I Longkumer
While Dimapur continues to be plagued by multiple problems, one aspect that deserves urgent attention is the traffic situation. The traffic scene in the city is one of chaos. The lack of traffic etiquettes among the public is quite alarming, often resulting in skirmishes and accidents. Random overtaking of vehicles from the wrong side is rather too common. Not only does this cause traffic jams but also lead to crashes. Some drive only for the sake of driving without paying heed to the safety and concern for fellow drivers and commuters. This has been going on for far too long and must be quickly reined in. The lack of lane discipline which most are unaware or ignorant of must also be rectified. A drive in and around the main town of Dimapur, especially during peak hours; will tell you all you need to know - a single lane turning into multiple lanes. Quite the scene! Another urgent matter is that of underage driving. The less said, the better. However, this also needs to be checked and taken care of at the earliest. Now in the grand scheme of things, one thing I’d like to specifically point out is the menace of autorickshaw drivers. They’re one of the main reasons why traffic jams are never ending. Any space in between vehicles is an open invitation for them to pass through, even if it means driving on footpaths. This nuisance needs to be done away with. The utter disregard for traffic rules and simultaneously posing danger to others is a matter of grave concern. This is not to say that drivers of other vehicles are not at fault but the major part of the blame goes to autorickshaw drivers and I’m sure the public of Dimapur would find it difficult to disagree with me. If this is looked into and a solution arrived at, I think we can see a semblance of normalcy in Dimapur. The concerned authorities can take the initiative of organizing traffic workshops and seminars on a timely basis in conjunction with the concerned union of the autorickshaw drivers for starters. Awareness is the first step.
The Dimapur Traffic Police led by the DCP (Traffic) has been doing a fine job of organizing the humongous city traffic and keeping things under control. However, it is also well-known that much is left to be desired, as mentioned above. I have pointed out some pertinent issues. There are many which I’m sure the authorities are already well aware of. The authorities have the power to initiate changes and improve the ‘Ease of Living’. As I’ve always maintained, discipline is the basis of a civilized and a high-trust society. The authorities must ensure discipline at all costs or else we are better off living in Hobbes’ ‘state of nature’. I sure do hope that the above suggestions will be taken in the right spirit and that we will continue to see even more meaningful developments in the near future.
