Aizawl, April 6 Mizoram's ruling Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) announced an urban reform agenda on Monday ahead of the upcoming elections to the Aizawl Municipal Corporation (AMC), promising to remove bureaucratic delays in building construction and revitalize the state capital's economy through a strategic tourism master plan.
Polling for the 19-member AMC will be held on April 21.
Addressing a ZPM function in Aizawl, Tourism Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar said that the party would prioritize a comprehensive review of livestock farming regulations within the AMC area and the long-standing building regulations, if the ZPM is voted to power in the AMC.
He said that to address the excessive delay in building construction processes, the Building Regulation 2007 and Site Development Modification Regulations 2017 will be reviewed and amended.
"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 the ZPM forms the board in the AMC,” Hmar said.
He said that the party also planned to revisit the prohibition of livestock farming within Aizawl city under the existing regulation.
Hmar said that the party intended to collaborate with local councils to designate specific zones where farming can be conducted legally and sustainably.
The minister also disclosed that a new tourism initiative spearheaded by the Tourism and Urban Development and Poverty Alleviation (UD&PA) department, aiming at transforming 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.
He said that the government will develop and renovate various key sites for tourist attractions, including Sakawrhmuittuai, Muthi, Durtlang North, Hangi Lunglen Tlang, Laipuitlang, Hmuifang, Lammual, 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," the minister said.
Reflecting on the state government's performance, Hmar noted that as of Monday, the ZPM administration has completed 849 days, which is approximately 46.45 per cent of its five-year term.
He claimed that during these two years, the ZPM government has put in its best efforts, as a result of which many developments and changes are visible.
“Significant changes are occurring across various departments under the ZPM administration. The practice of hiring proxy staff by employees has been stopped, jobs are being recruited through official advertisements, and smugglers are being pressured,” Hmar said.
A total of 68 candidates, including 28 women, are in the fray for AMC polls.
The ZPM, Mizo National Front (MNF) and the Congress have fielded 19 candidates each, while the BJP has nominated 11 candidates in the AMC election.
Over 2.37 lakh electors, including 1.28 lakh female voters, are eligible to exercise their franchise in the AMC polls. There are 19 wards under the municipal corporation, and six of them are reserved for women.
Counting of votes will be held on April 27.