In response to news reports published on July 17 concerning the land acquisition process for the ongoing road construction at CH 126, Tsiedukhru (Pagla Pahar) along National Highway 29, the Office of the Commissioner, Nagaland has issued a detailed clarification to “present the accurate chronological sequence of events and the current status of the project.”
The statement, issued on July 18, maintained that “the land acquisition process has been meticulously followed as per established norms and procedures.” Highlighting key developments, the office provided a chronological timeline of events leading up to the present status of the project:
A joint survey for land acquisition was conducted on December 13, 2024.
The proposal for Land Acquisition (LA) was submitted to the Government on February 10, 2025.
The Tourism Department issued its No Objection Certificate (NOC) on March 25, 2025.
The State Government submitted its approved proposal to NHIDCL (Regional Office Kohima) on April 11, 2025.
On May 22, 2025, NHIDCL PMU-Dimapur raised objections concerning the acquisition of Government (Tourism Department) land and Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) utility shifting estimates.
DC Chumoukedima submitted a clarification and revised PHED estimates in response.
A joint meeting was held on May 20, 2025, in light of the impending monsoon, during which it was decided to issue an NOC to NHIDCL to begin work.
Accordingly, DC Chumoukedima issued the NOC on May 20, 2025, permitting NHIDCL to commence construction at CH 126.
Compensation for land acquisition was received on July 2, 2025, which included 100% compensation for the Tourism Department (covering land cost and forest damages) and 80% of the utility shifting compensation for PHED.
Payments were made to both PHED and the Tourism Department.
The Executive Engineer, PHED Urban Division Dimapur, issued clearance to NHIDCL for hill cutting at CH 126.
Despite these developments, the Office of the Commissioner clarified that “construction works have not yet started at CH 126, Tsiedukhru (Pagla Pahar).”
The office appealed to the public and all stakeholders to rely on verified facts and “avoid speculation.” It further assured that the “Government remains committed to the timely and transparent execution of this vital infrastructure project.”