New Delhi/Aizawl, July 29 (IANS) The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Wednesday advised the Mizoram government to work closely with the Geological Survey of India (GSI) for the preparation of digital elevation models, slope investigations and other technical inputs required for the timely execution of disaster mitigation projects sanctioned for the state, officials said.
The direction came during a high-level review meeting held at the MHA to assess the progress of disaster mitigation initiatives in Mizoram and discuss measures to strengthen the state’s long-term disaster resilience.
Mizoram’s Disaster Management and Rehabilitation Minister Lalnilawma, accompanied by Secretary of the Department of Disaster Management and Rehabilitation Sushil Singh, participated in the meeting, which focused on expediting the implementation of various disaster risk reduction projects and enhancing the state’s preparedness against natural hazards.
Reviewing the status of the National Landslide Risk Mitigation Programme, the MHA advised the state government to maintain close coordination with the Geological Survey of India for preparing digital elevation models, conducting slope investigations and providing other technical inputs essential for implementing the approved projects.
The Home Ministry informed the meeting that the GSI has expressed its willingness to extend technical assistance to Mizoram and encouraged the state government to fully utilise the agency’s expertise to ensure the timely execution of landslide mitigation works.
Minister Lalnilawma reaffirmed the Mizoram government’s commitment to ensuring the early implementation of all sanctioned projects through close coordination with the GSI and the State Public Works Department.
The meeting primarily focused on accelerating the implementation of approved disaster mitigation projects, strengthening institutional mechanisms, improving project execution and positioning Mizoram as a model state for disaster risk reduction and resilient development in the North Eastern Region.
The meeting also reviewed the progress of several disaster mitigation projects approved for Mizoram, including initiatives related to forest fire management, earthquake risk mitigation and the Community-Based Disaster Risk Reduction (CBDRR) programme.
The MHA observed that while financial approvals had already been accorded for several interventions, the timely submission of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) and other technical documentation by the state government would be crucial for the release of subsequent instalments of funds and the commencement of project implementation.
Secretary Sushil Singh informed the meeting that the Department of Disaster Management and Rehabilitation has initiated a comprehensive review of all pending proposals and assured that the required DPRs would be prepared and submitted on priority to facilitate the implementation process.
The discussions also focused on the Community-Based Disaster Risk Reduction (CBDRR) programme, under which around Rs 10 crore has been earmarked for Mizoram.
Officials said the programme would focus on developing disaster-resilient villages through local-level planning, strengthening building approval systems, improving disaster preparedness and enhancing the capacity of communities to respond effectively during emergencies.
Reiterating the state’s commitment to strengthening disaster resilience at the grassroots, Minister Lalnilawma said the government is committed to empowering local institutions and integrating disaster risk reduction measures into village-level planning and development activities.
The MHA also encouraged the Mizoram government to actively pursue the 10-point Disaster Resilience Agenda communicated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah to all states and Union Territories.
The Ministry emphasised the need to strengthen the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs), hazard-specific planning, institutional capacity building and proactive implementation of disaster risk reduction measures across the state.
The Home Ministry assured the Mizoram government of continued support from both the MHA and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in advancing disaster preparedness and resilience initiatives.
The meeting also reviewed Mizoram’s unique disaster risk profile, particularly the increasing threats posed by landslides, rockfalls, rapid vertical urbanisation in Aizawl and the state’s location in Seismic Zone V, making it one of the most earthquake-prone regions of the country.
–IANS
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