Shillong, Feb 19: Deputy Chief Minister in-charge PWD (Roads) Prestone Tynsong told the Assembly on Thursday that more than 96% of land compensation issues linked to the Shillong Western Bypass project have been settled, and assured that unresolved grievances will be addressed without affecting landowners’ interests.
“As far as Western Bypass is concerned, the status of the project construction is well in progress and the issues relating to land compensation — 96–97% — have been resolved,” Tynsong said.
“Maybe the Sohiong member pointed to issues where we still have grievances — 3–4% which is unresolved till today and is still under scrutiny by the district collector, or portions handed over to the arbitrator. Let me assure the House that these issues will be resolved and the interest of landowners will not be affected — rather, they will be benefited when the government pays compensation,” he assured.
Earlier, UDP legislator from Sohiong Synshar Kupar Lyngdoh Thabah raised concerns about land excavated beyond the revenue-paid area, with sediments allegedly damaging paddy fields during construction.
He asked what the government, revenue department, or NHIDCL would do about unoccupied or unpaid portions.
Responding, Tynsong said grievances would be heard and settled.
“If there are any grievances happening to any particular landowner, as I said, there is room to listen and resolve their issues. We have the district collector, revenue, who will supervise, see, and attend to all these grievances. In case an issue is so complicated, we have another forum in the arbitrator. If there are grievances, we are there to resolve them.”
