Saving Aizawl : How indigenous activists are protecting their city

Nestled within the scenic highlands of Mizoram, Aizawl is renowned for its pristine air quality and rich natural environment, even as urbanisation rapidly transforms its landscape. At the heart of this urban jungle lies a crucial green haven—the Assam Rifles Battalion Headquarters in Zodin Square. This 16.9-hectare space, home to a lush canopy of trees, has become a focal point of governmental plans and community activism.

Efforts are underway to relocate the 23 Assam Rifles Battalion headquarters from Zodin Square to Zokhawsang, approximately 15 kilometres from Aizawl. Established on September 10, 1960, in Silchar, the Mizoram Range Assam Rifles—also known as the 23 Sector Assam Rifles—has a long history in the region.

The relocation process began decades ago in 1986 and has been consistently pursued by successive governments, including the previous MNF ministry and the current ZPM ministry. In October 2024, Chief Minister Lalduhoma announced during a press conference that a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) had been signed on October 23 in New Delhi. The agreement was finalised in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the Chief Minister, MLAs, and key officials from the Mizoram government and Assam Rifles.

While the relocation is seen by many as an opportunity to repurpose the 16.9-hectare area for Aizawl’s growing population, concerns from the indigenous activists highlight a deeper connection to the land.

The Centre for Environment Justice, a group formed by indigenous activists from Mizoram, has raised critical questions about the environmental and cultural implications of the move. For them, the tree cover within the Assam Rifles headquarters is more than a green space—it is a lifeline, symbolising the indigenous community’s intrinsic bond with nature. They argue that while Zodin Square may serve as the city’s heart, the trees act as its lungs, sustaining both the environment and the cultural ethos of the region.

These activists have stepped forward to advocate for the preservation of the site’s natural heritage, emphasising that any development must align with the principles of environmental justice and indigenous stewardship. Their efforts serve as a reminder that for Mizoram’s indigenous communities, progress is not merely about infrastructure but also about honouring the symbiotic relationship between the people and their land.

Vanramchhuangi, also known as Ruatfela Nu, a renowned activist and working chairman of the Centre for Environment and Social Justice (CESJ), shared her experience with EastMojo: “When the Assam Rifles DIG invited me to felicitate me for my work in seeking a CBI investigation into areca nut smuggling activities, I thanked them for protecting the forest cover at their headquarters for over 100 years. I also expressed our interest in continuing its preservation, and they were very supportive.”

Following the felicitation on September 7, 2024, Vanramchhuangi raised the issue with her CESJ team, which includes forestry experts. Together, they decided to conduct a census of all the trees within the Assam Rifles headquarters area to ensure their protection after the relocation.

Founded in 2023, CESJ is committed to ensuring environmental and social justice in Mizoram. The organisation’s mission prioritises the preservation of the state’s natural and cultural heritage while advocating for justice for marginalised communities. Since its inception, CESJ has consistently taken up critical issues affecting the environment and public welfare. They condemned the government for dismantling a widow’s house without providing compensation beforehand and investigated improper garbage disposal routes, water streams, drainage systems, and sewage leaks into the Tlawng River—the main water source of the city.

In July, CESJ demanded that district Deputy Commissioners provide free typhoid vaccinations for all citizens after finding that ASF-affected pigs were discarded into the Tlawng River. The organisation also confronted NHIDCL for causing environmental damage through unscrupulous soil disposal practices, ensuring that victims of river and soil bank destruction received justice. They publicly criticised the Mizoram Assembly Speaker for cutting down trees in his bungalow compound and filed an FIR against the use of social media for pornographic purposes.

CESJ has issued 38 press releases since its founding, each addressing crucial concerns to safeguard citizens’ rights and the environment. Their grassroots activism is deeply rooted in indigenous values, prioritizing action and accountability over appearances. While CESJ remains relatively unknown outside Mizoram, its influence is felt in every corner of the state. If there were awards for true indigenous advocacy, CESJ’s efforts and unwavering commitment to their people and heritage might make them unquestionably deserving.

In their latest endeavour, the group set out to save the city’s lungs. To better understand and highlight the ecological significance of the tree-rich environment within the Assam Rifles headquarters, they initiated a comprehensive tree census—entirely self-funded, with no financial assistance from any third-party organisations or government entities.

