Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Aizawl: Mizoram is hunting for stronger ties with the United Nations to bolster its fight against climate change and natural disasters. Disaster Management and Rehabilitation Minister Lalnilawma met with Kumar Kishore, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Disaster Risk Reduction, in New Delhi this week. The state wants more technical expertise and global knowledge sharing.
Mizoram faces constant threats from earthquakes, rockfalls, and landslides. To ease the pressure on Aizawl, officials are pushing to build Thenzawl in Serchhip district as a new “Peace City.” This project focuses on smart urban growth. The state is already working with the National Disaster Management Authority to build early warning systems and stronger infrastructure.
Kishore praised these efforts during the meeting. He stated, “The UNDRR’s willingness to facilitate international knowledge exchange, connect the state with global experts and showcase its best practices on international platforms.”
Separately, Lalnilawma pushed the Union Ministry of Home Affairs to speed up stalled mitigation projects. The Ministry directed the state to partner with the Geological Survey of India for slope investigations and digital elevation models. These steps are vital for the National Landslide Risk Mitigation Programme.
Funding remains a top priority. The Ministry has already cleared Rs 10 crore for the Community-based Disaster Risk Reduction programme to build safer villages. Officials must now submit detailed reports to unlock more cash. The government is also working to implement the Union Home Minister’s 10-point Disaster Resilience Agenda to beef up local management authorities.
Mizoram plans to host a regional conclave later this year. The event will bring together ministers to address Northeast-specific hazards and better interstate cooperation. Both the Centre and the state have vowed to keep disaster readiness at the top of the agenda.
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