We would like to include the following points for a modern city or so called Smart City.
1.Location: First of all, we would like to propose a new location for new smart city because Imphal is already congested, unplanned, lacks land for construction and expansion of city, and to have characteristics of smart city, there will be more demolition work rather than construction in this old city. We need to choose a location that could be in an adjoining area of different districts. That will be easier to access from most districts.
2.Road & Transportation: Well-planned architectural structure of roads and transportation are necessary. Design the roads that could be expanded easily over the next coming decades with long term city plan. Design MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) system for underground and sky train system as long term solution that can be implemented in the future. For now, design two types of highways, 1. Normal highway, 2. Elevated motor highway. Normal highway will serve as normal road while the elevated motor highway will be constructed as long over-bridge style for faster driving that authority should collect toll way tax at entry points or exit points. This will reduce traffic jam and generate income for government as well. Elevated motor highway will be completely under control of government authority, and this system will be out of danger from bandhs, economic blockades and general strikes that hamper the normal life of people.
3.Parking area: Implement compulsory rule that businesses, offices, and any private or public buildings should have parking area for their own as well as visiting clients. No parking area, no vehicle license.
4.Power supply: Make sure there is uninterrupted 24/7 power supply.
5.Water Supply: Provide clean and hygienic water supply for 24/7.
6.Green city: Grow trees and flowers in road dividers, on the roadsides, as well as surrounding buildings where possible areas are available and manage it carefully on a daily basis.
7.Garbage Management: Arrange dust bins/ trash bins everywhere. Make it compulsory for every government or private office or business to arrange their own or public trash bins. Manage proper drainage system as well with proper management. Implement heavy fine for littering on the streets and as well as spitting (kwah).
8.Public Park or Recreational Area: There should be clean and pollution free public park area for relaxing as well as exercising.
9.Bus waiting shed & mobile charge outlet: Install proper bus waiting shed and install electric socket for mobile phone charging, probably USB outlets (not for wall plugs). Mobile phone is now everyone’s necessary item.
10.Foot-bridge crossings: Install footbridges for people to cross the road. This will avoid criss-cross street crossing as if there is no traffic rules.
11.Toilet: Public toilet should be installed everywhere. This is very basic need at crowded area.
12.Communication: Implement computerized system, internet and intranet service for any public service office to save time and manage the city more efficiently.
13.Security: Install CCTV in every corner of the city, and make it compulsory for public and private buildings to have this facility as well.
14.Employment Avenues: Job is very important part for income generation. Surrounded by poor and hunger cannot lead to smart city. Arrange employment avenues where all the information regarding hiring and employment should be available at that place. Focus on private sector / self-employment job information because government sector job is too limited and people cannot depend on only government jobs.
15.Industrial Park: Include industrial park at the edge of the city where industrial products are easily accessible to the city for commercial purposes.
16.Guest House: Arrange guest houses for those who come from outside or far villages who cannot return to their remote area, and also who got stuck during unpredictable times such as bandhs and strikes. Don’t focus only guests for government officials but people too.
17.Awareness: We need to include city civic sense lesson in school subject as compulsory topic. We need to properly train our officers and workers in our municipal authority as well as the city police and traffic police. No blow-horn rule for vehicle except in some emergency situations. This will be one of the characteristics of an ideal city.
18.Make it smart: If we don’t implement the rules properly, there will be no proper meaning of smart city. Law is law, rule is rule. Let the law breakers pay heavy price for their wrong deeds. People need to learn their lesson. Don’t let anybody cross the line of acceptable rules and make it meaningful for everyone without any preference or discrimination-whether MLA, minister, Law makers’ kins or any citizen whoever.
(All of these proposers are working as teachers at Thai government school.
1. Chingakham Dina email: [email protected]
2. Arambam Karamjit email: [email protected]
3. Khwairakpam Sunita email: [email protected]
