Assam: HC issues show-cause notice to government for non-payment of compensation

32 years since land acquisition for Buridihing bund

Staff Reporter

Guwahati: Even after the passage of 32 years, 25 families in No. 1 Tokowbeel Village under the Naharkatia revenue circle in Dibrugarh district are still awaiting compensation for their lands taken possession of by the state for the construction of an artificial embankment across the Burhidihing river. Representing the 25 families, 16 petitioners filed three petitions before the Gauhati High Court this year seeking compensation for their Miyadi land.

In the petitions, it is stated that around 53 bighas of land were taken in acquisition in 1993. The district administration of Dibrugarh took possession of the land for the construction of an artificial embankment, or bund, made of earth built across the Burhidihing River to prevent flooding. The scheme was "Extension of Sassoni Tingkhong Bund Ph-1 (Temporary Breach Closing Work at 9th Km) of Uriamguri, Village No.1 Tokowbeel." The government took possession of the land on June 11, 1993, without affording any opportunity to the landowners. They did not issue any notice to the landlords under any law in force at the relevant time, nor have they paid the land acquisition compensation to date.

In a hearing today, the HC issued a show-cause notice to the state government, asking why no compensation has been paid to the families whose land was taken over by the government to construct the embankment.

According to the notice, the government has to furnish a reply to the HC within 4 weeks.

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