When population increases, there is also an increase in vehicular movements, finally leading to traffic jams, and this is what we are experiencing in Kohima today.
We are living in the 21st-century digitalised world, and the loss of a minute matters a lot. Hence, spending hours in a traffic jam does not sound good. Kohima city, despite being a smart city, still continues to reel under heavy traffic. The irony is that we need to set off at least one and a half hours, or an hour, in advance to reach our destination and the scheduled programme, and seriously, we cannot always use a traffic jam as an excuse for being late all the time.
In a place like Kohima city, where urbanisation is at its peak, business establishments keep on expanding, with standard educational institutions coming up, and the increase in palatial buildings has led to an increase in migrant workers coming from all over India to Nagaland for construction work. This development is not an issue, but it is a sign of an increasing population for an unplanned city and congested roads. As we all know, when there is an increase in population, there is also an increase in vehicular movements, finally leading to traffic jams.
Traffic congestion increases vehicle emissions and degrades air quality, has shown excess morbidity and mortality for drivers and commuters, and has stressed and frustrated motorists, encouraging road rage. Commuters who are exposed to air pollution, especially those riding in non-air-conditioned vehicles, double their health risk from chronic lung diseases. Air pollution can cause high blood pressure, and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. It can also cause lung cancer, asthma, and other respiratory diseases. During traffic jams, cars move slowly, so drivers are exposed to emissions for longer.
For everyone, cars have become a ‘need', not a 'want', and therefore, some families own three to four cars out of necessity. Some go on purchasing every new car on arrival as a passion. So never on earth can anyone impose limitations on car ownership (as it clearly infringes individual and fundamental rights). As a result of this, the number of cars keeps on increasing and flooding the streets. There cannot be a traffic problem without cars plying on the streets. Both go hand in hand with the development of the city. Another reason for the overpopulation of cars is because vehicles have become affordable.
In order to have a smooth traffic flow, there is, of course, the need for flyovers, but this will be technically impossible because of the geographic location and the instability of the soil in Kohima. However, there is at least a possibility for the expansion of the road by giving compensation to the landowners whose land could be affected during expansion.
Kohima city is developing fast beyond imagination. For instance, the stretch from High School Junction to the Secretariat area was an empty and forested area just a few years back, but today, the area is developed and one can hardly see any empty space. Likewise, the same is happening in every nook and corner of the capital city.
A multi-storey parking structure has now been constructed and is playing an important role in reducing heavy traffic congestion, at least to some extent. Many bypass roads and footpaths have been constructed in and around Kohima city. It is also good to see many commercial and private buildings wisely constructing parking spaces by sacrificing the ground floor. However, traffic congestion still persists. The possible reasons may be roadside parking or illegal parking, construction of buildings, fairs and markets on the roadside, etc. Are we responsible citizens? We cannot build metros or flyovers to reduce traffic congestion. The 'Odd and Even' number plate system cannot be enforced simply for the sake of smooth vehicle flow. Therefore, the only option is to act responsibly as responsible citizens.
The stretch of road from Lerie Colony to the NPSC office is wide and spacious enough to accommodate moving cars on opposite sides, but the real problem also starts from colony roads. Our colony roads are very congested and narrow, but that does not mean they are too small for two cars to pass freely. The reason is the excessive parking of cars on the roadside of the colony, with no other option. This could be the possible reason that affects the free flow of vehicular movement inside the colony, ultimately leading to the main streets of the city roads, making traffic congestion more vulnerable on an everyday basis.
Many times, traffic congestion is considered a tool to test and control our patience. Remaining in traffic for long periods can cause anxiety, exhaustion, frustration, and impulsive behaviour, which could affect our upcoming performance due to a loss of attention and interest. The trauma faced during traffic congestion is significant. Sometimes, the travel time from Dimapur to Kohima is faster than travelling from Lerie Colony to the Secretariat Office. Our well-being deserves a better place with no pressure on time management.
Proper city planning and expansion of the road system are the urgent needs of the hour. A provision for parking space is needed to accommodate more cars because sometimes searching for parking space, especially during peak hours, seems like searching for the most valued treasure on Earth. Except in cases of emergencies, we must adapt to the habit of using two-wheeler vehicles to reduce traffic congestion and to save our economy, as huge amounts of money are spent on fuel due to fuel burning during traffic jams.
Traffic police are making their best efforts for smooth traffic flow, sometimes yelling and shouting at commuters who break the traffic rule. We must always obey traffic rules as disciplined citizens. A comprehensive plan is needed to work on a war footing from the concerned authority to check the menace of traffic congestion. Otherwise, it is getting worse.
To sum up, understanding the cause of traffic jams is crucial for addressing the broader implications. A healthy life and safe driving without any tension are vital for human existence, and therefore, it is my ardent request to continuously check on illegal parking and double parking on roadsides that cause unnecessary traffic congestion. Just imagine Kohima city after 10 years. Will we be able to thrive healthily with these kinds of existing traffic problems?
Yarangchang Imchen
Lower Chadmari, Kohima.