[ Bengia Ajum ]

ITANAGAR, 24 Jun: Reacting to various social media posts and news reports expressing concern over alleged inflation of land compensation estimates for the Kamle Hydroelectric Project (HEP), the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), the state’s premier investigative agency, has stressed the need for transparency, due diligence, and fairness in the preparation and disbursement of land compensation.

The ACB also cited several past cases in which land compensation estimates in infrastructure projects were illegally inflated, resulting in wrongful gains for government officials and private individuals involved.

In such cases, FIRs had to be registered by the ACB, leading to criminal proceedings, including arrests, seizure of properties, freezing of bank accounts, and other punitive actions against those found responsible.

The bureau further stated that it has been entrusted with the mandate of preventive vigilance to proactively eliminate the causes of corruption and misconduct in government organisations before they occur. In view of this mandate, the ACB has issued an advisory to officials, private individuals, and beneficiaries associated with the land compensation process for the Kamle (Kamala) HEP.

“It is advised that due diligence, transparency, fairness, and strict adherence to laws, rules, and manuals be observed in the preparation and disbursement of compensation. It is also advised that proper records-documentary and electronic (photographic, audio, and video), as well as technical records such as GPS and location data-be properly maintained and archived for future reference,” the ACB stated.

In recent months, several social media users have posted videos and photographs showing the construction of houses allegedly intended to claim compensation benefits under the Kamle Hydropower Project. These posts have triggered strong reactions online, with many users calling for an investigation into the matter.