Aizawl, Oct 14 Mizoram Education Minister Vanlalthlana on Wednesday stressed the need for greater preparedness against disasters, saying preventing losses before calamities strike is more important than merely providing financial assistance afterwards.
Addressing the second day of the two-day national seminar on “Fire and Financial Management for Disaster Resilience” here, Vanlalthlana said that Mizoram was facing significant challenges from fire incidents in both rural and urban areas.
He called for adopting new techniques to prevent forest fires caused mainly by burning of jhums in rural areas and promoting stronger and safer construction practices in urban centres.
The minister also emphasised the importance of insurance, saying government funds alone were not sufficient to protect families from financial hardship caused by disasters such as fires and landslides.
He urged people to understand the importance of insurance and take adequate financial protection against such risks.
Vanlalthlana also called upon students and experts attending the seminar to put their knowledge and expertise to effective use for the benefit of the government and the people.
The seminar, jointly organised by the Centre for Disaster Management, Mizoram University, and Oil India Limited, was held to mark the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction.
Discussions focused on fire safety, natural gas usage and financial management for disaster resilience, according to officials.
(PTI News)
