(Photo source: Mizoram information Dept officials)
New Delhi/Aizawl, July 28 (IANS): The Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General (SRSG) for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) has lauded Mizoram's proactive disaster risk reduction initiatives and expressed the UN body's willingness to facilitate international knowledge exchange, connect the state with global experts, and showcase its best practices on international platforms, officials said on Tuesday.
A Mizoram Disaster Management official said that state Minister for Disaster Management and Rehabilitation Prof Lalnilawma met the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General (SRSG) for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) Kamal Kishore in New Delhi on Tuesday.
The state minister and Kamal Kishore discussed strengthening disaster resilience in Mizoram through enhanced technical cooperation and international knowledge exchange.
During the meeting, Minister Lalnilawma highlighted Mizoram's unique disaster risk profile, including recurrent landslides, rock falls, earthquakes, environmental degradation, and increasing climate-induced risks.
The Minister outlined the state government's initiatives towards risk-informed urban planning, strengthened building regulations through mandatory geotechnical investigations, and the planned development of Thenzawl as a 'Peace City' in Serchhip district to reduce developmental pressure on Aizawl.
The discussions also covered ongoing collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), including landslide risk mitigation projects, early warning systems, resilient infrastructure, and capacity building.
The Minister emphasised the need for continued technical support to strengthen institutional capacities and disaster preparedness across the state.
The official said that the SRSG appreciated Mizoram’s proactive efforts and expressed UNDRR's willingness to facilitate international knowledge exchange, connect the state with global experts, and showcase Mizoram's good practices on international platforms.
Both sides also discussed the proposed North-East Regional Disaster Management Conclave to be hosted by Mizoram later this year, which aims to foster regional cooperation and develop a coordinated approach towards disaster risk reduction and resilient development.
The meeting was held with a shared commitment to deepen cooperation in advancing disaster risk reduction, strengthening resilient infrastructure, enhancing preparedness for emerging climate and geological risks, and supporting implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.
Meanwhile, on Monday Mizoram Minister Lalnilawma held another meeting with the senior leadership of the NDMA in New Delhi and reviewed the state's disaster risk reduction priorities and discuss measures to strengthen preparedness and resilience.
The meeting focussed on enhancing disaster preparedness in Mizoram, particularly in view of the state's vulnerability to earthquakes, landslides, forest fires and other natural hazards.
Discussions reviewed the progress of proposals under the National Earthquake Risk Mitigation Programme (NERMP) and the National Landslide Risk Mitigation Programme (NLRMP), along with the status of mitigation projects submitted by the State.
The state Minister apprised NDMA of the significant economic losses caused by the African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak and requested consideration of the state's proposal for notifying ASF as a disaster to facilitate appropriate financial assistance.
The meeting also discussed strengthening the institutional capacity of the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), expanding community-based disaster preparedness through the Aapda Mitra programme, and promoting greater regional coordination among the Northeastern states.
An official statement said that the NDMA officials emphasised the importance of risk-informed land-use planning, resilient infrastructure, enforcement of building by-laws, and community awareness to reduce disaster risk.
It said that the Authority also encouraged the state to continue strengthening school safety measures, including school disaster management plans and regular preparedness activities, as part of its broader resilience-building efforts.
The NDMA reaffirmed its commitment to extending technical guidance and institutional support to the Government of Mizoram for implementing disaster risk reduction initiatives and advancing a resilient and disaster-ready state, the statement said.
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