Mizoram has begun discussions with NBCC (India) Ltd on a long-term landslide mitigation plan aimed at protecting lives, roads, public infrastructure and essential connectivity from recurring monsoon-related slope failures across the state.
Mizoram disaster management and rehabilitation minister Lalnilawma met NBCC chairperson and managing director P Mahadevaswamy in New Delhi on Friday to explore technical cooperation on landslide risk reduction and disaster-resilient infrastructure. The meeting focused on moving beyond temporary road restoration and post-disaster repairs towards scientific assessment and site-specific engineering solutions.
Lalnilawma highlighted the recurring threat posed by landslides during the monsoon season, particularly to vulnerable habitations and transport links. According to the discussions, the state is seeking technical support for landslide hazard mapping, geological and geotechnical surveys, slope-stability assessments and the identification of locations at high risk.
The proposed cooperation could also cover the preparation of mitigation plans tailored to individual sites. Engineering interventions discussed included retaining walls, gabion structures, soil nailing, rock bolting, slope stabilisation and improved drainage systems. These measures are intended to address both unstable slopes and the movement of rainwater, which can worsen ground failure during heavy rainfall.
The discussions also included the National Landslide Risk Mitigation Programme, or NLRMP. The programme was considered in the context of preparing technically sound and sustainable proposals for priority landslide-prone areas in Mizoram. The report did not specify the number of sites to be covered, the cost of the proposed work or a final implementation schedule.
The state’s approach reflects the operational difficulty created when landslides repeatedly damage the same roads and public assets. Temporary restoration can reopen a route after an incident, but it does not by itself establish whether the slope, drainage pattern or surrounding land requires structural treatment. The proposed surveys and hazard mapping are intended to provide the technical basis for deciding where such interventions are needed.
Sushil Singh, Mizoram’s disaster management and rehabilitation secretary, briefed the meeting on the state’s disaster situation, ongoing mitigation initiatives, operational challenges and steps being taken to strengthen preparedness and resilience. NBCC director (commercial) Suman Kumar, Sanjay Kumar and other senior and technical officials also attended.
The meeting opened the possibility of further technical consultations and collaboration between the Mizoram government and NBCC. Lalnilawma reiterated the state government’s commitment to practical, sustainable and scientifically designed measures to reduce disaster risks and strengthen the resilience of communities and infrastructure.
Further consultations are expected to determine the scope of technical cooperation, priority locations and the mitigation proposals that may be submitted under the National Landslide Risk Mitigation Programme.
