(Left) A. Chenithung Lotha, District Urban Development Officer. (Right) Front view of the District Urban Development Officer, Dimapur.
We never know what the future holds for us, but plans that we have in draft or that we draft will also decide our future. No matter which part of the world we are located, every village, town and city needs a concrete plan for smooth operation. Especially, for a town like Dimapur, the only hub for an entire region, a solid base is a must. Ten years ago, Dimapur was considered one of the fastest growing towns in India, but somehow, we lost track. Therefore, how do we get back in the race of urban development?
Interview with District Urban Development Officer, A Chenithung Lotha
I met Ar. A. Chenithung Lotha, District Urban Development Officer for an exclusive interview. So far, Ar. A. Chenithung Lotha is one of the very few dynamic and erudite officers I’ve ever met. How far is Dimapur planned and structured? Which new system must we propose and execute in Dimapur? This interview will offer an insight that many fail to see.
Andres: How planned and structured is Dimapur?
Chenithung: Dimapur is transportation node, a point for collecting and distribution supplies, but it’s not planned city, although we need a master plan. Few years ago, we suggested a master plan for Dimapur, but due to certain reasons we could not implement it. And, that’s the reason why our roads, drainage, bi-lanes and other infrastructures are poor.
Andres: Can you give me an insight on what your office has done so far this year for Dimapur?
Chenithung: We’ve done quite a lot of works actually. When it comes to the overall growth of a town, it’s not just the physical aspects, but we also look from socio-economic aspects. So we’ve conducted some slum improvement programs, socio-economic programs for urban development…, infrastructure, now we are taking up housing for the poor, parking facility in the new market area. There is also a proposal for a new Naga market in the shopping arcade and the Dhansari Bridge.
Chenithung: We’ve done quite a lot of works actually. When it comes to the overall growth of a town, it’s not just the physical aspects, but we also look from socio-economic aspects. So we’ve conducted some slum improvement programs, socio-economic programs for urban development…, infrastructure, now we are taking up housing for the poor, parking facility in the new market area. There is also a proposal for a new Naga market in the shopping arcade and the Dhansari Bridge.
Andres: Any comment on traffic in Dimapur?
Chenithung: The traffic…, the administration and the police are the two bodies who can solve the traffic problem in Dimapur. Simply by regulating or imposing one-lane or two-lane does not solve the problem…, we need a concrete plan. Unless we take up a proper traffic survey, like how many vehicles generates from which locality to which direction in which hour etc. Unless we have a proper data, we cannot do anything at the moment. But, once we have the right data and the statistics, we can analyze and implement a plan. But, very sadly nobody is doing that.
Chenithung: The traffic…, the administration and the police are the two bodies who can solve the traffic problem in Dimapur. Simply by regulating or imposing one-lane or two-lane does not solve the problem…, we need a concrete plan. Unless we take up a proper traffic survey, like how many vehicles generates from which locality to which direction in which hour etc. Unless we have a proper data, we cannot do anything at the moment. But, once we have the right data and the statistics, we can analyze and implement a plan. But, very sadly nobody is doing that.
Andres: You know how small and narrow are the roads in Dimapur. Everyday this is causing a major problem to commute. How soon are we talking about road widening in Dimapur?
Chenithung: Well, this is something the Municipal should take care. The DMC (Dimapur Municipal Council) has to come up with plans, they are mostly responsibility to widen the roads in Dimapur.
Andres: In other cities, I’ve seen that the government had to destroy huge buildings and houses because individuals would not listen to the orders, just to widen the city streets.
Chenithung: Let me give you an example. Rama Rao, the former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, he knocked down his own house to widen the road in Hyderabad. But, here it’s just the opposite.
Chenithung: Well, this is something the Municipal should take care. The DMC (Dimapur Municipal Council) has to come up with plans, they are mostly responsibility to widen the roads in Dimapur.
Andres: In other cities, I’ve seen that the government had to destroy huge buildings and houses because individuals would not listen to the orders, just to widen the city streets.
Chenithung: Let me give you an example. Rama Rao, the former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, he knocked down his own house to widen the road in Hyderabad. But, here it’s just the opposite.
