Affected landowners along NH-29 from Purana Bazaar to Chümoukedima are called for a meeting on May 2 to discuss land survey discrepancies.
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DIMAPUR — The NH-29 Aggrieved Land Owners' Union has convened a meeting of all affected landowners along the stretch of National Highway-29 from Purana Bazaar to Chümoukedima at the Hotel Saramati Conference Hall at 3 pm on May 2.
The meeting has been called to deliberate on compensation-related grievances and to determine a collective course of action, according to a press release
The union informed that out of a total of 280 landowners, 146 have been directly impacted, particularly due to discrepancies in land survey measurements and compensation assessment.
As per the survey conducted in 2023, 134 landowners have been placed under the approved category on the basis that their land measurements were found to be less than the actual Patta. Meanwhile, 146 landowners have been placed under the rejected category on the grounds that their land measurements were recorded as tallying with or exceeding the patta.
This classification has raised concerns among the affected parties. The union noted that despite being similarly situated, some landowners have been approved while others have been rejected, indicating a lack of uniformity and consistency in the assessment process.
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Further, it alleged that significant discrepancies have been observed in the 2023 survey report. The union stated that several plots that are similarly situated, facing the highway and having comparable dimensions, have been inconsistently classified as "Less", "Excess", or "Tallied", without any clear or transparent basis.
Notably, it said, in cases where the actual shortfall is minimal, often less than 200 sq. ft, the survey records reflect disproportionately higher deficits.
In one such instance, a deficit of 2,82,775 sq. ft has been recorded, with the corresponding compensation amount calculated at INR 70,69,37,500 at INR 2,500 per sq. ft, as per the demand of the union.
The union pointed out that such stark inconsistencies raise serious concerns regarding the accuracy, methodology, and credibility of the assessment process.
It has also been observed that compensation has reportedly been recommended only for plots marked as "Less", despite similar encroachments affecting other categories. “Questions further arise regarding whether compensation is being determined based on the land directly facing the highway or land situated behind it, as well as the apparent inconsistencies in survey methods,” it read.
The union highlighted that affected landowners have already endured a prolonged wait of over six years, only to face rejection or uncertainty regarding their claims. In light of these issues, there is a pressing need for a comprehensive re-verification and fresh survey to ensure transparency, uniformity, and justice for all affected parties.
The union requested the participation of all concerned landowners to facilitate meaningful discussion, consolidation of grievances, and coordinated representation before the appropriate authorities.