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Mizoram State has been a pioneer in cleanliness and sanitation, with observation of cleanliness week since 1977. The community participation, particularly the NGOs in this field is a real example that is worth replication in other parts of the country, says Dr H Lalthlangliana, Commissioner, Aizawl Municipal Corporation (AMC) in conversation with Poulami Chakraborty of Elets News Network (ENN).

Q: What initiatives have you initiated to develop Aizawl as a Smart city?

We have the masterplan for Aizawl Vision 2030 which was approved by the Government of Mizoram in March, 2013. The masterplan has been the guiding factor for all development in Aizawl henceforth. The initiatives toward transforming Aizawl into a Smart City has included aspects such as e-governance for all, safety and security, creation of public spaces (open air theatre, parks, etc) construction of retaining walls in landslide prone areas, etc. Initiatives for development of Aizawl are rather recent.

Thus, there is a long way to go in the city’s development. During the last few years, a series of steps have been taken to improve the overall development through increased investments in key services and through institutional system. Such measures include the combined efforts of the State Government and the Aizawl Municipal Corporation. The Government of India’s Smart Cities Mission, which includes Aizawl, will greatly help in accelerating the pace of our initiatives in this direction. The emphasis on improvement of water supply, sewerage and sanitation, urban transport, etc, are all part of this initiative.

Q: To what extent is e-governance adopted in Aizawl Municipal Corporation to ensure seamless and hassle-free services to the citizens?

Automated building plan approval system is being developed and is expected to be online by the end of this month. This system will provide the citizens a web based application for submission of online application and provide SMS/email notifications regarding the status of building permission. At present, all the application forms, rules and regulations, important documents relating to the services provided by AMC are available for download at municipal website. File tracking system is being used in the management of file logs/record for effective and efficient office management.

Q: How are the waste management projects processing in Aizawl? What is the vision towards making it the best in the country?

We are lucky that Mizoram has been a pioneer in cleanliness and sanitation, with observation of cleanliness week since 1977. The community participation, particularly the NGOs in this field is a real example that is worth replication in other parts of the country. However, the method of waste processing is still unscientific in Aizawl, which is being addressed. Existing landfill dumping ground which is more than 30 years old will be closed down within a year and will be transformed into a new more scientific method resource centre, in which recycling of waste, decomposing mechanically and biologically method will be applied. This scientific management of wastes will be taken up under the Asian Development Bank assisted NERCCDIP, and implementation of the project has been going on smoothly.

This will provide the completion of the process of waste management in the city. As per masterplan, three more disposal sites in the northern, western and southern ends of the city apart from the existing Tuirial Site in the eastern end are yet to be established. Segregation at source is attempted and vigorous awareness campaigns and exercises are underway. Please elaborate on the involvement of citizens in the corporation’s initiatives, projects and governance. Mizoram has the unique distinction of having well organised NGOs and Church communities which play active roles in various projects, programmes and policies of the Government.

This gives valuable inputs in the civic initiatives, projects and governance. Collection of solid waste and collection plots between 45 – 60 degrees require a ‘No Objection Certificate’ from the Geology and Mineral Resources Department for any developmental works. Further, no development is allowed in lands with 60 degree and above slopes. In addition, identified landslide/landslip areas also require a ‘No Objection Certificate’ from the Geology and Mineral Resources Department. “Site Development & Slope Development Regulation, 2017” has been approved by the Government in addition to the existing AMC Building Regulation, 2012 to ensure proper site development and construction activity within the city. The AMC has already prepared landslide hazard map for the city.

Q: What measures are underway to improve the livelihoods of the people of the city?

The State Government and AMC are taking up measures to improve livelihood through urban poverty alleviation schemes. The major initiative is the “National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM)” of the Government of India, which has been in active implementation in the State. The earlier Scheme of Swarna Jayanti Shahari Rozgar Yojana (SJSRY) was a real success in the State, and NULM is again expected to bring about real improvements in livelihoods, especially the urban poor, through economic empowerment. The Street Vending Scheme, a component under NULM is expected to improve productivity of the street vendors by providing them with livelihood by formalising them in the urban economy.

Provision of basic services through various schemes is the thrust area in particular. Sanitation, housing, urban transport, etc. are the areas that are being addressed to improve the service levels in the city. of property tax were done through Public Private Partnership mode. Street sweeping and cleaning of drains etc, are also often done with community participation on voluntary basis.

Q: What kind of initiatives are taken up by the civic authority to protect cultural heritage of Mizoram?

Mizoram presents a unique culture, which is different from rest of the country. The rich cultural heritage, together with the special and unique topography needs to be given due consideration while planning various policies, and in the implementation of projects and schemes.

We are lucky to have a very pro-active INTACH Mizoram Chapter, which gives us various suggestions towards protection of the cultural heritages of the State. Development programmes in the city is giving taking due considerations to the cultural and traditional values and heritages.

Q: Are there special considerations while planning development in hilly terrains of the State?

Yes, Mizoram is a hilly State, having unique features and challenges. Accordingly, the development plans need to take into consideration the hilly terrains and our topography. Thus, the plans we make, the projects we implement, and the development options that we choose need to take into account the topography, and the special situations that exist here. Unless we value these unique features, our valuable hilly terrains could never occupy special position in the planning. Accordingly, we always need to customise various programmes and policies that are implemented in other parts of the country to suit our local conditions and situations. With respect to the masterplan for Aizawl, all lands/plots between 45 – 60 degrees require a ‘No Objection Certificate’ from the Geology and Mineral Resources Department for any developmental works. Further, no development is allowed in lands with 60 degree and above slopes. In addition, identified landslide/landslip areas also require a ‘No Objection Certificate’ from the Geology and Mineral Resources Department. “Site Development & Slope Development Regulation, 2017” has been approved by the Government in addition to the existing AMC Building Regulation, 2012 to ensure proper site development and construction activity within the city. The AMC has already prepared landslide hazard map for the city.

Q: What measures are underway to improve the livelihoods of the people of the city?

The State Government and AMC are taking up measures to improve livelihood through urban poverty alleviation schemes. The major initiative is the “National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM)” of the Government of India, which has been in active implementation in the State. The earlier Scheme of Swarna Jayanti Shahari Rozgar Yojana (SJSRY) was a real success in the State, and NULM is again expected to bring about real improvements in livelihoods, especially the urban poor, through economic empowerment. The Street Vending Scheme, a component under NULM is expected to improve productivity of the street vendors by providing them with livelihood by formalising them in the urban economy. Provision of basic services through various schemes is the thrust area in particular. Sanitation, housing, urban transport, etc. are the areas that are being addressed to improve the service levels in the city.

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Autor(en)/Author(s): Poulami Chakraborty

Quelle/Source: egov, 11.03.2018

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