Deputy Chief Minister TR Zeliang, following a recent inspection tour of the National Highway, highlighted dissatisfaction with the progress of ongoing road projects and raised concerns over land-related issues hampering development initiatives in Nagaland.
“We set out the tour to inspect the repaired road under STMC and IRQP. We are not satisfied with the progress of the work in many spots, so we have asked the chief engineer and engineer to issue a short-term notice for 10 days. If they fail to do so in 10 days, we’ll terminate the contract,” Zeliang stated.
The Deputy CM mentioned skipping the Mokokchung to Longtho road inspection, which falls under STMC, due to attending a meeting convened by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER). “I skipped Mokokchung to Longtho road because I had to attend a meeting convened by the DoNER ministry,” he explained.
Zeliang also pointed out complications in the survey for the NH-702 (A) connecting Mokokchung, Lumami, and Phek. “The survey is yet to be completed for the DPR, but it is very disheartening to see that some villages in Phek district started erecting buildings, which are not for humans but were erected only after knowing that the highway will pass through it. It is very unpleasing,” he remarked.
The Deputy CM stressed that compensation would only be provided for legitimate structures. “District administrations are firm that buildings constructed 10-15 years ago will get compensation, but those constructed only for the sake of compensation will not be compensated.”
To expedite the NH-702 (A) survey process, Zeliang said, “We suggested dividing the survey into three parts so that the duration of the survey can be shortened. They have agreed.”
He further revealed the DoNER ministry’s concerns over delays in projects, especially in the road sector. “DoNER ministry was unhappy with the delay in the projects, particularly the road sector,” he noted.
Highlighting land disputes as a significant obstacle, Zeliang stated, “40 projects under NEC have been stopped due to land issues. When we cannot implement the project and now ask for another project, it becomes a problem.”
He also pointed to the challenge of landowners demanding excessive compensation. “Demanding land compensation where there is no scope in the DPR, we decided to foreclose all the projects which are in progress.”
However, he assured that new projects would include compensation provisions. “All the National Highways which will be sanctioned after November 28, 2023, will be getting land compensation,” he said, urging landowners to cooperate. “Landowners should accept whatever rate is finalized by the government. They should not demand or claim land compensation of their own rate,” he added.