Dimapur, July 25 (EMN): The Kohima Smart City Development Limited (KSCDL) has initiated "Streets for People” (S4P) design trials and project implementation from Old NST/ Rutsa Bakery to Dominoes Pizza area with effect from July 24 as the first phase.
In a notification, the CEO of KSCDL, Kovi Meyase informed the public that the mentioned stretch/ location would be barricaded as "No parking area" with effect from July 26. Citizens are requested to opt for an alternate parking site at the Old Assembly Secretariat area, opposite Ao Baptist Church. He added that implementation of the “No parking plan” in the city would be extended in phase-wise manner from TCP Gate Junction to Razhu Point/ Old Tata Parking with alternate parking arranged at other locations.
The project is being implemented subsequent to permission granted by Regional Transport Authority
(RTA), Kohima, vide its office letter dated May 27, 2021, and the deputy commissioner and chairman of RTA through a notification dated October 9, 2020, for creation of ‘No parking zones’ in some pilot locations within the city.
Meyase mentioned that in order to ensure a green recovery from Covid-19, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs launched the “Streets for people challenge” on September 11, 2020, to inspire cities to create walking friendly streets through quick measures and to reimagine their streets as public spaces through the lens of economic regeneration, safety and child friendly interventions with inclusive designing.
He added that Kohima Smart City had organised several events since September 2020 to create awareness about the need to share street spaces with cyclists, pedestrians and citizens including children, aged people and people with disabilities. It was to convey the message that streets are not only for vehicles and parking but carved out healthy and safe spaces within the city for all its citizens as well as trees, plants and nature.
Meyase also stated that two pilot locations namely New NST to Razhu Point and PHQ Junction to Fire Station were identified. He said that a design competition was held for local designers and testing of the design is underway at the Old NST Parking site where planter bollards were set up on June 17.
He further stated that the Kohima Smart City along with the Kohima traffic police and Kohima Village Youth Organisation have been entrusted to arrange and manage an alternate parking site at the Old MLA Hostel compound through a notification of the RTA dated May 17, 2021.
The project being initiated in the interest of the city and its citizens, he has sought cooperation for a cleaner, greener and more walking-friendly Kohima city.