BANDERDEWA, Jul 20: The capital administration led by the Capital Deputy Commissioner and other officials started the demolition of structures falling under right of way (ROW) here on Tuesday. The DC was accompanied by SP Jimmy Chiram and several other officials were present on the occasion. On the first day a few government structures falling under ROW near checkgate were demolished.
Also, the public who will carry out self-demolition of their structures were also paid as an incentive (relief package) charges for it. We have a list of shop owners and building owners and we are looking for it and accordingly the actual owners will be paid the demolition charges and for which we are here and looking for them and trying to disbursed them on the spot. He said.
Briefing media, DC Potom said that the tender for the package B (Papu Nallah to Nirjuli) and package C (Nirjuli to Banderdewa) for construction of 4 lane highway have already been done several months back. The agreement has also been done a few months back. “The contractors are asking for encumbrance free land and therefore we have started the process to acquire land. The state government is paying self-demolition charges to those who demolished properties on their own in the ROW. If they don’t do it, the administration will demolish it and the charges for demolition will be charged from them,” said Potom. He also said the compensation is being paid to genuine beneficiaries.
Kipa Hipik, a local business community member, alleged that the administration tried to conduct an eviction drive without giving prior notice.
“Proper notice should be issued before starting the demolition of properties. Also, the administration should give enough time for self-demolition to the owners. Panchayat members, Gaon Burahs and IMC representatives should be informed beforehand,” said Hipik. He further claimed that there are discrepancies in compensation distribution too.
The demolition drive is expected to continue for the next few days as officials accompanied the deputy commissioner.
Earlier on Monday a meeting was convened by Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar to discuss the issue related to acquisition of land for construction of 4 lane from Papu Nallah to Banderdewa. In the meeting it was decided that DC ICR will hand over encumbrance free land of package C (Nirjuli to Banderdewa) except viaduct/bridge to PWD highway by July 25 and package B (Papu Nallah to Nirjuli) will be handed over on August 10. As per sources the capital administration is trying to make the Package-C encumbrance free and will hand it over to the highway department to start the work first.
