In a major blow to the Itanagar-Banderdewa four lane road project, the eviction noticed served by the capital district administration has been stayed by the Itanagar permanent bench of the Gauhati High Court on Monday. The eviction was to be carried out with effect from 23 October against standing structures falling within the RoW of the NH 415 from Chandranagar to Papu Nallah-Jullang tri-junction. The court gave the order following a writ petition filed by members of Itanagar Commercial Building Affected Owner’s Welfare Association. The stay order is expected to hamper the progress of four lane project.
It is unfortunate that an important road project is getting affected due to tussle between district administration and the building owners. Just when everyone thought that compensation issue has been resolved this problem cropped up out of nowhere. At juncture it is difficult to say who is at fault. However both the members of Itanagar Commercial Building Affected Owner’s Welfare Association and the capital district administration should resolve this issue at the earliest. The condition of NH 415 is in pathetic condition. The only hope for its improvement is the four lane project, the work for which started last year. However, the issues like compensation and utility shifting has delayed the progress of the project. With court staying the eviction order, there will be further delay in days to come.