NHIDCL has already deposited Rs 215.54 crore, Court informed
Morung Express News
Dimapur | April 12
The Gauhati High Court Kohima Bench (GHCKB) has taken note of the delay by the State authorities in responding to petitions related to compensation for land acquisition in connection with the widening of the Pfutsero-Phek road under the Special Accelerated Road Development Programme in North East (SARDP-NE) Phase-A.
During the hearing a batch of writ petitions on April 10, Justice Manash Ranjan Pathak observed that while the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL) had already constructed the two-lane road after paying damages to affected persons who lost their properties on the land.
The petitioners are now demanding formal compensation under land acquisition provisions via the petitions, he noted.
The Judge further said that as per an affidavit submitted by NHIDCL on March 17, a sum of Rs 215.54 crore has already been deposited with the Deputy Commissioner of Phek district for the purposes.
The amount was determined by the Competent Authority for Land Acquisition (CALA) for the purpose of paying damages related to the project, he added.
However, the Judge further observed that despite notices issued as early as September 12, 2024, the State respondents — including the Department of Works and Housing, the National Highways Division of the NPWD, and the DC Phek — are yet to file their respective affidavits.
Accordingly, the Court directed all concerned State respondents to file their replies by May 14, 2025, without fail and listed the matter for further hearing on May 16.
