[ Karda Natam ]

DUMPORIJO, 22 Jun: The preliminary public hearing conducted by the Dumporijo administration on Saturday on the acquisition of land for the proposed national highway (NH) project connecting Mebigeko in Dumporijo to Assam’s Gogamukh ended on a positive note, with the majority of the participants extending support for the project.

The hearing covered the affected villages falling within Upper Subansiri district.

Addressing the gathering, ADC Otem Jamoh informed that the 0-35 km stretch of the proposed highway falls under Upper Subansiri district, beginning from Nuk (Mebigeko). He stated that the majority of the participants extended strong support for the project, describing it as a long-awaited dream project.

Jamoh further said that an earlier land valuation exercise had been cancelled after technical discrepancies were identified. The right of way (RoW) had previously been estimated at 37 metres for a two-lane road, whereas the approved RoW should have been 24 metres.

“Consequently, fresh measurements will now be carried out based on the correct 24-metre RoW,” the ADC said.

He said also that several illegal structures were detected during the earlier land verification process,and that such unauthorised structures would not be considered for compensation purposes.

Stakeholders, including PRI leaders, villagers, senior citizens and government officials shared their views on the proposed project.

During the meeting, speakers unanimously expressed their support for the highway project, saying the road would significantly improve connectivity, facilitate economic growth and enhance access to essential services once completed.

Officials from the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited highlighted the developmental opportunities and benefits that the project would bring to the district upon its completion.