Kohima, September 25 (MExN): Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio raised various issues on land damage compensation and related issues during a status review meeting of National Highways and under Special Accelerated Road Development Programme for North East (SARDP-NE) road projects with Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Shipping, Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation at the State Convention Centre, Shillong, on September 24.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) were also present at the meeting.
For changes in damage compensation
On land damage compensation issue, a press release from the Chief Minister Office (CMO) informed today that Rio stated that the government has “committed to provide land free of cost for developing four SARDP – NE roads in the State which are under implementation,” it was also decided that National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) will compensate for damages to property assets to the affected owners.
Presently, eligible compensation to damages are properties which include structures, buildings, plantations (bamboo, commercial trees), fisheries, miscellaneous properties like wells, irrigation canals, drains, walls, reservoir tanks, retaining walls etc.
However, the Chief Minister urged the MoRTH to direct the NHIDCL to review its present practice of deducting the amount against terrace fields, vacant buildings on the plea that the land is provided free of cost for the projects.
Rio also highlighted that in hilly areas, substantial investment is made/incurred for development of such assets and hence, damages to terrace fields, vacant buildings are direct loss to the owners as it gives income and serves them economically.
He therefore urged for proper compensation in this regard to which the Ministry agreed during the meeting, the release maintained.
On Changtongya–Longleng road
Regarding the Changtongya – Longleng road which has been declared as a part of National Highway No - 702, the Chief Minister informed that due to objection raised by landowners, the Chief Secretary convened a meeting with the three village councils – Sanglu, Alayong and Yaongyimchen and NHIDCL.
The villages objected to the survey by RITES and requested for re-survey in presence of the land owners as per National Highway specifications.
NHIDCL has agreed for the re-survey of the existing road alignment with a new consultant keeping in mind the concern expressed by the three village councils, the CMO release said.
On his part, Gadkari reviewed the NH and SARDP road proje
cts in Nagaland and assured to extend all possible help and assistance towards early completion of the projects. He also replied to a question raised by Deputy Chief Minister and Minister in charge of National Highways, Y. Patton regarding the status of Pfutsero – Jessami Road and assured to provide funds to the BRO for repair and maintenance of the road, the release added.
