Photo Courtesy: nenow
Aizawl: Mizoram is pushing the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to officially label African Swine Fever (ASF) a disaster. Minister of Disaster Management and Rehabilitation Prof. Lalnilawma made the request during a high-level meeting in New Delhi on July 27. The designation would allow the state to tap into the State Disaster Relief Fund to compensate struggling pig farmers. Officials argue this step is vital after years of recurring outbreaks.
Sushil Singh, Secretary of Disaster Management and Rehabilitation, joined the minister for the talks. They pushed for pending financial support to address mounting economic damage. The state government submitted a Post Disaster Needs Assessment report covering 2021 to 2025. It details physical damage worth Rs. 644.71 crore and economic losses hitting Rs. 645.49 crore. Recovery and rehabilitation efforts will require Rs. 873.22 crore.
The minister also demanded Rs. 21 crore in Central Special Assistance for landslide rehabilitation in Lawngtlai and Aizawl. He requested Rs. 95.76 crore for the National Earthquake Risk Mitigation Programme, targeting Aizawl, Lunglei, Serchhip, Champhai, and Siaha districts. A separate proposal asks for Rs. 50 crore under the National Landslide Risk Mitigation Programme for work in Ngaizel and other regions.
The NDMA reviewed Mizoram's vulnerability to forest fires and earthquakes. They stressed that the state must focus on risk-informed land-use planning and infrastructure. The authority reminded the local government to enforce building by-laws and prioritize school safety drills. "The NDMA reaffirmed its commitment to extending technical guidance and institutional support to the Government of Mizoram in implementing disaster risk reduction initiatives and building a more disaster- resilient state." The state also plans to expand the Aapda Mitra program to boost community-led disaster preparedness.
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