Mizoram seeks to fast-tracking of disaster mitigation projects
REGIONAL: The Mizoram government is seeking to fast-track the implementation of disaster mitigation projects and position the state as a model for disaster risk reduction in the Northeast, according to an official statement. A review meeting on the matter was held between Mizoram's Disaster Management and Rehabilitation Minister Lalnilawma, and senior officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs in New Delhi, it said.
The discussions centred on accelerating execution of sanctioned disaster mitigation projects, strengthening institutional capacities, improving project implementation and enhancing Mizoram's long-term resilience against natural disasters, the statement said.
A major focus of the meeting was the National Landslide Risk Mitigation Programme under which the MHA advised the state to work closely with the Geological Survey of India (GSI) for the preparation of digital elevation models, slope investigations and other technical studies required for project execution, it said.
The ministry said the GSI had expressed its willingness to provide technical support, while Lalnilawma said the state would coordinate closely with the agency and the Public Works Department to ensure timely implementation, it said.
The meeting also reviewed the status of various disaster mitigation projects approved for Mizoram, including initiatives on forest fire management, earthquake risk mitigation, and the Community-based Disaster Risk Reduction (CBDRR) programme.
While financial approvals have already been granted for several initiatives, the MHA stressed that timely submission of detailed project reports (DPRs) and technical documentation would be crucial for releasing subsequent instalments and commencing implementation, the statement said.
The meeting noted that about Rs 10 crore has been earmarked for Mizoram under the CBDRR programme.
The MHA also urged Mizoram to actively implement the Union home minister's 10-point Disaster Resilience Agenda, which calls for strengthening the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs), hazard-specific planning, institutional capacity building and proactive disaster risk reduction measures.
The ministry assured the state government of continued support from both the MHA and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
The discussions also examined Mizoram's unique disaster profile, particularly growing vulnerability to landslides, rockfalls, rapid vertical urbanisation in Aizawl and the state's location in an earthquake-prone zone, highlighting the need for sustained investment in resilience measures.
Lalnilawma also presented the state's vision of developing a planned 'peace city' to promote balanced regional development reduce developmental pressure on Aizawl and encourage resilient urban growth.
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