No.129/2021-2022 

Lawngtlai, the 19th May, 2021: The State Level Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Fire Outbreak headed by its Chairman Pu RS Sinha, Chief Conservator of Forests (Administration) conducted a virtual meeting with Lawngtlai District officials and other stakeholders through video conferencing today. Members of the SIT - Pu C. Lalthanmawia, Director, Fire & Emergency Services, Pu Lalthafamkima Jongte, AIG (Ops), Police Headquarters and Pu John LT Sanga, Director, Disaster Management & Rehabilitation were also present at this virtual meeting.

The virtual meeting was attended from Lawngtlai District by Deputy Commissioner & Chairman, District Disaster Management Authority Dr Andrew H. Vanlaldika and members of District Forest Fire Prevention Task Force.

The meeting discussed the recent incidents of fire outbreak in different places within Lawngtlai District. It also discussed existing provisions of law, instructions, institutions and response mechanism in place at the District, availability or lack thereof of equipments, trained manpower and funds, availability and use of technology in handling forest fires, early warning systems in place, role of local/village level fire prevention committee, awareness activities undertaken at the District and village levels, etc.

The Government of Mizoram constituted the State Level SIT on Fire Outbreak on 5th May, 2021 to find out the reasons and causes of the outbreak of the fires, assess the extent of damage, examine and document the various means deployed for control and containment of the fires. It is also to examine the existing provisions of laws, instructions and institutions in place to mitigate, prevent and respond to fires and to recommend any modifications or supplements that may be needed. The investigation team will also make recommendations for measures, modalities and regulations, among others, that may be put in place to avoid an outbreak of forest fire in the future. As per the Government order, the team is instructed to submit its recommendation or report within two months of its constitution.