Massive fire reduces Aizawl’s DC’s office built in 1891 into ashes

AIZAWL:

A British-time colonial structure that houses Aizawl’s district deputy commissioner’s office went up in flames in the wee hours of December 17.

According to an official source, the fire started from the heritage building’s election branch office around 3:15 am, and by the time the Fire and Emergency Department was informed (around 4:10 am) and they reach the spot, the fire had engulfed most parts of the building.

“The fire completely destroyed the heritage building and along with hundreds of invaluable historical documents,” read an official statement by Mizoram government.

Disaster Management and Rehabilitation Minister Lalchamliana, who visited the site this morning, announced that the state would constitute a magisterial inquiry to look into the incident.

Consequently, Mizoram Assembly Speaker Lalrinliana Sailo, along with officials of DC Office, GAD, PWD, H&FW & ICT Departments today conducted an inspection of the Old MLA Hostel, Khatla, to chart out a plan to set up a makeshift DC office at the hostel. 

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.

INTACH Mizoram chapter convener, P Lalnithanga, IAS (retired), said that Mizoram has lost one its most valued heritages in the devastating fire and hundreds of important documents and artefacts inside it, are irreplaceable.  

Built by Capt Granville Henry Loch during the colonial era in 1891, the building houses the election branch, planning branch, arms branch, ILP branch, census branch, establishment, Nazir, DC office chamber, and two additional DC & SDO (Sadar) office chambers.

TNT-The Northeast Today is now on WhatsApp: CLICK HERE to receive more updates on your phone.

ALSO READ: AFSPA is draconian, should be repealed: Mizoram Home Minister