ITANAGAR, 10 Jul: The All Nyishi Students’ Union (ANSU) has urged the state government to publish a comprehensive white paper on land compensation disbursed under the Frontier Highway project in Kurung Kumey, Kra Daadi and East Kameng districts, stressing the need for greater transparency and accountability in the implementation of the strategically significant infrastructure project.
In a representation submitted to the land management commissioner on Thursday, the union sought publication of the white paper within 15 days, saying it should contain detailed information on compensation sanctioned and disbursed under the project.
The union said the Frontier Highway project involves substantial public expenditure and directly affects the rights and interests of thousands of landowners and beneficiaries. It argued that transparency, fairness and accountability must be ensured in the disbursement of compensation.
The ANSU also referred to a writ petition pending before the Itanagar Bench of the Gauhati High Court, relating to land compensation in the Kurung Kumey stretch of the project.
The union alleged that compensation had been disbursed despite directions issued by the court on 10 April this year, without mandatory physical verification, videography, photography and other verification procedures to establish the existence and extent of land, structures and plantations before release of compensation.
Among its demands, the union sought district-wise, package-wise and village-wise details of compensation sanctioned and paid, the complete list of beneficiaries, valuation methodology adopted, verification reports, survey records, GPS mapping and geotagging documents. It also sought disclosure of complaints, departmental inquiries, vigilance proceedings, audit observations, recovery proceedings and pending judicial cases relating to compensation under the project.
The representation further called for disclosure of the total compensation disbursed, the source of funding, and corrective measures initiated by the government to recover excess or fraudulent payments and ensure lawful compensation to genuine beneficiaries. It said publication of the white paper would enhance public confidence, facilitate informed public scrutiny and reaffirm the government’s commitment to transparent governance.
In a separate representation addressed to the land management, urban affairs and housing minister, the ANSU requested an official meeting involving the district administration, land management department, the local MLA and representatives of the union to discuss issues relating to the proposed Kamla Hydroelectric Project.
The union said the meeting is necessary to obtain firsthand information on land acquisition, compensation, rehabilitation and related matters to safeguard the interests of the affected people. It added that early consultations among stakeholders would help avoid disputes similar to those witnessed during land compensation for the Lada-Sarli stretch of the Frontier Highway in East Kameng district, and facilitate the smooth implementation of the Kamla Hydroelectric Project.