Cabinet declares Mizoram 'disaster-prone area'

Aizawl, Nov 20 (UNI) The Zoramthanga-led Mizoram government has declared the state as a 'disaster-prone area' owing to this year's monsoon-related calamities and the devastating Mautam (bamboo flowering).

Official sources said here today that an estimated Rs 183.17 crore would be required for reconstruction following the natural calamities.

''Since the state government lacks the funds for restoration work and rehabilitations, the Centre's intervention is requisite. In view of this, it has been approved to declare Mizoram a disaster-prone area,'' an official statement said.

''The Cabinet's action is an SOS message to New Delhi,'' a high-ranking official said.

The Cabinet meeting, held here yesterday, also approved the Mizoram Municipalities (delimitation of wards) Rules, 2007, and the Mizoram Municipalities (election of councilors) Rules, 2007, ending the long-standing demand for municipality system for towns and cities to replace the existing village council system.

According to Chapter II, Section 3(9) and Section 7 of the Act, the municipal board will be set up in towns with over 50,000 population, but relaxation can be given to district capitals which fall short of the required number, official sources said.

According to the 2001 Census, Aizawl has a population of 2,56,399, followed by Lunglei with 50,395 population. While Serchhip has a population of 23,035, Champhai is inhabited by 32,408 people.

Kolasib has the second lowest population with 19,026, followed by Mamit with 5,769 population. Except Aizawl which will have a municipal council, all the other district capitals will have municipal boards.

Besides, the Cabinet meeting approved the Mizoram Family Court Rules, 2006, and the Mizoram Compulsory Registration of Marriages Rules, 2007, with some modifications.

UNI