Claims of inflated deficits and uneven compensation; six-year delay adds to concerns
Discrepancies in land survey measurements and compensation assessment along the National Highway-29 stretch from Purana Bazaar to Chümoukedima have been flagged by affected landowners, with 146 individuals alleging inconsistencies in the 2023 survey report.
According to the NH-29 Aggrieved Land Owners’ Union, out of a total of 280 landowners, 134 were placed under an “approved” category on the basis that their land measurements were found to be less than the registered patta, while 146 were classified under a “rejected” category as their measurements were recorded as “tallied” or “exceeding” the patta.
The union claimed that the classification lacked uniformity, alleging that similarly situated plots, particularly those facing the highway and with comparable dimensions, were inconsistently marked as “Less,” “Excess,” or “Tallied,” without a clear basis.
It further alleged discrepancies in the recorded deficits, stating that in several cases where the actual shortfall was minimal, survey records reflected disproportionately higher figures. In one instance cited by the union, a deficit of 2,82,775 sq. ft was recorded, with compensation calculated at Rs 70.69 crore based on a rate of Rs 2,500 per sq. ft.
Questions have also been raised over the basis of compensation assessment, including whether it applies only to land directly facing the highway or extends to rear portions, as well as why compensation has reportedly been recommended only for plots marked as “Less.”
The affected landowners, who claim to have been awaiting resolution for over six years, have called for a comprehensive re-verification and fresh survey to ensure transparency and consistency in the assessment process.
The union has convened a meeting of aggrieved landowners on May 2 at Hotel Saramati, Chumukedima, to deliberate on the issue and chart a collective course of action.
