Kohima-Jessami landowners demand urgent compensation for lateral damage

The Aggrieved Landowners of the Kohima Jessami Two Lane Construction Package (118, I, IV, and V) have expressed frustration over the delay in receiving compensation for lateral damages caused by the construction work, a situation they claim has persisted since 2021. According to the Landowners, despite multiple verifications and assessments conducted by the District Level Verification Committee, and submissions made to both the state government and NHIDCL for approval, no concrete solution or payment has been provided to the affected landowners.

The landowners, many of whom have lost their homes due to damage caused by the physical work of the EPC contractor, have suffered significant hardship. “Many landowners were left with no home to stay since 2021 due to property damage by the physical work of the EPC contractor,” the aggrieved parties lamented.

Since then, the landowners have shown considerable patience, hoping for a resolution from the state government, District Administration, and NHIDCL. However, no solution has materialized, despite numerous agitations, requests, and ultimatums submitted to the District Administration, the Executive Director of NHIDCL (RO) Kohima, and the Managing Director of NHIDCL (HQ) New Delhi.

The Aggrieved Landowners, exhausted by the delays, have made it clear that their patience is running out. “The Aggrieved Landowners have no more patience to wait but will directly take their own course of action if the state government and NHIDCL fail to come up with a positive solution at the earliest,” they stated.

The landowners have now appealed to Deputy Chief Minister and Minister in charge of National Highways, TR Zeliang, to address the issue urgently. They urge Zeliang to look into the matter and take serious action to solve the issue at the earliest.

MT