Mizoram building collapse: Govt constitutes magisterial inquiry

Aizawl: The Mizoram government on Wednesday constituted a magisterial inquiry headed by Aizawl district deputy commissioner and district magistrate Vanlalngaihsaka to probe into the collapse of three buildings at Durtlang area on July 2, an official release said.

The magistrate was asked to submit its report within two weeks, the statement added.

Meanwhile, the Mizoram unit of BJP has been demanding an independent judicial probe into the mishap. The party alleged that the buildings were vulnerable since the very beginning as they were situated on loose structure.

On July 2, three buildings had collapsed at Durtlang area in the northern part of the state capital Aizawl, killing 3 people and injuring 11, due to massive landslide triggered by heavy rains.

The buildings were part of the housing complex constructed under the Centre’s sponsored scheme — Basic Services to the Urban Poor (BSUP). The BSUP housing complex was constructed in 2009 by National Project Construction Corporation Ltd (NPCC) and Royal Infra Construction Ltd.

Also Read: ‘Inhuman’ deportation of Rakhine refugees: Mizoram govt slammed

It was inaugurated by President Ram Nath Kovind in November 2017 along with other housing complexes at Lawipu, Edenthar and Rangvamual in Aizawl.

The housing complex houses at least 20 buildings, which were occupied in June last year.

A day after the mishap, state chief secretary Lalnunmawia Chuaungo convened inter-departmental meeting that decided to constitute magisterial inquiry.

All the inmates of Durtlang housing complex were also relocated to housing complex at Rangvamual and Edenthar, according to the decision taken during the meeting.