Kohima-Jessami road: HC directs on-site assessment for land damage claims

KOHIMA — The Kohima Bench of Gauhati High Court has directed the Phek district administration to conduct an on-site inspection to assess the alleged damage to properties belonging to landowners of Kikruma village caused by construction activities on the National Highway 29 (Kohima-Jessami road, Packages II and III) between 2021 and 2023.

Justice Budi Habung passed the interim order on July 18 while hearing a writ petition filed by 19 landowners from Kikruma village under Pfutsero sub-division, Phek district. The petitioners are seeking compensation for what they claim is extensive damage to their land and properties during the road construction period.

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Despite submitting representations to the authorities concerned, the petitioners said they have not received any response.

The petition seeks a direction to the respondents, particularly the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) and other related authorities, to assess and pay compensation for the damages sustained.

During the hearing, the court noted the petitioners’ grievance and ordered the deputy commissioner of Phek to conduct an inspection of the affected lands and assess the nature and extent of any damage caused due to the construction activities.

The DC has been asked to submit a report within four weeks, specifically stating whether any damage was caused and the extent and estimated value of such damage, if any.

The court fixed the next hearing after four weeks.