121/2024-2025

Aizawl, the 22nd June, 2024: DM&R Minister K. Sapdanga held a meeting in the afternoon today with the Inter-Ministerial Team from the centre and State Government representatives from various concerned departments to discuss the aftermath of Cyclone Remal and its effects at various places in Mizoram.

Chief Secretary Dr. Renu Sharma welcomed the officials and thanked them for their visit. Home Minister K. Sapdanga, also Minister of DM&R, also welcomed the Inter-Ministerial Team and briefed them on the disastrous effects Cyclone Remal had on the state's roads, water supply, electricity and other important state infrastructure, as well as the damage to ongoing projects. He expressed his shock at the extent of damage at the hands of the disaster, and thanked the central team for their presence and willingness to assess the damage on location.

The Home Minister informed the officials that Chief Minister Lalduhoma had sent a memorandum to Union Home Minister Amit Shah the day before. This disaster claimed the lives of 34 people and caused a great deal of damage to public and private property. The Home Minister informed them that much financial support would be needed for rehabilitation and repair, estimating a minimum sum of ₹237.6 crore to fully cover the requirements for rebuilding in the aftermath of Cyclone Remal.

The Inter-Ministerial Team is headed by Abhijit Sinha, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, and its members include Jinta Das, Director, Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmer's Welfare, Directorate of Jute Development, Kolkata; Mahesh Kumar, Dy. Director, Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure (FCD), New Delhi; Rajveer Singh, Superintending Engineer, Ministry of Jal Shakti, CWC, Silchar; Adelbert Susngi, Regional Officer, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Guwahati and Moti Ram, Assistant Commissioner (NSAP), Rural Development, New Delhi.

The meeting was officiated by Chief Secretary Dr. Renu Sharma. Power Point presentations were given by representatives from DM&R, PWD, PHED, P&ED, Agriculture and Horticulture departments. The presentations highlighted with clarity the effects of the disaster at various places in Mizoram and the sum of money required for rehabilitation and repair works.

The presentations were followed by detailed discussions among the central and state officials. K. Lalrinzuali, Secretary, DM&R gave a vote of thanks and the meeting was concluded.

The meeting was followed by site visits at Melthum, Hlimen, Kulikawn and ITI to assess the extent of damage.

After their arrival, the Central Team made detours and visited the bridge under construction at Sihhmui and the damage to crops at Sairang Dinthar due to floods of Tlawng River.