The recent eviction drive carried out by the respective district administration has stirred mixed reactions across the region. While a section of the population—mainly those directly affected—has expressed dissatisfaction, a much larger section of the public has welcomed the move with cautious optimism. The removal of unauthorized structures, encroachments, and obstructions has rekindled hope among many that urban spaces, particularly pedestrian walkways, will finally be returned to their intended users: the public.
Pedestrian infrastructure in Manipur’s towns, especially in district headquarters like Imphal and Thoubal, has long been in a deplorable state. Pavements have become either non-existent or unusable due to unauthorised constructions, haphazard vendors, or worse, craters that resemble open wounds on public property. The recent drive, though uncomfortable for some, is a necessary course correction toward reclaiming civic order and urban discipline.
The general sentiment among the public is one of relief. People are hopeful that this initiative will lead to walkable, safe, and accessible pedestrian paths. However, the effort must not stop at eviction. Eviction alone does not guarantee improvement unless followed up with repair, reconstruction, and sustained maintenance. The pothole-ridden roads and sidewalks filled with cracks and holes still pose threats to commuters and pedestrians alike. A cleared pavement is of no use if it remains unsafe and unfit for walking.
The public has rightly voiced that the eviction drive should be part of a broader push under the ongoing President’s Rule, a period that offers an opportunity for governance free from political interference. It is during this time that the administration can act decisively, free from appeasement politics, to implement infrastructure reforms in the true spirit of public service.
Crucially, the district administration must not turn a blind eye to the role of the Public Works Department (PWD) in the present state of disrepair. Substandard construction of roads, sidewalks, and drainage systems, and the failure to promptly repair potholes and defects amount to administrative negligence. Legal proceedings or at least formal inquiries must be initiated against responsible PWD officials and contractors. Without accountability, the cycle of poor construction and even poorer maintenance will continue unchallenged.
The pedestrian walkways must be redesigned not only with utility in mind but also with inclusivity—ensuring access for people with disabilities, the elderly, and children. Pavements should be properly drained, well-lit, and surfaced with durable materials. Any future encroachment must be dealt with strictly and immediately, preventing repeat violations that often go unchecked for years.
The district administration has taken a commendable first step. What now remains is the political will and administrative resolve to see it through. Completing these works during President’s Rule could serve as a model of efficient governance that is people-centric and infrastructure-focused.
The public has seen enough tokenism. It’s time for measurable, durable change. If the administration listens to the people, cracks down on negligence, and prioritizes quality in public works, the recent eviction drive may be remembered not as an act of displacement, but as the beginning of a cleaner, safer, and more walkable future.