COLONIAL ERA DISPENSARY IN SIALSUK: A PLEA FOR PRESERVATION

- Dr. Lalzarzoa 

The historic six-bedded dispensary in Sialsuk village, Mizoram, established in 1920 during the British Colonial era, is crying out for attention. Despite being declared a protected heritage site by INTACH Mizoram chapter and the Art & Culture Department, Mizoram government, the dispensary, doctor's quarters, and compounder's quarters are in dire need of maintenance.

Neglect and Disrepair:

The irony lies in the fact that the two agencies responsible for preservation have failed to provide proper upkeep, and there are no maintenance funds available. Furthermore, the Health department, Government of Mizoram, has neglected to renovate or maintain these buildings, allowing their condition to worsen over time.

- Occupancy Issues : The doctor's quarters and old dispensary building are occupied by local families, while the compounder's quarters are used by construction workers who do not prioritize maintenance.

- Damage and Deterioration : The doctor's quarters kitchen was severely damaged by Cyclone Remal in May 2024 and was fully dismantled without renovation. The main building stands poorly and requires immediate maintenance.

- Lack of Attention : The stone fencing and urinal also need attention, and the compounder's quarters' stone fencing and kitchen were removed years ago.

Cultural Significance:

The locality area, "Babu veng," meaning "the area where doctors reside," reflects the deep connection these buildings have with public memories. Locals affectionately call doctors "Babu."

Current State of Disrepair:

- Doctor's Quarters : Kitchen removed after Cyclone Remal damage, main building poorly standing

- Compounder's Quarters : Stone fencing and kitchen removed years ago

- Main Dispensary Building : Under pathetic conditions due to lack of maintenance

Call to Action:

As the Health department, Government of Mizoram, owns these buildings, the village council and local NGOs are unable to intervene. Repeated appeals to the health department staff and higher authorities have yielded no response. If the state government fails to act, it may be better to hand over maintenance and protection responsibilities to the village council or NGOs.

Colonial era buildings, Sialsuk, Mizoram, India.

Note: The images displayed are old and do not reflect the current condition of the buildings, except for the recent Compounder's quarters image.