Lalnilawma, Minister for Disaster Management and Rehabilitation (DM&R), chaired a high-level coordination meeting in Aizawl on Friday to review preparedness for the upcoming monsoon season in Mizoram. The meeting focused on mitigating potential disasters and streamlining emergency response strategies across the state. While officials from the DM&R Department and the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Aizawl attended in person, Deputy Commissioners from all other districts participated via video conferencing as Chairmen of their respective District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMA).
During the session, Minister Lalnilawma expressed satisfaction with the proactive steps being taken to safeguard the public. “The government is fully prepared to provide rapid assistance in the event of any calamity,” the Minister stated. He commended the districts for establishing District Focal Persons, developing District Monsoon Action Plans, and conducting thorough Resource Assessments. He emphasized that inter-departmental synergy and swift action are non-negotiable for ensuring public safety, adding, “Through our collective efforts, we are well-equipped to face the challenges of the monsoon.”
Udit Prakash Rai, Secretary and Commissioner (DM&R), provided an update on major initiatives undertaken over the past six months, including: National Landslide Risk Mitigation Project — currently active in Aizawl, Saiha, Serchhip, and Champhai districts. National Earthquake Risk Mitigation Project: Ongoing in Lunglei, Saiha, Champhai, and Aizawl districts. Post Disaster Need Assessment (PDNA): Being implemented across Mizoram to streamline recovery efforts.
The Secretary highlighted this recently launched mobile application, “Khuarel App”, which allows citizens to report disasters in real-time, and urged the public to utilize it effectively. The meeting also served as a forum to discuss the utilization and prioritization of projects under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and State Disaster Mitigation Fund (SDMF). District Deputy Commissioners presented progress reports on their local mitigation activities, shared administrative challenges, and offered suggestions for enhancing disaster resilience at the grassroots level. The meeting concluded with a call for heightened vigilance. Key officials who attended the meeting included Chuauhnuna, Director DM&R, senior departmental officers, and representatives from the Aizawl District Disaster Management Authority (ADDMA) along with all the Deputy Commissioners from 11 districts.
