Ibobi rules out further land acquisition
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 24 2014: Chief Min-ister O Ibobi has clarified that the Government has no inten-tion to acquire any more land in addition to the area already marked and acquired for expansion of Tidim Road up to 38 metres on each side of the median from Keishampat junction to Malom.

In today's Assembly session, MLA L Ibomcha put up a call attention motion asking if the Government was planning to acquire more land beyond the line already demarcated and up to which land acquisition process was already completed.

Responding to the call attention motion, Ibobi stated that the Government earlier planned for expansion of Tidim Road up to 45 metres on each side of the median between Keishampat junction and Malom because of its importance and direct connectivity to Imphal Airport.

expansion of Tidim Road

But the same plan was dropped and road expansion was limited to 38 metres on each side in public interest.

The Government has no intention to acquire additional land.

"The line of demarcation may not be exactly straight and there might be some errors in measurement.

These are small matters and I've instructed all relevant Ministers and engineers to settle these matters amicably", the Chief Minister stated.

Earlier, compelled by traffic congestion at Imphal and keeping in view future requirements, the State Government acquired up to 30 metres on each side of the road from Moirangkhom to Manipur University.

From Manipur University to Lilong, the Government acquired up to 45 metres on each side and the highway expansion work was initiated.

At present, there is no alternative site to shift away Imphal airport.

In view of its growing importance, 600 acres of land were acquired for expansion of Imphal airport.

Ibobi also welcomed the suggestion given by some people of Sagolband and Keishamthong Assembly segments to expedite the highway expansion and construction work from Keishampat junction to Malom in public interest.

Assuring that maximum efforts would be put in to complete the highway expansion work as fast as possible, Ibobi informed that the expanded highway section would be flanked by drains 3 metres in width on either side.

The drains would be roofed and they would serve the purpose of footpath.

Cable wires would be led underneath the covered drains.

Affected people left out in the process of providing compensation would be given compensation if they are found deserving.

As for the families who are yet to claim compensation because of disputes within the families would be served a notice to collect their compensation amount within a specific period.

If the families cannot resolve their internal disputes, the compensation amounts would be deposited in Court, Ibobi stated.

Earlier raising the call attention motion, L Ibomcha said that people were confused when PWD officials came and re-draw the line for land acquisition after the line first drawn by Settlement officials was dismissed as erroneous.

He, nonetheless, lauded the Government initiative of expanding the particular highway section.