The initiative involves a detailed identification of tree species, precise measurement of their height and volume, and an in-depth assessment of their potential medicinal properties. By quantifying the carbon sequestration capacity of these trees, the group emphasised their critical role in mitigating climate change. The census also explored the diverse ecological benefits provided by these urban forests, including air purification, storm-water management, and biodiversity conservation.

Through this meticulous study, the group aimed to showcase the invaluable contributions of these green spaces to the local environment and the well-being of the Assam Rifles community. They envisioned the census as a foundational step for future conservation efforts and sustainable management of the Assam Rifles campus, ensuring that these urban forests continue to thrive as vital components of Aizawl’s urban landscape.

The project began on September 26, 2024, with a team of six individuals, including forestry experts. Due to security protocols, the team was allowed access to the Assam Rifles headquarters for only two hours a day, escorted by two jawans who also assisted with their research.

To assess the tree population, the team employed a random quadrat sampling method. A total of 25 quadrats, each measuring 20 x 20 m², were randomly distributed across the campus to ensure an accurate representation of the area. Covering a survey area of 10,000 m², every tree within the designated quadrats was meticulously counted and documented.

PC Zothanpuii, a scholar in the Forestry Department at Mizoram University, told EastMojo, “Where possible, species were identified directly in the field using their local names. For further accuracy, the species, families, and genera were cross-referenced using The Plant List available on the World Flora Online database.”

She explained that the documented plant species were also checked against the “Red Data Book,” an online database published by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), to determine their conservation status. To evaluate the ecosystem services provided by the trees, data were collected based on community perceptions and categorised following the framework established in the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MEA) of 2005.

The study documented a total of 480 trees from 80 tree species, spread across 31 families and 59 genera. According to the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) list, the conservation status of these species is diverse. Nine species are categorised as Not Evaluated (NE), meaning their conservation status has not yet been assessed. Four species are listed as Critically Endangered (CR), indicating they face an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.

One species is classified as Endangered (EN), suggesting it is at a very high risk of extinction. Five species are considered Vulnerable (VU), meaning they are at high risk of endangerment in the wild. Three species fall under Near Threatened (NT), which indicates they are close to qualifying for a threatened category. Forty-three species are of Least Concern (LC), meaning they are widespread and not currently at risk.

One species is classified as Data Deficient (DD), indicating that insufficient information is available to assess its risk. Five species are Not Listed (NL) on the IUCN database.

To specify, two of the species found are Albizzia chinensis, a fast-growing leguminous tree often used for agroforestry, which faces critical endangerment due to deforestation, grazing pressures, and land-use changes in its native habitats. Habitat restoration is essential for its survival. Another species, Alseodaphne petiolaris, is endangered by illegal logging and habitat loss.

Its restricted range in tropical rainforests contributes to its critical status. Artocarpus lakoocha is threatened by deforestation and overuse of timber and fruit. Habitat conservation is essential for its survival. Bombax insigne, native to tropical regions, is threatened primarily by habitat destruction and overharvesting for its lightweight timber and medicinal uses. Conservation efforts are limited due to its restricted distribution.

Finally, Cinnamomum verum, the true cinnamon tree native to Sri Lanka, is vulnerable due to overexploitation of its bark and habitat degradation in tropical forests. Sustainable harvesting practices are needed. These findings provide valuable data for future research and policy-making, aiding in the preservation of biodiversity and the mitigation of threats posed by deforestation, habitat loss, and overexploitation.

Of the three species found, the study revealed that seventy-one tree species are directly useful to people, providing resources such as food, medicine, or raw materials like timber. For example, some trees produce fruits or leaves that can be eaten, while others are used for herbal remedies or construction materials.

Fourteen tree species help maintain environmental balance. These trees regulate the climate by absorbing carbon dioxide, providing shade to cool the environment and assisting in water and air purification. Twenty-nine tree species are valued for their cultural, recreational, or spiritual significance.

Seven tree species support ecosystem health by contributing to processes like soil enrichment, providing habitats for wildlife, and aiding in pollination.

In addition to its biodiversity, the green space’s contribution to environmental sustainability was quantified with an estimated absorption of 5766.73 Mg/ha of carbon dioxide equivalent.

This highlights the vital role trees play in mitigating climate change by sequestering carbon and improving air quality.

