Imphal, March 08 2009: Every citizen of the State would wish to turn Imphal to a clean, environment friendly green city from the existing grim picture of stinking piles of garbage and clogged drains the city presents.

If the people are not mistaken, to make Imphal a green city is one grand dream of the SPF Government, particularly the Chief Minister.

In line with the wish of the people as well as the Chief Minister, PDA (Planning and Development Authority) had procured and planted 6000 tree saplings of selected variety in core areas of Imphal city.

People were hoping that the grand dream of a green Imphal city may start seeing the day five years from now provided the newly planted saplings are taken necessary care.

But the manner in which the young saplings are left to themselves evokes a big question whether the saplings will grow up and mature.

Whether the grand vision of a green Imphal city be ever realised.

Six thousand tree saplings of selected variety were planted in Kangla, Govindajee temple complex, near CC Hr Sec School, Thangal/Paona Bazar roadsides, BT Road (on the side of Johnstone School), between BT Park and Johnstone School and from northern gate of Kangla till Hicham Yaicham Pat along NH 39. According to PDA employees, out of the total number of 6000 tree saplings, 1000 saplings were planted with tree-guards.

Each tree sapling with tree-guard costs around Rs 5000.However, they refused to divulge the exact figure.

As observed by the people, the manner in which tree saplings were planted smacks of improper planning.

Several saplings planted to the northern side of Johnstone School alongside BT Road have been uprooted during drain repairing work.

In another instance that shows lack of planning with vision, saplings planted by the road sides between BT Park and Johnstone School in front of State Museum have been shifted not once but thrice as they are affected by the ongoing road development work there.

As a result of the frequent shifting, many of the reinforced concrete built around feet of the saplings have been broken.

Moreover, many saplings have dried up unable to thrive.

In addition, saplings planted on road medians along NH 39 passing through Imphal city are also suffering from lack of necessary care.

Steel cages installed around flower saplings planted on road medians are also in shambles.

To any onlooker, it is clear that most of these works of planting tree saplings and flowers are done with a casual attitude.

The road medians are also breaking up at several points, showing lack of quality control while constructing these road medians.

On the other hand, majority of the people seemed to be quite insensitive about the importance of the young saplings in making a Imphal a green city.

It is a common occurrence to see the young saplings being driven over or rammed into when parking and turning around vehicles.

There have been cases in which some saplings were found stolen along with tree-guards.

Decorative lights installed at BT Park were also found stolen.

PDA engineers disclosed that there have been several police cases in connection with stealing tree saplings and fancy electric bulbs.

To make Imphal a green and beautiful city, it is crucial to culture high level of civic sense on the part of the citizens.

It is also equally important for the Government to be sincere and maintain proper quality in all construction works.

Another fundamental necessity is proper planning with a long term vision.

Otherwise, it would be no exaggeration to say that the dream of making Imphal a clean and green city will only remain a mirage.

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