Manipur: Architects' Meet emphasizes safety, legal compliance, and sustainable design

Imphal: A one-day Architects’ Meet, held on Monday, stressed the importance of consulting architects at the initial stage of construction to avoid future costs and legal complications. The event was organised by the Manipur Architects’ Forum in association with the Town Planning Department at the City Convention Centre in Imphal to mark the Foundation Day of the Manipur Architects’ Forum (MAF).

Nongthombam Benju Singh, Chief Town Planner, Government of Manipur, who attended the programme as the guest of honour, spoke on the Online Building Approval System, the deemed approval mechanism, and the accountability of empanelled architects. He urged architects to strictly adhere to prescribed norms and regulations.

Ngangom Uttam Singh, Director, Information and Public Relations, attended the event as the chief guest. He emphasised that the role of architects extends beyond aesthetics and includes ensuring legal compliance with building bye-laws, zoning regulations, and safety norms. He also called upon architects to design climate-responsive, green, and seismic-safe buildings, keeping in mind Manipur’s vulnerability to earthquakes and heavy rainfall. In addition, he appealed to architects to ensure accessibility in buildings in accordance with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act and Supreme Court directives. He further highlighted the need to preserve and promote Manipur’s indigenous architectural identity, particularly in government buildings.

The programme also featured the distribution of prizes, including cash awards and citations, for the World Architecture Day essay writing competition as well as the felicitation of senior MAF members. Deliberations were held on the role of architects in combating climate change and enforcing Development Control Regulations (DCR). A special award was conferred on Ar. Benson for being the first to adopt the Online Building Permit System (OBPS) in the Imphal Municipal Corporation (IMC), presented by the Town Plannying Department, which was one of the main highlights of the event.

This was followed by a technical session on the themes “Role of Architects in Combating Climate Change” and “Role of Architects in Enforcing Development Control Regulations.” Dr T. Brajakumar Singh, Director, Environment and Climate Change, Manipur, and Ar. N. Benju Singh, Chief Town Planner, delivered insightful presentations on the respective topics, highlighting the critical role of architects in sustainable development and regulatory compliance.

The technical session concluded with an open discussion that saw active participation from attendees, followed by closing remarks from the moderator, Shri R.K. Nimai Singh, Retd. IAS.

Dr R.K. Nimai, Retd. IAS, and Ar. Thokchom Budhabir, Jury Head, essay writing competition, attended the programme as guests of honour, while Ar. Gitkumar Nepram, President of the Manipur Architects’ Forum, presided over the event. Officials from the Town Planning Department, members of the Manipur Architects’ Forum, and students from several institutes were also present.