TR Zeliang reiterates land disputes as major impediment to highway development

DIMAPUR — In a familiar refrain, Deputy Chief Minister TR Zeliang has once again highlighted land acquisition and compensation disputes as the primary reason behind significant delays in numerous road projects across Nagaland.

This assertion came during a press conference following his four-day tour of five districts to assess National Highway conditions and address these recurring concerns. Zeliang, who is in charge of Planning and Transformation and National Highways, also reiterated the state government’s frequent pronouncements on the complexities posed by Article 371A, which grants land ownership rights to the people, often creating roadblocks for infrastructure development.

He said that the two main purposes of undertaking this tour were to sensitise and call upon stakeholders to cooperate with the state government regarding land acquisition for National Highway construction and request them to accept the land rates fixed by the state government.

During the tour, he also inspected ongoing and recently completed projects, as well as those currently under Defect Liability Period (DLP)/Maintenance Period.

Zeliang stated that when a contractor fails to comply with the contract agreement, implementing agencies including the Department of National Highways, PWD, or NHIDCL will issue a notice, terminate the contract, and blacklist the contractor. However, land acquisition problems are very difficult for implementing agencies to handle because Article 371A states that land and its resources belong to the people, and the government has no control over them.

Therefore, projects are stalled and cannot move forward, and NHIDCL or NH, PWD often have no option but to foreclose the project, he maintained.

He went on to state that in Nov. 2023, following Cabinet approval, the state government issued a notice that allowed landowners in Nagaland to claim compensation for land and damages where National Highways pass through their properties. All affected landowners are entitled to receive the sanctioned compensation.

Further, the state government is contemplating amending the Nagaland Land Acquisition Act, which may take time, but for the time being, everyone should accept the rate approved by the State Land Authority (SLA), he added.

Referring to his meeting with Union Minister Jyotiraditya M Scindia (Communications and DoNER) on November 14, he said that Scindia flagged several projects that were stalled due to land acquisition issues. Consequently, the state government is recommending foreclosure for stalled projects as “there is no provision to pay for land compensation other than National Highway projects.”

Zeliang noted that 40 projects under the DoNER Ministry have stalled and are awaiting completion reports due to these land-related issues.

The deputy chief minister provided updates on several road projects that he inspected during the tour, covering approximately 750 kilometres across Phek, Kiphire, Shamator, Tuensang, and Mokokchung districts.

On the 221-kilometre National Highway 702A, starting from Settsu Junction in Mokokchung to Meluri Town via Zunheboto and Phek, he expressed concern over the construction of illegal structures along the route for compensation claims, particularly in Phek district. “This is highly unethical and can lead to delay or even failure to sanction the project,” he said.

After discussions with the respective deputy commissioners, it was decided that a 30-day notice will be issued for their removal. He also expressed dissatisfaction with the progress under Improvement of Riding Quality Program (IRQP) and Short Term Maintenance Contract (STMC) on certain sections of the route in Phek district and said that the chief engineers have been directed to issue a 10-day notice to contractors for resumption of work. Failure to comply would result in the termination of their contracts and blacklisting by the department, he said.

Zeliang informed that the NH-202, stretching from Chuchuyimpang in Mokokchung to Akash Bridge in Meluri, is divided between NHIDCL and NPWD (NH), with the latter section further divided into three packages.

While land acquisition surveys are ongoing for the first package, he urged for expedited surveys for the remaining packages, stating that the project, estimated at INR 3,119 crore, awaits necessary documentation for sanction.

The Chare to Chuchuyimpang intermediate lane work is progressing well, and the firm has assured its completion by June 2025, and two-lane work is underway along the NH-02 from Chuchuyimpang to Yisemyong and from 185 km to Tuli.

Regarding the ongoing work on NH-36, Zeliang said he has directed the chief engineer to inspect the road and submit a report. If the contractor cannot proceed according to the schedule, then they will issue a notice to terminate the company and invite a new contractor, he said.

Meanwhile, Zeliang expressed appreciation for public support during the tour and urged for continued cooperation. He also commended the deputy commissioners for the support and services rendered to see successful implementation of the projects.