Forum alleges construction of tourist lodge in non-existential lake

Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, Jun 23: The Legong-Bango Social Justice Forum (LBSJF) on Saturday alleged that a “parachute scheme” under the head ‘C/O Tourist Lodge and Rejuvenation of Mary Land Lake’ is underway at 10 mile of Oyan village under East Siang district and falls under the reserve forest area.
In a press conference held here at the press club on Saturday, LBSJF chairman Kaling Tasing claimed that a scheme of Rs 5.20 crore rupees has been sanctioned for construction of a tourist lodge at the “non-existential” Mary Land Lake.
“There is no lake called Mary Land within the area of Oyan circle”, claimed Tasing.
Tasing also questioned on how such a project was installed under the reserve forest area without obtaining Land Possession Certificate (LPC) and no objection certificate from the Forest department of the district concerned.
He further claimed that there are many villages in adjacent areas since the 1970s, and are deprived of LPC.
The forum has submitted a representation to the governor seeking probe of what they termed a “parachute scheme” under the NEC and urged for cancellation of the project.
However, the executive engineer of the Tourism department could not be contacted by this daily to cross-check the allegations.
The forum further sought investigation on the ongoing road construction from Charali to Kemi check post under SADA in East Siang district, and alleged that the project is being executed without floating Notice Inviting Tender. It claimed that there are several discrepancies and compromises on the laid down guidelines in the said project.
“The public showed consensus on quality of work, and the government fund should be used judiciously”, said Ratul Paboh president LBSJF. He also appealed to the governor to institute an inquiry committee against the said project to ensure quality works.