Three-Day Disaster Management Training Begins at MZU

Aizawl, Nov 2025: The three-day “Capacity Building Training on Inspiring the Minds for Disaster Risk Reduction (IMDRR 2025)” commenced today at the Conference Hall of the MZU Education Department, organized by the MZU Centre for Disaster Management. The inaugural programme was graced by the Chairman of the Aizawl District Disaster Management Authority (ADDMA), Er. Lalhriatpuia, as the chief guest, with Prof. Lalnundanga, Registrar of Mizoram University (MZU), as the guest of honour.

Addressing the gathering, ADDMA Chairman and Aizawl Deputy Commissioner Er. Lalhriatpuia highlighted disaster preparedness measures currently in place. He informed participants about the availability of a 24×7 Emergency Control Room (No. 1077) for public use. Aizawl District has been divided into 17 Operational Zones with 16 Zonal Officers designated for coordinated disaster response.

He also mentioned that on 30 May 2025, a Debris Clearance Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) was formulated to guide post-disaster clearing operations. Before the SOP was established, ₹221,68,054 had been spent on emergency activities, whereas after SOP implementation, expenditure was only ₹40,97,300—showing significant savings of ₹180,70,754 (81.52%). The SOP outlines procedures for preparedness, immediate response, and recovery, with Zonal Officers overseeing assessments and reporting for fund disbursement. Being the first district in India to create such a Debris Clearance SOP, the NDMA has shown interest in adopting it as a model for other regions.

Guest of Honour Prof. Lalnundanga noted the ongoing efforts to strengthen MZU’s Centre for Disaster Management and enhance its departmental capacity.

The inaugural session was chaired by Prof. V.P. Sati, Dean of SES & NRM. Senior Consultant from the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) Dr. Preeti Soni and Convener Prof. Lalnundanga also addressed the participants.

The three-day training programme includes participants such as SDC officers and in-charge personnel engaged in Disaster Management across various districts, college faculty members, as well as Professors, scholars, and students from MZU.