Aizawl: Mizoram is set to undertake major urban redevelopment projects in prime areas vacated by the Assam Rifles, officials said, in a move aimed at transforming the landscape of the state capital, Aizawl.
A meeting of the Advisory Committee, comprising representatives from various organisations overseeing the utilisation of land returned by the paramilitary force, was chaired by Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Wednesday. The committee finalised a comprehensive redevelopment plan for the vacated sites.
A key decision was to construct a new, state-of-the-art Vanapa Hall on land near the Assam Rifles ground at Lammual. The facility will replace the ageing Vanapa Hall, serving as a modern convention centre with enhanced capacity and amenities. The government also announced that the convention centre, earlier proposed at this site, will officially bear the name Vanapa Hall. Meanwhile, the existing Vanapa Hall near the Assembly House at Treasury Square, currently hosting events and gatherings, will be repurposed for a new function to be determined by the government.
The committee further approved the relocation of the Chief Minister’s office and official residence from McDonald Hill in the Zarkawt area to the Assam Rifles land near the Mizoram New Capital Complex in Khatla. Officials said the move is aimed at resolving logistical challenges caused by the distance between the current CM Office and the secretariat, reducing travel time, operational costs, and bureaucratic delays. The land, situated opposite the MINECO main entrance, will be handed over following an agreement between the Chief Minister and Assam Rifles Director General Lt. Gen. Vikas Lakhera on February 2.
Other key initiatives include the renovation of the iconic Loch House in Tuikual, preserving its original architectural character while enhancing its historical and functional value. The Hari Mandir at Canteen Kual in the Zodin area will be relocated to a new site between Loch House and the CHAN office. Additionally, the Assam Rifles has requested the relocation of two War Memorials from Canteen Kual and Treasury Square to their base in Khatla.
Officials emphasised that over 52% of the vacated land will be preserved as green cover, a move welcomed by the Association for Environmental Preservation (ASEP). Funds have also been sanctioned for the widening and improvement of main roads within the vacated sectors, with the Public Works Department (PWD) expected to commence work shortly.