Aizawl: Mizoram disaster management and rehabilitation minister Lalnilawma held a meeting with NBCC (India) Ltd chairperson and managing director P Mahadevaswamy in New Delhi on Friday to explore technical cooperation on landslide mitigation and disaster-resilient infrastructure in the state.Lalnilawma highlighted the recurring landslides in Mizoram, particularly during the monsoon season, which pose serious threats to lives, roads, public infrastructure, habitations and essential connectivity.The minister stressed the need for a comprehensive, scientific and long-term approach to reducing landslide risks. He said efforts should go beyond temporary restoration and post-disaster interventions to provide lasting protection to vulnerable communities and critical infrastructure.The discussions focused on the possible use of NBCC’s technical expertise in landslide hazard mapping, geological and geotechnical surveys, slope-stability assessments, identification of vulnerable locations and preparation of site-specific mitigation plans.The meeting also discussed engineering measures such as retaining walls, gabion structures, soil nailing, rock bolting, slope stabilisation and improved drainage systems.The National Landslide Risk Mitigation Programme (NLRMP) was another key area of discussion, with an emphasis on preparing technically sound and sustainable mitigation proposals for priority landslide-prone areas in Mizoram.State disaster management and rehabilitation secretary Sushil Singh briefed the meeting on the state’s disaster situation, ongoing mitigation initiatives, operational challenges and measures being taken to strengthen disaster preparedness and resilience.Suman Kumar, director (commercial), NBCC, Sanjay Kumar and other senior and technical officials of the organisation also attended the meeting. They discussed possible areas of technical cooperation and engineering interventions.The discussions opened up the possibility of further technical consultations and collaboration between Mizoram govt and NBCC.Lalnilawma reiterated the state govt’s commitment to pursuing practical, sustainable and scientifically designed solutions to reduce disaster risks, safeguard lives and strengthen the resilience of infrastructure and communities across Mizoram.
