An aerial view of Dimapur town. (Morung File Photo)
Dimapur, June 18 (MExN): The Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) on Wednesday submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur district, urging urgent intervention to address the escalating traffic gridlock in the city.
The memorandum, signed by NCD Vice President (Administration) M Biremong Yimkhiung and General Secretary LK Peter Anal, outlined a comprehensive set of measures aimed at decongesting the commercial hub, which has been grappling with increasing vehicular pressure and infrastructure constraints.
School timings, pick-up zones
The Council has proposed strict regulations for educational institutions to mitigate peak-hour congestion. It recommended that all schools within the city limits be mandated to provide drop-off and pick-up facilities for students within their own campuses and area.
“Any required arrangement should be done by the respective schools during the upcoming summer vacation,” it suggested. Additionally, the NCD that all the schools located within the city having the same stretch of road and intersection should ensure different timing among the schools.
Removal of encroachments, unused vehicles
To ensure unobstructed movement, the Council called for the removal of all unused and old vehicles after proper notice. It also demanded a complete halt to the dumping of building materials and debris along roadsides. The memorandum specifically mentioned the issue of Army vehicles parked along the expanded roadside stretch from Dhobinalla to Signal Angami village, urging the competent authority to tow them away to facilitate seamless traffic.
Street vendors, commercial activities
The NCD has raised objections to rampant commercial encroachments, including the sale of vegetables, clothes, snacks and trolley-based vending, which it said impede commuter movement. The Council called for the immediate removal of such vendors from thoroughfares.
The Council also put forward several long-term suggestions. It proposed allowing all shops to remain open until 9:00 pm under the protection of law-enforcing authorities, to cater to customer demand and promote business while easing daytime congestion.
Furthermore, the NCD insisted that any future commercial building permits be granted only after the developer agrees to provide ample parking space.
It also highlighted the acute congestion in the New Market area, where food stalls and vendors have occupied footpaths and parking zones and called for immediate streamlining.
Appeal for flyovers
Acknowledging the city’s limited infrastructure amid a growing population and floating commuter traffic, the Council appealed to the Government of Nagaland to construct more flyovers in and around the heart of the city to relieve the traffic jam.
The NCD emphasised that these measures are essential for Dimapur to retain its reputation as Nagaland’s commercial nerve centre and a popular shopping destination, while also boosting the city's economy.
