Nagaland: Streets for people challenge brings parking space to life

Our Correspondent
Kohima, Nov. 8 (EMN): In order to test and envision whether streets in Kohima could be pedestrian-friendly, more walkable, safe and healthy, a pop-up street was organised by Kohima Smart City Development Limited (KSCDL) at Old NST area in the state capital on November 7.

The paid parking lot was temporarily converted into a free space where around 12 street vendors put up on sale a variety of organic products such as vegetables, fruits and homemade food items while two food trucks were also stationed to cater to the needs of foodies.

It was an unusual sight as the spot, which is usually filled up with parked vehicles, became a relaxing place for eating and shopping.

Interacting with Eastern Mirror, Avelu Ruho, joint CEO of KSCDL shared that the programme is an open street campaign, part of the ‘Streets for People Challenge’ launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, which requires cities to re-imagine their streets through the lens of economic regeneration and creating safe, healthy and inclusive spaces for all.

She said that the campaign is to create awareness about the need to share street spaces with cyclists, pedestrians and citizens including children, aged people and people with disabilities. “It is to realise that streets are not only for vehicles and for parking,” Ruho said adding “We should make space for everyone and also for trees, plants and nature.”

A resident of Kohima, Neideno Kuotsu, shared that the experience at the event was “very good” and appreciated the initiative of the KSCDL. Such an initiative, according to her, brings people together with street vendors on one side and those involved in serving street food on the other.

Kuotsu said that the concept of such an event is “very new” to the citizens and that ‘they would love the street to come to life with more space for pedestrians to walk as well.’

Ashoi Koknok, another citizen who turned up at the venue, shared that the experience was “fun and interesting” while hoping that the same activity should be organised again.

Aliho Wotsa, a fresh graduate who is taking her internship with KSCDL, informed that they received a lot of positive feedback from the people. She said the feedback was jotted down on by the people who turned up at the venue and were pasted on a board.

Thejasetuo Sote, another graduate, apprised that the pop-up street was ‘just a trial’ adding that it might become permanent later on.

Neirietounuo Miasalhou, who participated at the event to sell flowers brought from Mezoma village, shared happiness about the sale she made along with her cousin at the venue.

Avole Puro, a regular vendor who sells organic items at Razhu point, also shared that the place allotted to them at the pop-up street is ‘much more convenient.’

Kezhochole Rhetso, general manager planning division, KDCDL, stated that the activity undertaken by them is also a response to the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown, which has adversely impacted the lives of the people economically. As such, she hoped that people could generate income if road spaces are allotted to them to carry out their economic activities.

“When we explain the visions of the Ministry, they are very happy and receptive; rather they want to have these kinds of street activities,” she said.
Rhetso, who is also the nodal officer of Streets for People Challenge, shared that the sale made by the vendors may not be up to the mark at the one-day affair. However, she hoped that citizens would get used to street activities in the days to come.

Kovi Meyase, CEO of KSCDL expressed happiness at ‘receiving the positive feedback and encouragement from the people’. He hoped that their objective of creating the streets from Razhu point till Old NST bus station area into ‘pedestrian-friendly and lively streets’.

The officer informed that KSCDL has been trying to co-ordinate with all the stakeholders towards their initiative. Meyase said that they have been getting support from Regional Transport Authority (RTA), deputy commissioner, police and National Highway.

“With this response being so encouraging, I hope we can finally see the day when this dream of ours can become a reality soon,” he added.