By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Time is running out for the Meghalaya government to acquire land for the much awaited Shillong- Dawki (NH-40) road project as the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has stipulated a timeline for the acquisition.
Officials said JICA would not release funds for any project until and unless 90 per cent of the land is available with the government; there have been instances where JICA has diverted funds and it may do the same here if there is delay in acquisition of the land.
Officials also informed that so far only 21 per cent (approx) of the land is available and all the line departments are working aggressively to ensure that the acquisition is completed within the timeline.
It may be mentioned that the 82-km road project was estimated at a cost of Rs 1377.5 crore and the final DPR was submitted way back and the agreement with JICA was also signed last year.
Officials also informed that the project has been split into four packages.
The first package comprises of 10 km starting from Shillong city and passing through defence area.
In the defence area, the implementing agency is waiting for the approval of Ministry of Defence for transfer of land. There are several structures which are likely to be affected and hence the Military Engineering Services is conducting the assessment.
For the second and third packages too, there are similar land acquisition issues and the Meghalaya Institute of Governance (MIG) has conducted the Social Impact Assessment(SIA) study and submitted a report to the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills district. The DC then constituted an Expert Appraisal Committee which, however, is yet to make its recommendations on the matter.
As for the fourth package, near Dawki, the SIA has been completed and a preliminary report has also been prepared. A public meeting was held in Bakur village near Dawki on Tuesday.
Apart from providing connectivity to the picturesque border town, the proposed road project is also expected to play a significant role in improving trade and commerce between Meghalaya and neighbouring Bangladesh and other countries.