Stakeholder consultation on NIP for Sub-Zone E5 held

The Planning and Development Authority (PDA), Manipur, in consultation with the Town Planning Department, organised a stakeholder consultation meeting today at Leishang Hiden Heritage Park to formalise the Neighbourhood Improvement Plan (NIP) for Sub-Zone E5, covering the Kyamgei area from MU Main Gate to Lilong Bridge. This strategically important area lies in the southern part of the Greater Imphal Planning Area.
Developed in collaboration with the School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), Bhopal, the plan aims to establish a replicable model for improving safety, mobility, public services, livelihoods, and space optimisation in rapidly growing peri-urban centres.
The consultation was attended by Lourembam Rameshwor Meetei, MLA of Keirao AC, and officials including N. Gitkumar Singh, former Chief Town Planner; N. Benju Singh, Chief Town Planner, Manipur; Ng Uttam Singh, Secretary, PDA; Mayank Dubey, Associate Professor, SPA Bhopal; and K. Chandrakumar Singh, Municipal Commissioner, Imphal Municipal Corporation.
Sub-Zone E5, spanning the area between Asian Highway 1 and the Imphal River, faces challenges such as unsafe intersections, gaps in utilities, and vulnerability to flooding. The NIP proposes immediate and phased interventions to redesign four critical intersections and revamp 4.75 km of key corridors along the AH-1 edge and Ring Road, integrating continuous walkways and structured vending zones. It also seeks to strengthen the basic utility network by improving nine kilometres of water supply lines, 16 kilometres of surface drainage, and 11 kilometres of sewage network to enhance resilience and service levels. A 200-metre traffic-calmed school stretch with safe crossings and designated pick-up/drop-off zones is planned to protect children, while security and surveillance measures include the installation of streetlights along three kilometres and CCTV cameras at 10 strategic locations to improve night-time safety for women and children.
Ng Uttam Singh, Secretary, PDA, Manipur, stated, “This collaborative plan is not just about infrastructure development; it is about creating safer, more resilient and more liveable neighbourhoods through optimum utilisation of space. Once finalised, any development work by any agency/department which is contradictory to the above plan (NIP) cannot be taken up. Thus, prior approval has to be obtained from competent authority before taking up any development work in this planned area.”
Participants suggested improvements for storm water drainage to prevent flooding and the development of village and tertiary roads to reduce congestion on highways. N. Benju Singh, Chief Town Planner, assured that these inputs would be incorporated into the final plan. The team also inspected the ongoing construction of Agro-Market near Lilong Bridge.