Kohima-Jessami 2-lane: Compensation only for affected properties

Dimapur, Sep. 22 (EMN): The deputy commissioner (DC) of Phek, Sachin Jaiswal, on Monday informed all the concerned village councils and landowners affected by the ongoing Kohima-Jessami 2-lane road widening project that the assessment for damage compensation for those properties that may be affected has already started and will be completed soon.

As per the policy of the state government to expedite road development and communication in intra-state connectivity projects and fulfil the long-impending demands of the people for better and faster road communication, the DC said land has to be made available free of cost to the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) for all 2-lane development projects on existing alignment in the state.

Therefore, no land compensation is being paid and only property damage compensation is being paid as per the departmental rates and accordingly the projects are being executed in the districts of Kohima, Peren, Mokokchung, Mon, Longleng, Wokha and Phek districts in line with the government policy.

He informed that the decision was also taken during the meeting held on November 20, 2018 under the chairmanship of chief secretary, in which the affected village councils, GBs and other stakeholders were also present. The same was reiterated by the NHIDCL representatives during the DPR presentation to stakeholders in the DBs court, office of the additional deputy commissioner, Pfutsero on December 7, 2019.

The concerned village councils as empowered by the Nagaland Village and Area Councils Act 1978 representing the inhabitants of the village have submitted no objections certificate to the effect that no land compensation shall be claimed by the land owners for the project; however, assets and properties attached to the land such as plantations, fishery ponds, paddy fields, infrastructure such as buildings etc. shall be compensated as per the departmental rates, he stated.

He further informed that the project is at an advanced stage and since it was approved as per the government policy any deviation and hindrance on land compensation issue may hamper the ongoing mega project which is going to benefit the inhabitants of the district and the state as a whole, he sought co-operation from all the affected stakeholders.