Mizoram: ZPM promises building law reforms, tourism boost ahead of Aizawl civic polls

Aizawl: Ruling Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) on Monday announced a major urban reform agenda ahead of the upcoming Aizawl Municipal Corporation (AMC) elections, promising to remove bureaucratic delay in building construction and a tourism-led push to boost the city’s economy.

Polling for the 19-member civic body is scheduled for April 21.

Addressing a party function in Aizawl, ZPM leader and Mizoram Tourism Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar said the party would review livestock farming regulations within AMC limits and revisit the long-standing Building Regulation, 2007, if voted to power in the civic body.

He said the Building Regulation, 2007, and the Site Development Modification Regulations, 2017, would be amended to address delays in house construction approvals.

“Since the lengthy approval process for house construction is one of the biggest challenges faced by the public, building houses will become much easier if a ZPM government is established in the AMC,” Hmar said.

He also said the party would revisit the ban on livestock farming within Aizawl city and work with local councils to identify zones where such activity can be carried out legally and sustainably.

Hmar further announced a tourism initiative being jointly pursued by the Tourism Department and the Urban Development and Poverty Alleviation (UD&PA) Department to transform Aizawl from a transit point into a tourist destination.

“We have designed a three-night tourism programme for Aizawl city. Through this, we aim to boost Aizawl's economy, and we believe we can achieve it,” he said.

According to Hmar, the government plans to develop and renovate several tourist sites, including Sakawrhmuittuai, Muthi, Durtlang North, Durtlang, Hangi Lunglen Tlang, Laipuitlang, Hmuifang, Lammual, Ailawng and Reiek.

“We have already secured the necessary funding for these projects. By encouraging tourists to stay longer, we increase local circulation of wealth, directly benefiting Aizawl residents, particularly traders and entrepreneurs,” he said.

A total of 68 candidates, including 28 women, are in the fray for the AMC polls. The ZPM, the Mizo National Front (MNF), and the Congress have fielded 19 candidates each, while the BJP has nominated 11 candidates.

More than 2.37 lakh electors, including 1.28 lakh women, are eligible to vote. Counting will be held on April 27.

There are 19 wards under the municipal corporation, six of which are reserved for women. The remaining 13 seats are open to all candidates.