One of the keynote speakers of the “Leaders Walk the Talk 2015” held at the Kohima Local Ground on October 17th 2015 was the Naga Blog Founder, YanpvuoKikon. He cited the history of Singapore which became an independent republic on 9th August 1965 under the able leadership of Premier Lee Kuan Yew. Singapore evolved from problems including mass unemployment, housing shortages and lack of land and natural resources to one of the first world status towards the end of the 20th century. Surprisingly, the journey of the Nagas as a sovereign statehood began almost at the same period (1 December 1963). However, after these decades, the chasm created between Singapore and Nagalandis so prodigious. Even after 53rd year of our statehood, Nagaland remains one of the poorest developed regions in India. The dream of Nagaland becoming one of the most beautiful states in India has eluded for all these long years as the resources meant for development are only hoarded into the hands and pockets of some few bureaucrats.Nevertheless, with the rise of a new government in India under the leadership of Premier NarendraModi, a ray of hope for progress and development in the North East regions particularly in Nagaland has exuded hope and confidence once again. Yes, Nagaland will resurrect from its stalemate! An optimistic picture is on the horizon. On June 25th 2015, Kohima was also inducted in the list of the 100 smart cities mission. As a resident of Kohima for almost 10 years, my joy knew no bound when the news was out in the social net and print media. Ah! At last, Kohima will be changed to one of the best and cleanest town in Nagaland. It won’t be long that Kohima will be on par with the rest of the thriving metropolitan cities in India only if we harness appropriately the “Smart City Project Mission.” Therefore, with that confidence, the writer has underscored some few points for the implementation of the resources in the process of building Kohima a Smart City.
1. ABC of Smart City
Water, Electricity, and good roads
2. Widening of Roads
The government should take a bold step in demolishing all the buildingsencroaching into public roads. The compensation should be allotted based on their property measurement.
3. Shifting of Kohima Local Ground
If the Kohima Local Ground can be used for parking purposes and all the areas near UBC, UT Centers, Old NST bus stations be cleared for free vehicular movement,it will ease the traffic woes in our town greatly. The traffic jams will be solved once and for all if the concerned department relocates the Kohima Local Ground to some outskirt of the town.
4. Proper Drainage and Sanitation System
On the onset of monsoon, the road in Kohima Town turns to river beds. Therefore, sewage and drainage system should be clearly planned so that water-logging during rainy seasons are avoided. The drainage channels should be cleared and properly channelized.
5. Water Harvesting
Nagaland has maximum rainfall annually. Therefore, water should be harvested so that they are channelized to every public washroom in the town (business centers, offices, colleges and schools).
6. Underground Parkings
There is also a need for underground ways in some areas like BOC, upper PWD, and other market areas for parking under some big buildings (Shillong Parking Ways can be a good example).
7. Smoking/ tobacco Free zone Area
There should be a proper room fitted particularly in the hospitals, bus stands, offices, toilets, stadiums and business centers for smokers and tobacco users. Imposition of fines should be strictly monitored for defaulters.
8. Installing proper dustbins at every major corners of the town
We are thankful to the Kohima Municipal Council (KMC) for providing trucks and dustbins at different locations for collecting thrashes and making Kohima a better place, but there are still more litterbins needed in every nook and corner of the town.
9. Cleanliness Projects for keeping the town clean.
The Sunday Post (NP) published an article dated 18th October 2015 under the caption “Project 72 hours, and Beyond” by Vishu Rita Krocha where the said Project initiated by a cyclist, Seyievituo Solo began the cleanliness drivesix days a week with some likeminded young people from different colleges and colonies voluntarily in the early morning hours. This kind of projects should be encouraged and approved by the Government by employing students from schools and colleges for cleaning the town by giving them payment. This will not only help the students to inculcate a sense of cleanliness and create awareness in keeping the town clean but facilitate the publics’ health as well.
10. Special seats in the public buses for women, disabled and older people
If the word “Smart” has to be applied in every sense, special seats should be reserved for the oldies and the disabled people on public buses.
11. The traffic lights and zebra-crossing
This will be a dream come true if vehicles are controlled by signs from the electronic device.
12. Restrooms and sanitations at every important public stands.
What good are restrooms without water? Hence, channeling of water from nearby rivers can be an option to provide sufficient water throughout the year.
13. Use of digital meter system in taxis and markets.
14. Installing CCTV at every important junctions and business centers so that burglary and theft activities are regulated.
15. The electric lines, telecom cables, and water supply pipes should be laid underground for people’s safety and beauty.
16. Streetlights strewn along the footpath for the safety of the public at night.
17. Proper infrastructure for public parks and recreational facilities.
18. Kohima Zoo should be revived so that local animals and birds will be preserved and protected.
19. Solar energy powersshould be harnessed and utilized in all the reputed institution, offices, schools and colleges.
20. Bus stoppage time in the town should be regulated (Not wait for the last passenger to board but maneuver based on time). Air pollution testing should be done on every vehicle.
21. Strict actions against mobile users while driving and drunk drivers by calibrating breath analyzers.
22. Vegetables vendors should be given a suitable place instead of allowing them to sell on the pathways.
23. Shops should stay open 24/7 for the welfare of the society.
Final note: These points are my personal visions on Kohima to become a Smart City. If these proposals are implemented, then it is very probable that Kohima will find its place in the world for being one of the most favorable places to inhabit. May we see a changed Kohima City for once!
