Aizawl: Mizoram has sought greater technical cooperation from the United Nations to strengthen the state’s disaster resilience amid growing climate and geological risks.
Disaster Management and Rehabilitation Minister Prof Lalnilawma met Kumar Kishore, the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), in New Delhi to discuss enhancing disaster preparedness through technical cooperation and international knowledge exchange.
The meeting, held at Mizoram House, focused on strengthening collaboration to address the state’s increasing vulnerability to natural disasters and climate-related hazards.
During the discussions, Prof Lalnilawma highlighted Mizoram’s disaster risk profile, citing recurring landslides, rockfalls, earthquakes, environmental degradation and the growing impact of climate-induced disasters.
He also outlined the state government’s efforts to promote risk-informed urban planning and improve building safety through mandatory geotechnical investigations.
The minister briefed the UN official on the proposed development of Thenzawl as a “Peace City”, saying the initiative aims to reduce developmental pressure on Aizawl while promoting sustainable and disaster-resilient urban growth.
The discussions also covered Mizoram’s ongoing collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on landslide mitigation, early warning systems, resilient infrastructure and capacity building.
Prof Lalnilawma stressed the need for continued technical support to strengthen the state’s institutional capacity and disaster preparedness.
Kumar Kishore welcomed Mizoram’s proactive approach to disaster risk reduction and expressed the UNDRR’s willingness to facilitate international knowledge exchange, connect the state with global experts and showcase Mizoram’s best practices on international platforms.
The two sides also discussed the proposed North-East Regional Disaster Management Conclave, which Mizoram plans to host later this year. The conclave is expected to bring together stakeholders from across the region to strengthen cooperation and develop coordinated strategies for disaster risk reduction and resilient development.
The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to deepen cooperation in disaster risk reduction, strengthen resilient infrastructure, improve preparedness for climate- and geological hazards, and support the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.
Also Read: Seven feet underground: India’s largest stingless bee discovered in Nagaland