An Architects’ Meet was held at the City Convention Centre, Imphal, to mark the Foundation Day of the Manipur Architects’ Forum (MAF). The programme was organised by the Manipur Architects’ Forum in association with the Town Planning Department.
Director, Information and Public Relations, Ngangom Uttam Singh attended the event as Chief Guest, while Ar. N. Benju Singh, Chief Town Planner, Manipur; Dr. R.K. Nimai, Retd. IAS; and Ar. Thokchom Budhabir, Jury Head of the Essay Writing Competition, were present as Guests of Honour. The programme was presided over by Ar. Gitkumar Nepram, President, MAF.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Guest emphasised that the role of architects extends beyond aesthetics to ensuring compliance with building bye-laws, zoning regulations and safety norms. He stressed the need to engage architects at the planning stage to avoid future legal and financial complications.
Highlighting climate change challenges, he urged architects to adopt climate-responsive, green and seismic-safe designs, keeping in view Manipur’s vulnerability to earthquakes and heavy rainfall.
Uttam Singh also spoke on the Online Building Approval System, the deemed approval mechanism and the accountability of empanelled architects, calling for strict adherence to prescribed norms. He appealed for incorporation of accessibility features in buildings in line with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act and Supreme Court directives, and stressed preserving Manipur’s indigenous architectural identity, particularly in government buildings.
The programme featured distribution of cash prizes and citations to winners of the World Architecture Day Essay Writing Competition, felicitation of senior MAF members, and deliberations on climate change and enforcement of Development Control Regulations. A Special Award was also conferred on Ar. Benson for being the first to adopt the Online Building Permit System in the Imphal Municipal Corporation, presented by the Town Planning Department.
A technical session followed 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 & Climate Change, Manipur, and Ar. N. Benju Singh delivered presentations on the respective topics. The session concluded with an interactive discussion and closing remarks by moderator Dr. R.K. Nimai Singh, Retd. IAS.
The event was attended by officials of the Town Planning Department, members of the Manipur Architects’ Forum and students from various institutes.
