78/2024-2025

Aizawl the 30th May, 2024: A Coordination Meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Dr. Renu Sharma was held today at 10:00 a.m. in the Chief Secretary's Conference Room, MINECO, Khatla to review issues related to Cyclone Remal and its aftermath across the state.

At the start of the meeting, a brief report and presentation was given by the Disaster Management and Rehabilitation (DM&R) Department on the effects of the cyclone in various parts of the state. Department secretaries then gave updates on the progress of their various departments as listed below:

1. Public Works Department (PWD) - Workers are trying their best to clear up roadblocks and remove obstacles in various places.

2. Public Health Engineering (PHE) - Water pumping and distribution systems have been damaged in various locations which will limit the department's capacity to distribute water. A notice has been issued requesting citizens to use water juduciously, and efforts are ongoing to fix all issues as soon as possible.

3. Power and Electricity (P&E) - Most sub-stations have been repaired and are now up and running. It is estimated that repair work will be done in a week.

4. Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA) - Minimal damage to paddy and maize crops has been reported in Aizawl, Champhai and Serchhip districts.

5. Chairman Dr. Renu Sharma has advised concerned authorities to expedite the process of giving ex-gratia and other funds related to rehabilitation.

6. Chairman Dr. Renu Sharma has requested the Secretaries of DM&R, PWD, P&E, PHE and FCS&CA to have their reports on the disaster ready by tomorrow morning, as the state will submit a consolidated report to the Centre.

Chairman Dr. Renu Sharma praised the authorities of various departments for their efficient and rapid response to the disaster, and urged them to remain vigilant and updated on relevant issues of their respective departments. She also spoke of the need for implementing proper Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in case of similar events in the future and suggested the need for formulation of new policies on construction of roads, drainage systems and other infrastructure, with emphasis on resilience and safety.

Principal Secretary, Health and Family Welfare, Commissioners & Secretaries of Home Department, PWD and GAD, Secretaries of DM&R, PHE, P&E and FCS&CA departments, Directors of DM&R and Geology and Mining departments, Aizawl Deputy Commissioner and Chief Scientific Officer of the State Meteorological Centre were also present at this meeting.