Aizawl (mizonews.net): An important meeting of National Disaster Management was convened at the State Guest House on Wednesday, which was attended from other states by M. Shashidar Reddy, Vice Chairman, NDMA; K.M. Singh, Member, NDMA; B. Bhattacharjee, Member, NDMA; PP Srivastava, Member, NDMA; Sivaji Singh, Senior Specialist, NDMA; AK Singh, Commandant, 1st Bn. NDMA; Director, NESAC and Director GSI.

Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla, who chaired the meeting, said that disasters often occurred in India; and moreover in Mizoram disasters like cyclone, landslides and fire occurred every year. While some disasters are natural, there are yet many which we the human beings let occurred; especially in the case of Mizoram, the way buildings and roads are constructed are quite responsible for the catastrophe often faced, Lalthanhawla added.

Knowing that “Prevention is better than cure” the Disaster Management & Rehabilitation has taken several initiatives for prevention from such disasters; despite of which we still need to take more precautionary steps, Lalthanhawla said, adding his expectation that the meeting may bring out good result.

Vice Chairman National Disaster Management M. Shashidar Reddy also speaking at the programme, said there have occurred a number of catastrophes in the North Eastern states of India, of which he mentioned the catastrophic earthquake in Assam in the year 1950 and the recent earthquake in Sikkim, which killed huge number. Also mentioning that flood, cyclone, and landslides are frequent in North East, he said, NDMA is working hard in bringing out possible precautions.

At the meeting, Mizoram DM & R Department Principal Secretary P.C. Lawmsanga highlighted the recent works implemented by Mizoram DM & R Department, and also mentioned the Second Indian Landslide Congress, held in Guwahati and Regional Consultation on Earthquake, NEIST Jorhat, the resolutions of which are being implemented by Mizoram, he added.

Dr. Lalrokima Chenkual, ATI and Dr. R.K. Lallianthanga, Project Director, MIRSAC showed, using Power Point Presentation, showed nthe members present in the meeting the present condition of Mizoram and the disasters that were faced in the past. The presentation was followed by a discussion hour.

Lalthanliana, LAD Minister, Nihar Kanti Chakma, Minister of State, DM & R; Chief Secretary Van Hela Pachuau; P.L. Thanga, ViceChairman Planning Board and other department heads attended the National Disaster Management meeting.

Keywords: Mizoram