TR says landowners must accept compensation at approved rates

November 16, 2024 4 Views No Comment

Morung Express News
Dimapur | November 16

Following the four day inspection and assessment of National Highway (NH) projects in Nagaland, Deputy Chief Minister (CM) TR Zeliang has appealed to landowners to accept compensation rates approved by the State Land Acquisition Authority (SLAA). “They should not demand compensation at their own rate, but should agree to whatever has been approved by the SLAA,” he said.

At a press conference in Dimapur, Zeliang, who is also in-charge of National Highways, mentioned land compensation as a major factor for road projects ending up in failure or being stalled. “In Nagaland we have constructed more than a thousand roads but we do not have sustainable roads,” he said. This was in regard to lack of funds available to the State government for maintenance of roads after they are completed.

The only other option available were the National Highways, he said; for which the Centre (Ministry of Road Transport and Highways) provides 100% funding, with a five year maintenance fund made available to the contractor and even beyond. “So to have good roads, our only hope is on NHs,” he viewed.

A few days ago, Zeliang along with his entourage had toured across Phek, Kiphire, Shamator, Tuensang, Mokokchung and Meluri beginning November 11. Covering approximately 750 kilometers (KM), the tour was planned with an intention to inspect and assess ongoing NH projects while also meeting with the district administration and stakeholders. Additionally they also inspected road repair works under Short Term Maintenance Contract (STMC) and Improvement of Riding Quality Program (IRQP).

Unsatisfactory progress of work
During the course of the tour, the Deputy CM noted that they were not satisfied with the work progress made thus far under STMC and IRQP. “We have instructed the chief engineer to give short notice to resume the work in 10 days time,” he said. Failing to do so would mean termination of the contract and blacklisting of the construction firm in question.

He informed that the stretch starting from NH 702A at Runguzu Nasa village under Phek village to Mithun Farm constructed under IRQP is under Defect and Liability Period up to March 31, 2025. Meanwhile the stretch from Mithun Farm-Phek Town- Thezatse village is under STMC.

“The whole NH 702A has a total length of 221 KM and an alignment and finalization stage for two-laning is being undertaken by Geo Design consultancy from Gujarat,” he stated.

On NH 202 starting from Chuchuyimpang to Meluri, good progress is being made, Zeliang said. “The Union Minister for Road transport and Highways is ready to sanction the project. We just need to expedite and submit the necessary papers required for sanction, he added. The total cost of the project so far for this highway is Rs 3119 crore.

Illegal structures constructed along the highways
The Deputy CM expressed disappointment to see that some villages have erected buildings near the NH. The houses or structures had been erected in anticipation of compensation as witnessed during the tour through Phek district.

“If that happens, the project will lead to delay or failure to sanction the project,” he noted. Taking this into view, he stressed on the need to consult with DCs, village councils, gaonburas (GBs) and tribal hohos on this matter. Zeliang added that land compensation or compensation for damage should not be more than the project.

He maintained that only those buildings which had been constructed ten years ago or more will be compensated.

The State government had earlier made the decision on November 28, 2023 that land owners can claim land or damage compensation for NH project implemented after this date of approval. At the same time, the State Cabinet has been contemplating amending the Nagaland Land Compensation Act.

40 projects stalled under NEC and DoNER
On November 14, Union Minister and Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Jyotiraditya Scindia had flagged several projects for their lack of any substantial progress due to land compensation issue, Zeliang informed.

“All 40 projects under North East Council (NEC) are stalled and he (Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia) was also very unhappy.” The suggestion was to foreclose the projects and put up fresh proposals which would lead to the sanctioned funds being sent back.

As such, he said that the state government has recommended that several of these projects be foreclosed as there were no provisions for land compensation.