Imphal’s Urban Management Crisis: A Call for Govt Action

The city of Imphal is facing a severe urban management crisis that has left its residents frustrated and underserved. At the heart of this issue is the city’s inability to manage parking spaces effectively, coupled with the traffic police’s limited powers in controlling the movement of private vehicles. This problem is most visible in Imphal’s busiest commercial areas—Paona Bazaar, Thangal Bazaar, and BT Road—where unregulated parking fees are being charged by unauthorized individuals, turning public spaces into profit zones.
These issues have created a situation where parking is not just a nuisance but a major public concern. The lack of clear regulation has led to a chaotic environment where vehicles are parked haphazardly, obstructing traffic and causing unnecessary delays. The problem is compounded by the absence of proper oversight from the authorities, leaving both locals and visitors frustrated as they navigate the congested streets. For a city that prides itself on its rich cultural heritage, the current state of urban mismanagement is a significant failure.
The problem doesn’t stop at parking. A short stretch of road near Raj Bhavan, known as Governor Road, highlights the extent of the city’s infrastructural neglect. From the DIPR office to the Handloom Office, the road is dotted with potholes every five meters, creating a hazardous environment for both vehicles and pedestrians. While there have been attempts to repair the road, these efforts remain unfinished, leaving the stretch in a state of disrepair.
Equally concerning is the degradation of public hygiene in the city. A prime example is the conversion of certain roadside areas, particularly near the DIPR wall along Raj Bhavan, into informal urinals. Despite the nationwide Swachh Bharat Mission’s push for cleanliness, Imphal’s public spaces remain littered and unsanitary. This is not just an eyesore but a public health hazard, with several locations along the road being used for urination, creating unbearable conditions for pedestrians. These issues have eroded the quality of life for Imphal’s citizens and stand as a testament to the government’s failure to address basic urban management.
While the state is undoubtedly grappling with more significant political and social crises, such as the ongoing ethnic conflict, neglecting essential urban infrastructure and public services will only worsen the situation. The failure to maintain roads, ensure proper parking regulations, and enforce hygiene standards reflects poorly on the government’s capacity to manage the state’s day-to-day affairs. It also sends a troubling message that the welfare of the public is being sidelined in favor of larger, less immediate concerns.
This urban management failure is not simply an inconvenience—it is a sign of a government that has lost touch with the needs of its people. Public infrastructure, from roads to sanitation services, forms the backbone of a functioning society. When these are neglected, it affects everyone, particularly the city’s most vulnerable populations. A well-managed city is a reflection of a responsible and proactive government. By allowing Imphal to deteriorate in this manner, the government is signaling its inability to prioritize even the most basic needs of its citizens.
To address these issues, the government must take immediate and comprehensive action. First and foremost, a proper regulatory framework needs to be put in place to manage parking in the city. Designating specific parking zones, introducing automated parking meters, and ensuring that parking fees are collected by authorized personnel would bring much-needed order to the streets. Additionally, empowering the traffic police with greater authority to control vehicle movement and enforce parking regulations is essential. The current limitations on their powers have rendered them ineffective, and without stronger enforcement, any parking policy will be useless.
Second, the government must prioritize road repair and maintenance. The pothole-riddled streets in and around Imphal are not only an inconvenience but a serious safety hazard. Allocating sufficient funds for road infrastructure and ensuring that repairs are completed on time should be a top priority. Regular monitoring and quick repairs would prevent roads from reaching such a deplorable state, as seen on Governor Road.
Third, hygiene and public cleanliness must be urgently addressed. The Swachh Bharat Mission has made significant strides in many parts of India, but in Imphal, it appears to have been forgotten. The government should install public toilets and regularly clean high-traffic areas to prevent the further deterioration of the city’s public spaces. Fines for littering and defacing public property should also be strictly enforced to maintain cleanliness standards.
The government must also engage with the public on these issues, providing a platform for residents to voice their concerns and suggest solutions. An inclusive approach that involves local communities in decision-making would not only increase accountability but also ensure that urban policies are more attuned to the needs of the people.
Imphal deserves better than what it is currently getting. While the state is undoubtedly under strain, there is no excuse for neglecting the basics of urban management. It is time for the government to step up, address the parking chaos, fix the roads, and ensure that the city remains clean and safe for its citizens. A failure to act now will only deepen the public’s disillusionment and further undermine the credibility of the state administration.