Urban planners and policymakers from across the country convened at Hotel Classic Grande, Imphal, for the North East Zonal Conference organised by the Institute of Town Planners, India (ITPI). The one-day event served as a platform for extensive discussions on contemporary and emerging challenges in urban planning in the North Eastern region.
This year’s conference spotlighted three priority domains: sustainable urban development through strengthened regulatory compliance, promotion of non-motorized transport (NMT), including walking and cycling, and urban resilience to rising climate extremes. The focus reflected growing concerns over flash floods, pollution, land pressure, and the environmental changes impacting cities and towns across the region.
Principal Secretary (MAHUD) R.K. Dinesh Singh, who delivered the keynote as Chief Guest, observed that despite its size, Manipur faces complex urban vulnerabilities that make it suitable for piloting innovative planning solutions. He pointed to recurring flooding driven by valley-based river systems and deteriorating air quality caused by temperature inversion in the state’s bowl-shaped terrain. He called for a coordinated effort to integrate sanitation, sewerage, transportation, and climate-responsive design.
ITPI President Pradeep Kumar acknowledged that this was ITPI’s first event in Manipur and expressed appreciation for the strong support from planners across the state. He underlined the need to mainstream NMT, particularly cycling, for its benefits to public health and environmental protection. He also highlighted the urgency of strengthening regional climate resilience in both hill and valley settlements.
Three technical sessions formed the core of the programme, featuring presentations by experts from Manipur, Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Delhi, NIT Patna, and the Centre for Science and Environment. During the conference, the book Hill Area Planning, published by ITPI, was formally released.
The valedictory session featured concluding remarks by ITPI Vice President S. Devender Reddy and was addressed by Thokchom Kirankumar, IAS, as Chief Guest. Council Member N. Gitkumar Singh proposed the vote of thanks.
The conference concluded with a collective call to strengthen collaboration among states, improve planning mechanisms, and accelerate a unified vision for sustainable and climate-responsive urban growth in the North East.
