SHILLONG: The implementing agency for the Jowai-Malidor road project is miffed at the district administration of West Jaintia Hills and East Jaintia Hills for delaying payment of land compensation.
Sources said the firm deposited Rs 155 crore with the district administration of East Jaintia Hills for land compensation in February but till date, it has not handed over the money to land owners, who are not parting with their land.
The sources also said Rs 8 crore was handed over to the district administration of West Jaintia Hills for land acquisition and the same has not been distributed till date.
The agency is finding it difficult to construct a toll plaza in the area falling under West Jaintia Hills.
According to the sources, money was also paid to authorities looking after the Power Department for utility shifting but the work has not been done.
Stating that the deadline for the project is May 2018, the sources said work will be delayed due to these constraints.
The agency has completed 60 per cent of the work and is now working at Sonapur, which is an accident-prone area.
When contacted, East Jaintia Hills Deputy Commissioner M.S Lhuid denied the allegations that the district administration delayed release of compensation.
He said many provisions have to be followed under the Land Compensation Act and there are few claims and objections.
Lhuid added that the district administration has expedited the process of land compensation.
The proposed upgradation of National Highway-44 from Jowai in West Jaintia Hills to Malidor on the Meghalaya-Assam border has been approved under Phase III of the National Highway Development Programme and the project is being taken up at a cost of Rs 468 crore.
