The Politics of Development

Y. Merina Chishi
Dimapur | February 20
The government’s unexpected decision to cancel the proposal for the extension of Dimapur airport has raised doubts over the direction with regard to the state’s development plans. The proposal to expand the state’s lone airport was well received by people. Though the task of acquiring land from Aoyimti village and Hollohon colony proved an arduous task for the district administration, which was negotiating on behalf of the government, both parties arrived at an agreed rate. The district administration sent the proposal to the government but the State Cabinet rejected on the ground that the ‘rate was too high.’  

The sudden cancellation of the proposal has left the villagers of Aoyimti village and Hollohon colony disappointed, if not angry. The landowners of Aoyimti village have expressed regret over the attitude of the government and are demanding compensation for losses incurred during the negotiating period. The Aoyimti Village Council has already raised the matter with the Chief Secretary of Nagaland. The district administration, on the other hand, is perplexed over the government’s decision which ended quite abruptly. The district administration is reported to have been negotiating without any definite proposed rate from the government. 

Now the government has turned its eye on Razhephema village for construction of a new airport. The government in its withdrawal order to Aoyitmi Village Council had stated that it decided to shift the airport to a new location, as the scope of expansion of airport was hindered by the presence of the National Highway, and also the presence of several petrol pumps near the airport.  

The Chief Secretary has already directed the Department of Transport to conduct surveys at the new site. It is reported Razhephema village is one of the original sites chosen by the government for construction of the airport, before it settled for Aoyimti village. 

Following the government’s somersault, some villages falling along the proposed Zubza Railway link are raising apprehensions about their fate. Although, landowners from seven villages have agreed upon a uniform rate of Rs.60 to 70 per square feet, it is reported some are demanding not less than Rs.280 per square feet. 

Earlier the district administration sent the proposed breakup rates of each village to the Northeast Frontier Railways, but the latter did not respond to the district administration and approached the government directly. Since all communication surpassed the district Deputy Commissioner’s office, the current status of negotiation is not known. However, it is reported the Railways maintain the rates are too high. 

Another setback in the delay is also due to the proposed Railway line passing through Rahgapahar Zoological Park. It is reported that a clearance is needed from the Prime Minister’s Office in Delhi to cut across the Park. The district administration has already written to the Chief Minister’s Office to do the needful. 

In the midst of the flip-flops and delays, villagers are running out of patience. The Thahekhu Village Council has made it clear it will not accept further delay as it is hampering development in their land. The same is the case with other villages through which the Railway line will pass. It may be mentioned that the government has stalled all development works on the surveyed land and villagers are in a tight spot. Villagers are facing huge economic losses due to delay. With the second harvest season closing in, the villagers are getting agitated; some have warned moving the court if the government does not act fast.    

The government’s turnaround with Aoyimti village and Hollohon colony has left those who purchased land elsewhere for resettlement in a mess. The much awaited Railway link appears to be the only hope left but the villages fear a similar outcome. It appears the government’s uncertain decision is doing more harm than good for people in the state.