Mizoram govt to relocate Hari Mandir to Loch House site

Aizawl: The advisory committee on land vacated by the Assam Rifles met on Wednesday and decided to allot a plot near the historic Loch House, formerly the official residence of the commandant of the Assam Rifles, for relocating the Hindu temple ‘Hari Mandir’ from the heart of Aizawl city.Chaired by Mizoram chief minister Lalduhoma, the committee also resolved to renovate the Loch House while preserving its original structure. Built in 1890 by Lt Col GH Loch, the building is regarded as an important heritage landmark of Aizawl and will undergo restoration that maintains its historic character.The CM informed the committee that the state govt had repeatedly requested the Assam Rifles to allot surplus land below the area occupied by the 23 Sector Assam Rifles for the construction of the CM’s office and residence, as the site is adjacent to the state secretariat. In a meeting held on Feb 2, Assam Rifles director general Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera said the land could be handed over to the state govt.It was further reported that financial sanction has recently been received for widening and improving roads along the land vacated by the Assam Rifles, with the state PWD preparing to commence work.The meeting was attended by home minister K Sapdanga, revenue minister B Lalchhanzova, tourism minister Lalnghinglova Hmar, and other members of the advisory committee.