State Government to amend Nagaland Land (Acquisition & Requisition) Act: TR Zeliang

October 23, 2024 7 Views No Comment

Kohima, October 23 (MExN): The State Government will amend the Nagaland Land (Acquisition & Requisition) Act of 1965 specifically for National Highway (NH) projects, announced Deputy Chief Minister TR Zeliang on Monday.

The amendment, to be tabled during the upcoming State Assembly Session, will align with the National Highways Act of 1956 and the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (RFCTLAAR) Act of 2013, he added.

Zeliang, who is Minister in charge of the National Highway and Planning & Transformation Department, shared this information during the Project Review Meeting of Nagaland specific NH projects in New Delhi on October 21, attended among others by the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, along with Ministers of State Ajay Tamta and Harsh Malhotra.

He was highlighting on the delays in finalising land rates and the acquisition process for the Rs 3,119 crore NH-202 project due to comparative studies on the land acts of neighbouring states and the NH Act of 1956.

As an immediate measure, the District Administration has submitted land rates approved by the State Land Acquisition Authority (SLAA), chaired by the Chief Minister, based on the existing 1965 NH Act, he added.

The National Highway (NPWD) department has been instructed to incorporate these land rates into the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for submission to the Ministry.

Zeliang expressed optimism that the project would be sanctioned soon, allowing remote areas of Nagaland to benefit from improved roads within two to three years. This proposal includes a stretch from Chare Town in Tuensang District to Wongto village in Shamator, as well as routes from Saddle in Tuensang to Yei Bridge in Shamator, to Kiphire District to Akhegwo in Phek District.

Land acquisition has been identified as a significant challenge in smoothly carrying out works in Nagaland, a topic Zeliang extensively addressed.

The unique land-holding system and the rights enshrined in Article 371(A) complicate negotiations with landowners to part with their land at reasonable rates for developmental activities, he noted.

However, he asserted that the State Government is actively pursuing amicable resolutions and ensuring that the necessary Right of Way (RoW) is provided to implementing agencies.

Major Issues:
Peren-Dimapur-Package-V of NH-129A: Zeliang reported that for the 17 km stretch, there are no issues for 7 km; however, landowners of the 10 km stretch demanded compensation, causing delays in issuing the RoW.

After negotiations, the landowners have accepted the government’s terms, and assessments for damage compensation are underway. Zeliang also called for early approval of the Peren Town Build-up area of the 2.8 km stretch in Package-I, which was descoped from the main contract.

Kohima Bypass Package-III and IV Project: Regarding this stretch, the issue is under litigation as individual landowners claim compensation, and the State Government is seeking early court resolutions. Zeliang remains hopeful that the small contested stretches will be resolved soon, enabling NHIDCL to proceed with work.

Kohima-Jessami Project: On Package-I, a problem arises from the construction of 9 culverts without provisions for valley-side protection and compensation. Zeliang highlighted that agricultural land on the valley side would be affected without protective measures and proper drainage systems, urging NHIDCL and MoRTH to consider landowners’ requests for compensation.

In Package-II, a 1.4 km hindrance in the Chakhabama Military area is due to demands for valley-side damage compensation. Differing views from NHIDCL and the District Administration have led to a joint survey being requested to resolve the discrepancies.

The hindrance in Package-III is only 26 metres, with the District Administration assuring resolution within one month. In Package-IV, collateral damage compensation is demanded, and estimated costs have been submitted by the DC/CALA of Phek District to NHIDCL for payment.

Zeliang also urged Gadkari to consider an annual allocation of funds for maintaining NHs in Nagaland, managed by the Nagaland PWD, NH Division. A utilisation certificate will be submitted to the Ministry, he assured.

The discontinuation of Ordinary Repair (OR) and Flood Damage Repair (FDR) last year has caused acute financial difficulties for the State PWD, NH Division, in conducting emergency repairs, especially during the monsoon season.

Zeliang noted that frequent landslides and mudslides on NHs make it challenging for engineers to maintain smooth traffic flow without adequate funding.