261/2026-2027

New Delhi | 28 July 2026 : The Hon'ble Minister Prof. Lalnilawma, for Disaster Management & Rehabilitation, Government of Mizoram, accompanied by the Secretary, Department of Disaster Management & Rehabilitation, Shri Sushil Singh, IAS, held a high-level review meeting at the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to review the progress of disaster mitigation initiatives in Mizoram and discuss measures to strengthen the State's long-term disaster resilience.

The meeting focused on expediting implementation of sanctioned disaster mitigation projects, strengthening institutional capacities, improving project execution, and positioning Mizoram as a model state for disaster risk reduction and resilient development in the North-Eastern Region.

Reviewing the status of the National Landslide Risk Mitigation Programme, MHA advised the State 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 execution of the sanctioned projects. The Ministry informed that GSI had expressed its willingness to provide technical assistance to Mizoram and encouraged the State to leverage its expertise for timely implementation of landslide mitigation works. The Hon'ble Minister reaffirmed the State Government's commitment to ensuring early execution of the sanctioned projects through close coordination with GSI and the State Public Works Department.

The meeting also reviewed the status of various disaster mitigation projects approved for Mizoram, including initiatives on forest fire management, earthquake risk mitigation, and Community-Based Disaster Risk Reduction (CBDRR). The Home Ministry noted that while financial approvals had already been accorded for several interventions, timely submission of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) and other technical documentation by the State would be essential for the release of subsequent instalments and commencement of implementation.

The Secretary informed that the Department has initiated a comprehensive review of all pending proposals and assured that the required DPRs would be submitted on priority.

Discussions also focused on the Community-Based Disaster Risk Reduction (CBDRR) programme, under which approximately ₹10 crore has been earmarked for Mizoram. It was emphasised that the programme should focus on developing disaster-resilient villages through local planning, strengthening building approval systems, improving preparedness, and enhancing community capacities. The Hon'ble Minister reiterated the Government's commitment to strengthening disaster resilience at the grassroots by empowering local institutions and integrating disaster risk reduction into village-level planning.

MHA encouraged the Government of Mizoram to actively pursue the 10-point Disaster Resilience Agenda communicated by the Hon'ble Union Home Minister to all States and Union Territories. The Ministry emphasised the importance of strengthening 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. MHA assured the State of continued support from the Ministry and National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in advancing these priorities.

The discussions also examined Mizoram's unique disaster profile, particularly the increasing risks arising from landslides, rockfalls, rapid vertical urbanisation in Aizawl, and the State's location in Seismic Zone V.

The Hon'ble Minister shared the Government's vision of developing a planned 'Peace City' to promote balanced regional development, reduce developmental pressure on Aizawl, and support resilient urban growth. The Ministry appreciated the initiative and observed that planned urban expansion would play an important role in reducing future disaster risks while enabling sustainable development.

The meeting further discussed the proposal to organise a North-East Disaster Management Ministers' Conclave in Mizoram later this year to strengthen regional cooperation on disaster risk reduction. The proposed conclave would deliberate on region-specific disaster risks, Finance Commission allocations, state-specific hazards, and opportunities for coordinated action across the North-Eastern States.

Concluding the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration between the Government of Mizoram, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the National Disaster Management Authority for accelerating implementation of disaster mitigation projects, enhancing institutional preparedness, and building a resilient, sustainable, and disaster-ready Mizoram. The Hon'ble Minister reiterated that the Government remains committed to making Mizoram a benchmark for disaster resilience and sustainable development in the North-Eastern Region.