NHIDCL accused of misguiding court

October 7, 2022 59 Views No Comment

Have never restrained any developmental activity: SAHLOU

Our Correspondent
Kohima | October 7

The Southern Angami Highways Land Owners Union (SAHLOU) maintained that it has never, at any point of time, restrained any developmental activities within its area, especially, with regard to the ongoing Phesama-Khuzama 2-laning project. On the other hand, it accused the NHIDCL of misleading the Court and the public.

SAHLOU President, Dr Atha Vizol told media persons, on October 6, that they are compelled to go to the press as a result of the NHIDCL “issuing press statement, one after another, misleading and misguiding the Hon’ble Court with false allegations towards the land owner.”

According to Dr Vizol, the land owners had issued NOC for the entire stretch of two lane road from Phesama to Khuzama. However, he alleged that the land owners were dishonoured and deceived as the NHIDCL reduced the scope of the project to 7km (Phesama gate to Kigwema bypass junction) from the existing project “in total violation of the contract agreements.”

“The land owners therefore, call upon the NHIDCL and the contractor to come forward and locate and identify the land owners on the spots, who are hindering the ongoing work. Failing which, the NHIDCL and the contractor shall be held responsible for any eventuality,” Dr Vizol said.

He reminded that the state government, in the presence of Kevipopi Ltu, Legal Advisor of SAPO Technical Committee, had already approved the damage compensation liabilities for the land owners and had forwarded to the Ministry for approval and sanction. “Until then, we cannot freely part (with) our land for ROW without compensation for construction of two-lane,” he said.

The union, meanwhile, cautioned the NHIDCL and contractor to not play with the life, safety and security of the people, while stating, “We firmly believe that the honourable High Court will continue to explore the best opportunities in restoring the Principle of Natural Justice.”

Rio’s plea to Gadkari
It may be recalled that Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, on March 15, 2022 had written to Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways on damage compensation relating to the “Kohima- Mao 2-lane Road Project with a total distance of 18.6 Km.”

In the letter, Rio, while emphasising the economic and strategic importance of the road, which links up with Manipur and on to Myanmar, sought early payment of damage compensation, for approximately 15.35km, to the land owners based on the assessment carried out by the state government.

While stating that the same message was communicated to the NHIDCL, Rio added that the damage estimate for the remaining 3.25 Km could not be completed due to technical reasons and will be submitted after resolving the issues at the earliest.

“Since the present state of the road along this part of the state is greatly hampering the trade and commerce as well as safe passage of the people, I would like to request your esteemed authority to kindly approve the damage compensation for the completed assessment on priority and in doing so the guiding principle of ‘Act East Policy’ of the Government of India will be implemented in reality for the benefit of common man in this area,” Rio stated in the letter.

Rio wrote again on July 15, 2022 to consider the proposal for the damage compensation “as very special case.”

Source: https://morungexpress.com/nhidcl-accused-of-misguiding-court