Mizoram MP seeks Central support as monsoon landslides recur

A Rajya Sabha MP from Mizoram has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, urging enhanced Central support to deal with recurring landslides and other rain-related disasters during the ongoing monsoon season.

In the letter dated August 13, MP Laltluangkima Khiangte said more than 100 major incidents were reportedly recorded across Mizoram during the current monsoon. He cited about 74 landslides, along with rockfalls, retaining-wall collapses, storms, land subsidence, and mudflows. He added that the count did not include smaller incidents in towns and localities that also caused disruption.

Road connectivity hit in multiple areas

Khiangte said repeated landslides have affected road connectivity in the mountainous state, describing roads as vital for daily movement. He pointed to landslides along NH-54A in Lunglei district, saying they led to long road blockages, stranded travellers, and damage to residential properties.

He also highlighted recurring rockfalls at Ngaizel in Aizawl, which he said disrupted an important road used for connectivity to southern Mizoram and access to two major hospitals. The MP said other districts have also faced repeated interruptions to road links and damage to houses and essential infrastructure during monsoon conditions.

Calls for long-term mitigation and early warning

The MP acknowledged efforts by the Mizoram government, district disaster management authorities, the SDRF, PWD, BRO/BRTF, NHIDCL, village disaster management committees, and local community groups. He said these efforts have helped with evacuations, debris clearing, restoration work, and immediate assistance for affected families.

He argued, however, that the scale and recurrence of the disasters, along with difficult terrain and limited resources, require support beyond what the state can handle on its own. Khiangte asked for a comprehensive, long-term strategy. He sought Central assistance for permanent slope stabilisation, strengthened retaining and protective structures, better hillside drainage and surface-water management, and rockfall protection.

In addition, he requested measures such as landslide early-warning systems, geological monitoring, hazard mapping, and adequate machinery and specialised equipment for faster debris clearance. He also asked for additional support under SDRF/State Disaster Mitigation Fund and other relevant Central schemes. The MP said the request covers both immediate restoration and long-term disaster-resilient infrastructure needs.