Shillong-Tura road project set for further delay

SHILLONG: The ongoing Shillong-Nongstoin-Tura road project, which was scheduled to be completed by March 2014, seems set for further delay thanks to the perennial problem of land acquisition.
When contacted, East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner PS Dkhar said that the ADC Revenue recently conducted a hearing and some owners were making claims and counter claims over the ownership of the land which is to be acquired for the project.
“The ADC has compiled the report which will be sent to the Government for declaration,” Dkhar said adding  that if the Government sanctions the compensation, the money will be deposited in the Revenue Court.
Some of the land owners have already given their barren land for the road project in anticipation of the compensation while others need compensation to build their new houses.
Dkhar informed that land acquisition hurdles are being faced in areas with shops and residences.
The work along the 264.30-kilometer Shillong-Nongstoin-Tura road at an estimated cost of Rs 1494 crore started in February 2011.
The project, once completed, would provide major relief to the people who have to travel through Assam to reach Garo Hills.
The existing Shillong-Nongstoin-Tura Highway is in a dilapidated condition despite the road being declared as a National Highway in 2004.
It may be mentioned that the project is being implemented by Hyderabad-based firm M/S BSC-C &C (JV).