Our Correspondent
Kohima, Aug. 5 (EMN): Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Thursday said that there was no provision for land compensation on tunnel construction but the government was ‘compelled’ to give, as landowners had demanded.
He was responding to a starred question raised by senior NPF MLA Kuzholuzo Nienu on status of Kohima by-pass package-2, Meriema of 500 metres tunnel, and utilisation of INR 93 crore, which was sanctioned for landowners along with the list of distribution with names and amount.
Rio added that 2.5% from the total package, which was being reserved for administrative purposes, was given to the district administration to sort out land compensation.
Clarifying further on the Kohima by-pass road, which was initially tendered for four-lane, the CM said 'it is not the fault of the state government for accepting two-lane road instead of four-lane'.
‘According to the national policy, four-lane roads are not encouraged in the hill areas. The geological findings showed that soil was not stable and suitable for a four-lane road,’ he said.
‘There was no option for four-lane despite applying for tender twice; the centre approved only two-lane,’ he added.
Meanwhile, Nienu expressed surprise at the INR 93 crore for land compensation. He blamed landowners for demanding exorbitant rates.
Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton, who is also the minister in-charge of Road and Bridges, clarified that the amount was not only for the tunnel but also for the entire package. He added that the demand for land compensation was exorbitant and requested the house to decide on measures to address the issue.
He added that 55-metre tunnel excavation works from western portal side had been completed so far.