Imphal to be a smart city faces many challenges

Khainao *

A view of Imphal City : Pix - Deepak Oinam

Imphal to be a smart city faces many challenges and an upheaval task but it can certainly lead the way and achieve it by evolving on some of the following suggestions:

1) Quality and performance of Information and Communication technologies should be at top notch allowing for no drops in calls and seamless internet connectivity etc.

2) The project should be an ongoing one revolving round the years with a committee/council open to suggestions and feedbacks.

3) It should involve the citizens participation and wider consultations should be undertaken and the vision behind the whole project should be emancipated to the citizens.

4) The project involves different stake holders and shouldn't be undertaken in such a way that it caters to the need of only the influential and the elite but most importantly for the whole populace equally.

5) The traffic management should be accorded high priority and effective traffic signal points should be put up.there should be a cap in allowing further plying of private commercial vehicles. Government should opt for clean air technology and set up mechanisms for shifting to total CNG etc for commercial vehicles. Entry of Heavy vehicles should not be allowed at specific hours. An all complete Navigation system should be developed and made available to the denizens in the city.

6) Water management is also a top priority where there should be a proper delivery and utilisation mechanisms and encourage sustainable methods.

7) A proper master plan is required where there should be proper linkages of roads in and around the city for better connectivity.

8) For all round development Electricity should be at a high priority and shouldn't hamper any stakeholders and must be made available round the clock.

9) Emergency response services should be at the most convenient manner available to the citizens and able to provide to the needs instantly.

10) Waste management requires definite attention where proper arrangements should be made regarding its disposal and collection.

11) Proper areas can be marked for establishment of recreational parks,entertainment etc and set up green spaces providing for cleaner air to its citizens.

12) Regardless of qualifications different economic activities could be set up providing for employment opportunities.

13) Policing should be drastically improved and make it more citizen friendly and better surveillance system can be introduced for over all safety.

14) Dedicated routes can be identified and introduce public transport for seamless reach to important destinations such as Airports,Offices,Hospitals etc. Parking facilities should also be made a major thrust area and better plans and outlays should be put forward with full optimization of resources available.

15) A citizen friendly web application or on the phone could be developed whereby one can avail of its integrated information on this platform,be it traffics,happenings etc.

16) Water bodies in the city should be kept clean and conserved.

17) Use of Smart cards should be introduced and encouraged where one can make economic transactions like bill payment at a more convenient way on a common platform set up for its utilization.

18) Cleanliness drive should be carried out often and make the citizens develop better civic sense.

19) Use of alternative energy such as solar powers should be encouraged and harnessed.

20) A dedicated web portal or application could be set up for grievance redressal and to receive opinions and suggestions. And it should be addressed in an effective manner and time.

21) Proper laid out plans should be spread out for an inclusive development keeping in mind for future generations.

22) Proper footpaths for the common people and even for the differently able should be set up.

Over all it should be citizen centric and environment friendly and should always engage with them for ideas for better sustainability and eventually requires the full cooperation from the citizens too. Rather than making it more technical and material the Smart City Project should be people friendly and make the denizens raise their quality and standard of life promoting inclusive growth and environmental sustainability.