Chief Minister Pu Lalduhoma today presented awards to the winners of the Vanapa Hall & Park Architectural Design Competition at the I&PR Mini Theatre, Aizawl.
The award ceremony was organised by the Urban Development & Poverty Alleviation (UD&PA) Department, the Nodal Department overseeing the redevelopment of the erstwhile Assam Rifles-occupied land in the heart of Aizawl. Minister for UD&PA, Pu K. Sapdanga, attended the function as the Guest of Honour.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that Aizawl was initially planned by the British to the best of their knowledge and resources, although no formal written master plan was ever prepared. Following Independence, the city expanded steadily, largely in response to increasing population and urban growth.
He observed that as Aizawl has grown over the years, infrastructure that was once considered adequate has become insufficient. Roads that once met the city’s needs are no longer wide enough to accommodate present-day traffic, while public halls and parks that were once regarded as spacious have become inadequate. He underscored the growing need for wider roads, improved public spaces, and thoughtfully designed parks to meet the aspirations of a modern capital city.
The Chief Minister expressed gratitude that the Assam Rifles land in the heart of Aizawl has been returned to the people. He said the Government constituted an Advisory Committee representing various sections of society to prepare a comprehensive Master Plan for the redevelopment of the area, with the construction of a new Vanapa Hall identified as one of its key components.
