MoUs inked for GIS based town planning
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 20 2022: Two memorandum of understanding (MoUs) were signed today for planning and development of towns at district headquarters based on Geographic Information System (GIS) .

Chief Town Planner N Benju and School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), Bhopal Director Dr Shidaran signed the MoUs at the Old Secretariat office of MAHUD Minister Y Khemchand.

MAHUD Commissioner M Joy, MAHUD Consultant N Gitkumar and many other officials were present during the signing of the MoU.

Of the two MoUs signed in presence of MAHUD Minister Y Khemchand, the first one is about planning for development of towns at district headquarters for a period extending to 2042 .

The second one pertains to development of Moreh town considering its potential to become a gateway of Asia.

Speaking at the gathering, MAHUD Minister Y Khemchand stated that the Government has been working to draw a GIS-based map for development of all district headquarters by taking into consideration all the infrastructural and other requirements in the next 20 years.

In accordance with a decision of the State Government to entrust the same task to the Bhopal-based of School of Planning and Architecture, an MoU has been signed today, he said.

MAHUD Consultant N Gitkumar said that the Government has been working on a map for development of towns as they have been expanding continuously with passage of time.

But towns cannot expand endlessly as there is limitation for space.

By taking into consideration future requirements, it is essential to earmark certain areas for expansion of towns otherwise there would be no prospect for development of towns, he said.

There are four objectives in the MoU signed today.

The first objective is drawing an effective GIS-based map for development of towns at district headquarters.

The second objective is development of a concept plan to make up infrastructure gaps and develop district headquarters of Chandel, Churachandpur, Kamjong, Kangpokpi, Noney, Pherzawl, Senapati, Tamenglong, Tengnoupal and Ukhrul for a period extending to 2042 .

These works would be executed in consultation with the respective district administrations.

The third objective is about development of Moreh town as a gateway to South East Asia under the Government's Act East Policy.

Development of Moreh town would cover such aspects as commercial hub, tourism infrastructure, cultural centre, medical tourism etc, Gitkumar said.

The fourth objective pertains to development of Bishnupur, Jiribam, Kakching and Thoubal under the Manipur Town and Country Planning Act 1975 by keeping a view extending to 2042, he continued.

Drawing a GIS-based master plan for a period extending to 2041 has been completed for greater Imphal.

The plan is awaiting approval of the State Cabinet, the MAHUD Consultant said.

Once approval of the State Cabinet is obtained, the master plan would be put in public domain through the Town Planning's website and all the citizens would be given two months to make comments, objections and suggestions, he said.

The new initiative is basically about planning for development of towns and district headquarters by keeping in view future requirements up to 2041-42, he added.

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