ITPI hosts landmark town planners’ conference in Imphal

IMPHAL — The Institute of Town Planners India (ITPI) organised the first-ever North East Zonal Conference of town planners in Imphal on Saturday, providing a valuable platform for stakeholders to exchange insights, share best practices, and chart a roadmap for a more sustainable urban future in the North-East.

The conference brought together experts and planners to deliberate on contemporary issues and emerging challenges in urban and regional planning across the North-eastern region.

This year's conference focused on sustainable, inclusive, and resilient urban development, exploring key themes like strengthening regulatory compliance, promoting Non-Motorised Transport (NMT), and building urban resilience to climate extremes.

Dignitaries present included RK Dinesh Singh, Principal Secretary (MAHUD); Pradeep Kumar, president of ITPI, New Delhi; S Devender Reddy, vice president of ITPI; Jitendra L. Bhople, secretary general of ITPI; and Nepram Gitkumar Singh, council member of ITPI.

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Addressing the gathering of town planners, policymakers, and experts from across the country, RK Dinesh emphasised the need for sustainable, resilient urban planning to address challenges in sanitation, sewerage, transport, and the growing pressure of urban migration.

He highlighted that although Manipur is a small state, it faces major challenges, making it an ideal testing ground for policies that could later be implemented elsewhere in India.

He outlined key issues such as recurring urban floods due to the State’s river basins and valley geography, as well as rising air pollution worsened by temperature inversion and the bowl-shaped terrain of Manipur. Singh noted that even moderate AQI levels can have severe impacts in such conditions.

Pradeep Kumar said that the conference themes are timely and significant for the region, highlighting the benefits of promoting non-motorised transport, like cycling, for public health and environmental protection, as well as the importance of building urban resilience to climate change.

A book titled “Hill Area Planning”, published by the ITPI, was also released during the function. Three dedicated technical sessions formed the core highlight of the event.

The first session, held on the theme “Strengthening regulatory compliance and sustainable urban development,” was chaired by Nongthongbam Benju Singh, Chief Town Planner, Town Planning department.

The second session on "Prioritising Non-Motorised Transport (NMT): Walking and cycling" was chaired by Ngangom Uttam Singh, Director of MAHUD. The final session on "Urban Resilience to Climate Extremes: Mitigation and adaptation strategies" was chaired by Dr. T Brajakumar Singh, Director of Environment and Climate Change.