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States » EastPosted at: May 13 2025 8:35PM


Mizoram ropes in experts to assess rockfall-prone zones

Aizawl, May 13 (UNI) In response to the recent rockfall tragedy that claimed three lives from a single family, the Mizoram government has initiated a comprehensive assessment of high-risk rockfall zones to formulate preventive and mitigation strategies.
To this end, two experts—Manthan Chauhan, Senior Manager of Maccaferri Geotechnical Solutions Pvt. Ltd., and Dr. C. Sawmliana, Chief Scientist at the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research - Central Institute of Mining & Fuel Research (CSIR-CIMFR)—arrived in Aizawl on Monday for site inspections and risk assessments.
Accompanied by Lalhriatpuia, Deputy Commissioner of Aizawl and Chairman of the Aizawl District Disaster Management Authority (ADDMA), as well as officials from the state's Geology and Mining Department, Disaster Management & Rehabilitation (DM&R) Department, Public Works Department (PWD), and Mizoram University’s Geology Department, the team conducted extensive inspections at several vulnerable sites.
Their first stop was Pukpui Falls, along the Aizawl-Lengpui Airport road, where a rockfall on April 28 crushed a vehicle, killing a couple and their daughter, while their young son sustained critical injuries. The team also visited Ngaizel, a section of road in southern Aizawl notorious for frequent rockfalls, and further assessed hazard-prone sites at Melthum and Hlimen. Notably, Melthum and Hlimen witnessed a catastrophic landslide triggered by Cyclone Remal on May 27-28 last year, which claimed 25 lives.
The inspection findings were deliberated in a review meeting chaired by Prof. Lalnilawma, Minister for Disaster Management & Rehabilitation, at the Chief Minister’s Conference Hall. During the meeting, Prof. Lalnilawma underscored the urgent need to adopt modern technologies and proactive measures to address the persistent threat of rockfalls and landslides, exacerbated by Mizoram's fragile geological structure and heavy rainfall patterns.
Presentations were made by Dr. Laldinpuia, Associate Professor at Mizoram University, who detailed the team's findings, and Manthan Chauhan, who outlined possible interventions. Chauhan, representing Maccaferri—a global leader in geo-technical solutions founded in Italy in 1879—noted the significance of sustainable slope stabilisation techniques, including the famed Gabion wall, invented by the company in 1893.
A detailed hazard assessment revealed that a cliff section at Ngaizel (Km 1.7) comprises 405 meters classified as 'Very High Hazard' and an additional 740 meters as 'Vulnerable'. Records indicate that between September 2015 and May 2025, rockfall incidents in this area have resulted in 26 damaged vehicles, 9 injuries, and 3 fatalities.
Experts recommended comprehensive mitigation measures such as re-sloping cliff faces, sealing water seepage zones, and applying Gunite (concrete spray) with reinforced wire mesh. Strengthening drainage systems, improving road designs, and enhancing vegetative cover to stabilise slopes were also suggested.
UNI ZS BD
Tags: #Mizoram ropes in experts to assess rockfall-prone zones
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