Andres: Here is the deal; government pass send out orders; if you obey, good for you, if not we’ll make you follow our orders…
Chenithung: Let me elaborate for you…, we have NBB (Nagaland Building Bylaw). It says, if you have a plot of land, depending on the nature of plot, location and the size, one is supposed to leave certain space in the back and on the front. But we haven’t been able to implement that yet in Nagaland. Usually, the ULP (Urban Local Police) has a huge rule to play here.
Chenithung: Let me elaborate for you…, we have NBB (Nagaland Building Bylaw). It says, if you have a plot of land, depending on the nature of plot, location and the size, one is supposed to leave certain space in the back and on the front. But we haven’t been able to implement that yet in Nagaland. Usually, the ULP (Urban Local Police) has a huge rule to play here.
Andres: We are talking about infrastructures, what are public responsibilities?
Chenithung: Rule number one. Public must obey the traffic rules. In Dimapur, we park cars in our convenience. We don’t even care if others vehicles can pass through. The other thing is that, if we allow the slow moving vehicles in the main town, no doubt it will definitely slow down the traffic. So, there has to be a check on slow moving vehicles.
Chenithung: Rule number one. Public must obey the traffic rules. In Dimapur, we park cars in our convenience. We don’t even care if others vehicles can pass through. The other thing is that, if we allow the slow moving vehicles in the main town, no doubt it will definitely slow down the traffic. So, there has to be a check on slow moving vehicles.
Andres: The other side of looking at is that, people don’t really care public property.
Chenithung: Oh, yes. We Nagas have a long way to go when is come to public property. And, the fact that we don’t pay the tax, the sense of belongingness is very less.
Andres: Parking fee is a genuine way of raising money, which can be used for good purpose, say maintaining our infrastructure. What is your opinion?
Chenithung: Definitely, parking fee has to be there because this will reduce the traffic problem in Dimapur. Example, people usually park their vehicle anywhere just to buy a pack of cigarette. But, if we have parking fee system, people will think twice before parking their car.
Chenithung: Definitely, parking fee has to be there because this will reduce the traffic problem in Dimapur. Example, people usually park their vehicle anywhere just to buy a pack of cigarette. But, if we have parking fee system, people will think twice before parking their car.
Andres: Do you think this is a system we can implement in Dimapur sometime soon?
Chenithung: Yes, it’s possible. And, we need parking fee system. The DMC is responsible for implementing such policies and the traffic police to assist DMC. We must also have tow-away zone in Dimapur too.
Chenithung: Yes, it’s possible. And, we need parking fee system. The DMC is responsible for implementing such policies and the traffic police to assist DMC. We must also have tow-away zone in Dimapur too.
Andres: Let’s talk money. We receive sanctions from both Center and the State government for town planning. Are the sanctions enough at the moment?
Chenithung: Actually, I am not the right person, but I think it’s not enough. But, also we cannot solely only depend on the centre, it’s a dying concept. We need to introduce PPP (Public Private Partnership) concept. And with joint venture, we can infact do a lot more.
Chenithung: Actually, I am not the right person, but I think it’s not enough. But, also we cannot solely only depend on the centre, it’s a dying concept. We need to introduce PPP (Public Private Partnership) concept. And with joint venture, we can infact do a lot more.
Andres: We hear the buzz to increase the influx of tourist in Nagaland. Do you think our infrastructure is actually ready for this?
Chenithung: From an infrastructure point of view, we still need some more time. But, we don’t really need to improve our infrastructure then only start inviting tourist. However, through tourism we can earn lot more money, which we can otherwise use to improve our infrastructures.
Chenithung: From an infrastructure point of view, we still need some more time. But, we don’t really need to improve our infrastructure then only start inviting tourist. However, through tourism we can earn lot more money, which we can otherwise use to improve our infrastructures.
Andres: Do you have any specific message you want me to carry out to the public?
Chenithung: I have a lot. But, I guess the most important message…we need to develop public awareness in Nagaland, there is nothing beyond that.
Chenithung: I have a lot. But, I guess the most important message…we need to develop public awareness in Nagaland, there is nothing beyond that.
Andres: It was really nice talking with you. I’ve learned a lot myself and I am hoping this will benefit lots of people.
(Morung Express Feature)
(Morung Express Feature)
