JOTE, Nov 6 : Minister Land Management and Urban Development, Nabam Rebia, along with Director Land Management E Nangkar and Papum Pare DLRSO in-charge Nakap Hina Nabam inspected Rakap village site in Jote under Sangdupota circle for establishment of army cantonment area.
Rebia informed that the Union Defence Minister in her recent visit sought two places -one for ammunition depot and another for cantonment area within Papum Pare district, and that the sites had to be finalised within a month.
The requirement for army cantonment is 500 acres, and Rakap village, which has been identified as the proposed area for the army cantonment, has already been surveyed by the army and has more than 800 acres to serve the purpose.
He said that the area is developing faster than before as several important institutes are coming up in the area.
“Though the road condition is terrible, tender process for construction has already been completed and the area will have quality road. The establishment of the army cantonment in the area will also lead to economic development as well as other activities simultaneously”, he said.
He also said that the compensation will be paid as per rate approved by the state government and appealed to all to support the project. He also directed the Land Management officers who accompanied him, to carry out survey and other formalities for early land acquisition.
The Land Management Director said that he has directed his officers to immediately finalise formalities and carry out survey work. The survey work will be carried out by the district administration soon.
He said that a proposal was also verified for the cantonment area in Jote Panchayat, but it was rejected by the army authority from New Delhi owing to its attachment near the river bank.
Meanwhile, youth leader of the area, Teli Taning (Kelvin) appreciated the move of the state government and said that the villagers welcomed the developmental project and they would support the cause for the army cantonment in the area.
PRI members and local leaders of the area were also present during the minister’s visit.
