Aizawl: DM&R Minister K. Sapdanga convened a meeting on Saturday with the Inter-Ministerial Team from the central government and representatives from various state departments to discuss the impact of Cyclone Remal across Mizoram.
Chief Secretary Dr. Renu Sharma welcomed the officials, expressing gratitude for their visit. Home Minister K. Sapdanga, who also serves as the DM&R Minister, provided an overview of the extensive damage Cyclone Remal inflicted on the state’s infrastructure, including roads, water supply, electricity, and ongoing projects. He conveyed his shock at the scale of the destruction and thanked the central team for their on-site assessment.
The Home Minister informed the officials that Chief Minister Lalduhoma had submitted a memorandum to Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday. The disaster resulted in 34 fatalities and significant damage to public and private property. He emphasized the need for substantial financial support for rehabilitation and repair, estimating a minimum requirement of ₹237.6 crore.
The Inter-Ministerial Team is led by Abhijit Sinha, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, and includes Jinta Das, Director, Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare; Mahesh Kumar, Deputy Director, Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure; Rajveer Singh, Superintending Engineer, Ministry of Jal Shakti; Adelbert Susngi, Regional Officer, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways; and Moti Ram, Assistant Commissioner, Rural Development.
The meeting, officiated by Chief Secretary Dr. Renu Sharma, featured PowerPoint presentations from representatives of the DM&R, PWD, PHED, P&ED, Agriculture, and Horticulture departments. These presentations detailed the disaster’s impact across Mizoram and the financial requirements for rehabilitation.
Following the presentations, central and state officials engaged in detailed discussions. K. Lalrinzuali, Secretary of DM&R, concluded the meeting with a vote of thanks.
Post-meeting, the Inter-Ministerial Team conducted site visits to Melthum, Hlimen, Kulikawn, and ITI to assess the damage. Upon arrival, they also inspected the bridge under construction at Sihhmui and the flood-induced crop damage at Sairang Dinthar caused by the Tlawng River.
