opinions and suggestions with The Sangai Express.
Developing a totally new city would take a very long time in a place like Manipur.
As such, it would be much better to develop a smart city out of the existing structure and landscape of Imphal with some modifications, Prof Nandakumar said.
The existing means of transport and communication as well as drainage system can be improved step by step.
Smooth coordination among different departments would be crucial for implementing such a grand project.
Public welfare should be the Government's guiding principle and the people should extend necessary cooperation to the Government.
Disposal of waste materials at public places would be anti-thesis to the whole concept of smart city.
Pointing out that electronic traffic signal system of Imphal city is still non-operational, the VC underscored the importance of effective utilization of information, communication and technology (ICT) for traffic management as well as employment generation.
He also stressed on the need to provide Wi-Fi internet connectivity round the clock.
In addition, Manipur police should be transformed into a people friendly police force so as to do away with the sense of insecurity felt by most denizens of Imphal city.
The smart city project should offer ample components for the welfare of urban poor, Prof Nandakumar asserted.
As trees would be required in the development of a smart city, the authorities concerned may start planting tree saplings from now, he added.