Aizawl: The Mizoram government has announced plans to undertake major urban development projects on land recently vacated by the Assam Rifles to reshape parts of the state capital, Aizawl, officials said.
A high-level advisory committee comprising representatives of multiple organisations finalised an extensive redevelopment plan at a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Wednesday.
One of the major decisions is to build a new, modern Vanapa Hall on the vacated land near the Assam Rifles Ground, also known as Lammual, according to the statement.
The new facility will replace the existing Vanapa Hall, which has become outdated.
Officials said a convention centre earlier planned for the site will instead be developed as the new Vanapa Hall, allowing for a larger and more contemporary venue by utilising the prime land freed up after the military relocation.
The government will soon determine a new use for the existing Vanapa Hall near the Assembly House in the Treasury Square area, which has long served as an auditorium for public events and celebrations.
The committee also cleared a proposal to shift the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) and official residence from McDonald Hill in the Zarkawt area to Assam Rifles land near the Mizoram New Capital Complex (MINECO) in Khatla, where the state secretariat is located.
Officials said the move is aimed at addressing logistical challenges arising from the distance between the current CMO and the secretariat, helping cut travel time, operational expenses and administrative delays.
The site, situated opposite the main entrance of MINECO, was cleared for handover following a February 2 meeting between the chief minister and Assam Rifles Director General Lt. Gen. Vikas Lakhera.
The historic Loch House in the Tuikual area will be restored to boost its heritage value while preserving its original architectural character.
Officials said the Hari Mandir at Canteen Kual in the Zodin area will also be relocated to a new site between Loch House and the CHAN office.
At the request of the Assam Rifles, two war memorials currently located at Canteen Kual and Treasury Square will be shifted to the force’s base in Khatla.
The state government has committed to retaining more than 52 per cent of the vacated land as green cover.
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Officials said preparatory infrastructure work will begin soon, with funds already approved for the widening and upgrading of key roads in the vacated areas.
The Public Works Department (PWD) will be responsible for implementing and supervising these projects, they added.
