Kohima 1 July: The Regional Transport Authority (RTA) has issued a clarification on a news item published in certain sections of the local print media on 26-06-08 under the caption ‘KMC TO CONVERT LOCAL GROUND KOHIMA FOR PARKING’.
The RTA has stated that the proposals to utilize a part of the ‘Khouchiezie’ Local Ground, Kohima was mooted keeping in mind the immense traffic congestion being faced in the State Capital, Kohima. The matter, deliberated at length during the many meetings under the aegis of the RTA Kohima, was a result of its effort to find out ways and means that would help in easing the traffic problems faced by the vehicle-users. As such, a proposal considered was the utilization of a section of the Local Ground, in the Northern Gate, as temporary ‘parking lot’ for those vehicle users whose offices and establishments are located in and around the Northern side of the Local Ground. A rough survey indicated that the traffic congestion around the Arts College, the Super market and nearby Razhü point could be eased substantially, if vehicles are permitted to park in an earmarked section of the Local Ground when it is not engaged in other activities. Nearly, as many as 80 such vehicle users were identified who follow the 0900 hours to 1700 hours work schedule and who as of now ‘park’ their vehicles on the road itself for want of parking space, thereby causing congestion in the narrow road of the area. The plan was never to convert the ‘entire local ground’ as parking lot.
Secondly, this ‘parking lot’ would be subservient to the other utility aspects of the ground; this ‘parking space’ can be vacated and cleared of all vehicles as and when any public or sporting events/coaching camps or public functions are organized and held in the local ground. To delimit the extent, the ‘parking space/parking area’ would be indicated and demarcated by placing portable RCC Post with ‘chain links’ that can be placed every morning and be removed every evening. Another aspect of this ‘parking space’ considered was to engage the Kohima Village Youth Organization and the KMC to collect minimal amount from each vehicle as parking fee, utilize the revenue generated for its maintenance, and at the same time ensure security of the vehicles being parked in this parking space thereby assisting the District Administration. The RTA Kohima never intended to make it a ‘profit generating’ endeavour.
The basic consideration for the creation of this ‘parking space’ was to ease the traffic congestion in the Arts College and Super market areas. It is, therefore clarified to all citizens of Kohima District that this proposal of utilizing a small part of the Local ground Kohima (Khouchiezie) was adopted solely for easing the immense traffic congestion in that areas. The RTA Kohima is wary of the importance and history of the Kohima Local ground (Khouchiezie) and never intends to hurt the sentiments of its citizens and sports enthusiasts. Temporarily setting aside a small part of the ground as parking space for vehicle users of this area was initiated with a sincere desire to tackle the enormous traffic and parking problems faced by all vehicle users. Any misunderstanding caused to the general populace because of this venture is highly regretted and the RTA has urged the citizens of Kohima town in particular that this action/s be considered in the light of the good faith and sincere efforts of the RTA Kohima to help and ease the traffic problem in the area. Moreover, this plan was initiated temporarily on ‘trial and error’ basis. If the general public is facing inconvenience because of the vehicles parked in a section of the Local ground, the RTA Kohima will have no hesitation in withdrawing or reviewing this proposal as deemed necessary and proper.