In Kohima, India, with the advent of the pandemic they began to think about how to create pedestrian-friendly streets for all citizens, including those with disabilities, elderly and children.

As part of the #streets4people challenge, the @kohimasmartcity organised a one-day pop up event on 7 November 2020 in the old NST parking. Following its great success and positive feedback from citizens, the Walkable Streets Project was launched, with a view to a future pedestrian friendly walkway.

A year later, as part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mohotsav (#AKAM_MoHUA), the government’s initiative to celebrate 75 years of India’s independence, the country’s smart cities were invited to implement a 75-hour urban transformation. The aim was to reimagine public space and its potential to impact citizens. In this way, more than 22 cities across India transformed more than 50 public spaces in this #PlacemakingMarathon

In the case of Kohima, a street carnival was organised from 29 October to 2 October 2021 in the same car park. Events of all kinds were organised for all groups of citizens, from sporting and medical events, to a street food festival, a botanic exhibition, a musical fair and a painting competition.

Later, between 19 and 21 November, a street solo dance competition was held in collaboration with Brillante, the Nagaland Piano Festival. More than 40 Piano performers, singers, string quartet, Art space and community dancing participated.

What do you think about this transformation?

Photos by: @kohimasmartcity, @itdp.india, @stride_mohua