MAGISTERIAL ENQUIRY TO BE CONDUCTED
A major fire broke out at the Aizawl DC office at around 3:15 am on Friday engulfing most parts of the Aizawl Deputy Commissioner’s Office. The Disaster Management & Rehabilitation Minister Lalchamliana, after visiting the site announced that the State would conduct a magisterial enquiry to look into the outbreak. The 131 year old heritage building was reduced to rubble by the unprecedented fire, taking with it hundreds of invaluable historical documents stored within the premises.
As per preliminary reports from the Mizoram Police, the fire is believed to have broken out from the Election Branch, DC Office at 3:15 am. Fire & Emergency services personnel were alerted at 4:10 am, and reached the site immediately after, and commenced firefighting operations. Despite their best efforts, the fire had already engulfed most parts of the building, including the Election Branch, Planning Branch, Arms Branch, ILP Branch, Census Branch, Establishment, Nazir, DC office chamber, 2 Addl DC & SDO (Sadar) office chambers.
Plans are underway to immediately set up a makeshift Aizawl DC Office at Old MLA Hostel, Khatla. Mizoram Assembly Speaker Pu Lalrinliana Sailo, along with officials of DC Office, GAD, PWD, H&FW & ICT Departments today conducted an inspection of the Old MLA Hostel to chart out a plan of action for setting up the makeshift office. Mizoram Chief Secretary Dr Renu Sharma convened a meeting at 10:30 am with all key stakeholders. The office of the Deputy Commissioner, Aizawl, meanwhile issued a public communication stating that the office would remain closed for the public till Christmas day. DM&R Minister Lalchamliana, I&PR Minister Lalruatkima, Tourism Minister Robert Romawia Royte, Deputy Speaker Er. Lalrinawma, Chief Secretary Dr. Renu Sharma & other officials rushed to the site, and after inspection held an emergency meeting at the Aizawl SP Office. The heritage site was the first office in the North Lushai Hills. It has been used as an office by 7 political officers, 32 superintendents and 46 deputy commissioners.
(Source: The Mizoram Post Vol 19 Issue 197 Aizawl Saturday 18 December 2021 http://www.themizorampost.net/page-view?date=18-12-2021&page_no=1)