SHILLONG, July 31: In a significant development pertaining to the much-delayed Shillong-Dawki road project, the Indian Institute of Geomagnetism (IIG), which had previously resisted giving up any land, has agreed to shift by approximately 150 meters but with the rider that the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) bears the cost of relocation.
During a hearing of a PIL on Monday, a short status report pertaining to the project under JICA funding was filed in the High Court of Meghalaya through the state’s Joint Secretary, Public Works (R&B) Department.
In an order, a division bench of Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice Wanlura Diengdoh said, “It is encouraging that several of the impediments appear to have been removed and work in respect of several of the five packages may be ready to be awarded. It is recorded that the modified alignment of the flyover at Jhalupara has been approved by the State.”
The IIG has also agreed that work on the relevant stretch can continue even though the ultimate fate will depend on the readings of the reallocated position of the observatory. The court said there is no doubt that even such aspect can, ultimately, be resolved.
“As to the second package, it appears that two of the landowners have withdrawn their objections. However, a third landowner has not collected the compensation awarded. It is hoped that the Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills ensures that such third person does not stand in the way of the work on the second phase being undertaken,” the court said in the order.
Further, it said as regards the third package, the modified alignment of the Pynursla bypass has been finalised by the government. The new alignment will be forwarded immediately to NHIDCL and the relevant Ministry for final approval. The detailed survey for acquisition of land, forest clearance and shifting of utility lines may be taken up only after the approval, the court ordered.
“This part of the project appears to be delayed, but there is an agreement on the part of the State and it is hoped that if the new alignment meets the approval of the NHIDCL and the Ministry, the urgency provisions in the land compensation statute will be invoked to acquire the land,” the court said.
In respect of the fourth package, the court said the state government and the NHIDCL are on the same page that the alignment cannot be altered. It said the government will now have to negotiate or otherwise acquire the requisite land.
The report indicates that the contract awarded has to be foreclosed since no activity can be undertaken, the court said. It hoped that matters pertaining to the fourth package will be expedited.
“Apropos the fifth package, the Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills has been directed to take action in respect of the part of the land through which the proposed road will pass in Wahkdait, Mawriang and Umsyiem villages,” the court said.
Apart from such portion of the work, the tender for the balance work has been invited and the last date for bids has been fixed on August 2, 2023.
On the issue of felling of trees for the proposed Jhalupara flyover, the court said the subsisting directions will continue and only upon the commencement of actual work that the remainder of the trees will be felled and the felling of trees should not be completed “any earlier”.
