YACHULI, Nov 7: Chief Minister Pema Khandu directed the Lower Subansiri Deputy Commissioner to sort out the matter of land compensation within this month and acquire the requisite land for early construction of the Hoj-Potin portion of the Trans-Arunachal Highway.
He said this during the inaugural event of the Divisional Commissioner (West) headquarters at Yachuli on Tuesday.
Regretting that the Hoj-Potin portion is yet to see the light of day, Pema said, “For compensation issues, a project as important as the Trans-Arunachal Highway shouldn’t get stuck up. Please accept compensation at the rate fixed by the administration and let the project take off. If terminated, as hinted by the Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways, it would be matter of shame for entire Arunachal. We cannot let this happen.”
Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein also raised concern over the hiccups in starting works on the Hoj-Potin part of the TAH.
Informing of his meeting with MoRTH officials recently, Mein said that the Ministry is more than willing to help the state but the compensation issue is proving a big hurdle.
“On the 407 kms road, for a stretch of 157 kms (Potin to Gopi) land is yet to be acquired due to land compensation issue. I have assured the MoRTH that the issue will be resolved soon and requested them not to terminate the project,” he said.
The DCM appealed to everyone to cooperate with the district administration to complete the land acquisition process smoothly so that it can be handed over to the Union Ministry to start the work.
In his address, MoS for Home, Kiren Rijiju also sought the people’s cooperation in the TAH land acquisition process.
“It is really sad that the TAH sanctioned in 2008 is still far from completion. Although the Government of India has deposited the compensation amount, obstacles in terms of court cases have delayed the land acquisition process. All Arunachalese have to retrospect and keep aside petty individual gains for the development of good roads in our state,” he said.
On deplorable PMGSY road, Rijiju said in spite of our state being awarded the highest funds under PMGSY works on many roads have stopped. We have to find out ways for smooth implementation of the projects, he further added.
