Aizawl: The Mizoram government has sought enhanced cooperation with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) to strengthen the state’s disaster resilience through technical collaboration, global knowledge exchange and climate adaptation.
According to an official statement issued on Tuesday, Disaster Management and Rehabilitation Minister Lalnilawma made the request during a meeting with Kumar Kishore, the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Disaster Risk Reduction, in New Delhi.
Lalnilawma highlighted Mizoram’s growing vulnerability to landslides, rockfalls, earthquakes, environmental degradation and climate-induced disasters.
He also outlined the state’s efforts to promote risk-informed urban planning, strengthen building regulations through mandatory geotechnical investigations and develop Thenzawl in Serchhip district as a “Peace City” to reduce developmental pressure on Aizawl.
The minister briefed the UNDRR official on Mizoram’s collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on landslide mitigation, early warning systems, resilient infrastructure and disaster preparedness. He stressed the need for continued technical assistance to strengthen institutional capacity and improve the state’s resilience to natural hazards.
Kumar Kishore commended Mizoram’s disaster risk reduction initiatives and expressed the UNDRR’s willingness to facilitate international knowledge exchange, connect the state with global experts and showcase its best practices on international platforms.
The meeting also discussed the proposed North-East Regional Disaster Management Conclave, which Mizoram plans to host later this year. The conclave is expected to promote regional cooperation and develop a coordinated strategy for disaster risk reduction and resilient development across the Northeast.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation in disaster risk reduction, strengthening resilient infrastructure, improving preparedness for emerging climate and geological risks, and advancing the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.