The CESJ emphasised that this study should serve as a call to action for policymakers, researchers, and communities to implement conservation strategies prioritizing ecological preservation. Policies should promote afforestation, habitat restoration, and stricter measures against deforestation while fostering community awareness about the benefits of trees.

“Investing in the preservation and expansion of green spaces is essential for building a sustainable future, ensuring that the ecological, climate, and social benefits of trees are safeguarded for generations to come,” they added.

“It is vital to recognise that each mature tree in Aizawl’s urban forest represents decades of growth. These trees not only act as carbon reservoirs but also enhance aesthetic and cultural value. Their preservation should be prioritised, acknowledging the time-intensive process required for their replacement,” they stressed.

To collect funds for the initiative, Vanramchhuangi, a member of CESJ, told EastMojo that a small stipend was provided to the researchers by some well-wishers. Group members raised money to print the book. They received the funds through the sales of the 50 copies they published.

Five northeastern states in India — Assam, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Manipur — are at the top of the list of states with the highest tree cover loss between 2001 and 2023, collectively accounting for 60% of the country’s total tree cover loss over the last 23 years. According to data from Global Forest Watch (GFW), an open-source application initiated by the US-based non-profit World Resources Institute (WRI), the loss of tree cover has been attributed to shifting cultivation, deforestation, and encroachment.

Among the five northeastern states, Assam experienced a substantial loss of 3240 sq km of tree cover, followed by Mizoram with approximately 3120 sq km. 

Zothanpuii told EastMojo, “Since we were given only two hours per day, we worked as much as possible. The Bethlehem Young Mizo Association was also helpful, as some areas of the forest cover came under their locality. For the identification, we took experts with us. We consulted the online database World Flora Online Biodiversity Portal for confirmation. We tried our best to cover every inch of the forest.”

Emphasising the importance of the census, Vanramchhuangi said, “If anyone fells these trees, the court and National Green Tribunal will be very upset. They will freeze all development initiatives. So, even if the AR headquarters is relocated, it will not be wise to dig the soil or cut down trees. If development works are undertaken and funding agencies like NABARD, DoNER, World Bank, or JICA become aware of the importance of these trees, they will withdraw their funds,” she warned.

The General Secretary of CESJ, VL Thlamuanpuia also spoke with EastMojo on the importance of their study saying, “The urban forests play a crucial role it reduces pollution in Aizawl city and keeps it cool. We will strongly oppose any development activities that include destruction of the forest area whether it is private building or government buildings.”

The report also highlighted a 2008 plantation initiative led by the Bethlehem Branch YMA under the theme “Aizawl Chuap” (Lungs of Aizawl), transforming portions of the campus into a thriving green zone.

The Chief Minister, Lalduhoma, when releasing the book, said, “Development must go hand in hand with environmental conservation. While progress sometimes demands sacrifices, we will ensure every step is taken with collective consultation and environmental responsibility.”

However, CESJ Working Chairman Vanramchhuangi quickly responded, saying, “Environmental conservation should come first at all costs. Progress that compromises the environment is no progress at all.”

While the tree census has been published, the CESJ has not had a moment of rest. Every day, including the day EastMojo interviewed them (a few days after the book was published), they were busy holding meetings and pursuing other pressing social injustices. 

When EastMojo interviewed him, VL Thlamuanpuia was drafting a letter to a high-security official regarding a critical issue that CESJ had taken up. Despite facing little financial reward and barely any recognition, EastMojo asked the General Secretary what drives him to get up and keep going each day.

He reflected, “Every day, we put in all our efforts without expecting a single rupee in return. The only reason we do this is because we deeply love our land and its people, and we care about the future of our community. I’ve faced countless financial struggles and graduated from college with immense hardship. But from the very beginning, my mission has been to be a voice for the poor and the disadvantaged—those who are exploited by the wealthy and have no one to speak up for them. That’s why I continue this work every day, to help those in need in our land. The voice we raise today might reach someone in need tomorrow, and if it contributes to the progress of our people, even with no personal gain, it fills me with joy and purpose.”

In the heart of Aizawl, where urbanisation continues to encroach on nature, this group of indigenous activists is proving that the spirit of environmental justice can thrive—one tree at a time.

This story has been published as part of the AIPP-EastMojo Fellowship 2024

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