Last Updated on November 15, 2024 8: 07pm
Dimapur: Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister TR Zeliang on Friday urged the public not to impede the progress of national highway projects in the state with land-related issues.
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Addressing the media after undertaking a four-day tour to five districts of Phek, Kiphire, Shamator, Tuensang and Mokokchung, Zeliang, who is also the minister in charge of national highway, said he reviewed and assessed the highway projects, covering an approximate length of 750 km, in these districts.
Zeliang added that he inspected and reviewed the ongoing projects, and those that were completed in the recent past and under the defect liability period or maintenance period.
During the tour, Zeliang called upon the stakeholders to cooperate with the state government regarding land acquisition for construction of the highways.
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He said there are many projects that have been delayed and stalled due to land acquisition and compensation demands.
Seeking cooperation on the land rates fixed by the state government, he observed that there are hundreds of houses constructed just by the road in anticipation of compensation.
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“These illegal structures are from 159 km to 173 km and some structures are also visible from 176 km to 206 km under Phek district. This is highly unethical and can lead to delay or even failure to sanction the project,” Zeliang said.
He also said the state government would recommend the projects, which are being stalled due to the land issue, be foreclosed as there is no provision to pay for land compensation other than the national highway projects.
“Land compensation matters in the state have been one major issue in the failure and delay of projects,” he added.
Zeliang said during the four-day tour, he was overwhelmed by the support of the public toward the government.
He solicited the same support when a project is sanctioned and work commences so that the appointed contractors do not face any hurdle and the public gets to enjoy good roads.
Zeliang asked the contractors to maintain quality work and complete the projects as per the scheduled date for their completion.