FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT
Itagar, March 9: The delay in execution of the ambitious Trans Aruchal Highway (TAH) project is mainly because of the compensation issue with the affected people and delay in fil forest clearance by the union ministry of environment and forest, PWD Minister Gojen Gadi informed the assembly today. Responding to a question from Congress member Pani Taram during Question Hour, Gadi expressed concern over the quantum of compensation claimed by the affected people by illegal construction along the right of way (RoW) of the TAH to claim compensation. Referring to the Ziro-Koloriang portion of the TAH, Gadi disclosed that though the cost of the project in that stretch was 48 crore, the compensation sought was 135 crore, which the union ministry of Road Transport and Highway (MoRTH) turned down.
He said, the situation was even worst in the Capital complex where the initial compensation claim of Rs 195 crore jumped to 334 crore, for which he requested the ministry to reduce the width of the road from 45 meters to 18 meters in that portion and accordingly the proposal was re-submitted after reducing the cost by Rs 70.9 crore.
“The state government has constituted a high powered committee with Land Magement commissioner as its chairman to identify uuthorized construction along RoW and the deputy commissioners of respective districts have been directed to stop illegal construction,” he disclosed.
“The committee would undertake spot verification with photography and videography and will submit the report to the cabinet for approval of the fil compensation. However, no illegal claim will be entertained,” he said.
He further informed that the state PWD was awarded 22 packages of the TAH project out of which eight packages were yet to be allotted by the MoRTH, while of the 14 packages, 3 have been completed mely – Shantipur to Meka (19.5 km), Jairampur to Pangsau Pass under NH 153 in two phases of 15 km and 15.48 km respectively. However, works on other 11 packages were going on with completion result of 60 to 80 percent. “We have completed the tendering process four months back for the un-allotted 8 packages and submitted to the ministry. However, land acquisition process is yet to be completed. If the Centre allocates the work it will take at least two years to complete,” he pointed out.