Chief Minister Inaugurates Mizoram State Water Informatics Centre

Aizawl : Chief Minister Pu Lalduhoma today inaugurated the Mizoram State Water Informatics Centre at the Irrigation & Water Resources Department Auditorium, MINECO. The Centre has been established under the support of the World Bank.

In his inaugural address, the Chief Minister noted that the new centre, which integrates water data from 82 locations in real-time, is a significant achievement and a step forward in Mizoram’s scientific and sustainable development efforts. He stressed the importance of this advanced facility and urged all relevant departments and institutions to make full use of the centre’s resources. He highlighted how the collected data could greatly enhance planning and implementation in the water sector.

He also acknowledged the role of the National Water Informatics Centre under the National Hydrology Project, which aims to set up such data centres in all states. The Mizoram centre has been approved with this objective, with funding and support provided by the World Bank.

The Chief Minister outlined the state’s broader water management vision, mentioning projects such as the proposed Mat Multipurpose Dam and another potential dam at Vapar. He also noted plans in the power sector and challenges in rural water supply. Expressing concern that many households in Aizawl still lack proper access to piped water, he emphasized the urgent need for improved water storage and distribution infrastructure. He also called on Aizawl Municipal Corporation (AMC) to reconsider its objection to building storage facilities in the city, stressing their long-term benefits.

The Chief Minister further emphasized the importance of accurate and reliable data in designing effective and accountable development projects. He instructed departments to prioritize data integrity even in budget execution, noting that while progress may be slower, it will lead to better, evidence-based governance. Reliable data is not only vital for project design but also builds public trust in government planning, he added.

He also launched the Tlawng River Early Warning System, which was developed in collaboration with the Disaster Management & Rehabilitation (DM&R) Department.

Pu PC Vanlalruata, Minister of Irrigation & Water Resources Department (IWRD), also addressed the gathering. He said the centre marks a significant milestone for Mizoram. He expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for inaugurating the centre and to all staff involved in its development. He highlighted the importance of water management and informed the audience about various initiatives, including pilot studies in two locations on efficient water treatment methods. He shared that the Brahmaputra Board has already sanctioned ₹70 crore for a new water project and that the state continues to develop additional projects despite IWRD being a relatively small department. He also launched a new Rain Water Harvesting App.

The event was chaired by Er. Lalrothanga, Secretary of IWRD, who shared a vote of thanks. He stated that the new centre is envisioned not merely as an information hub but as a centre of transformation. He added that the full benefit of the centre would be realized only when departments actively utilize the data for actionable planning.

Er. K. Hamlet, SE (P&M) and Director of Mz-SWIC, gave a detailed overview of the centre’s operations. He explained that the centre was designed to provide critical insights into water availability, rainfall patterns, underground water levels, and quality. He mentioned that data will be collected from 82 designated locations and updated regularly. The centre will also manage systems like the Mizoram Water Resources Information System and the Flood Early Warning System.

Several dignitaries attended the inauguration, including Pu Lalthansanga, Minister of EF&CC, Pu Lalfamkima, Deputy Speaker and MLA, officials, and invited guests. The event concluded with remarks by Er. Lalrotluanga, CE of IWRD, who expressed gratitude to all involved.