Deputy Commissioner Chümoukedima, Abhinav Shivam in a notification has cautioned those involved in encroachment of Right of Way (RoW) along the stretch of Dimapur-Kohima 4 Lane (Package-l) and Dimapur Bypass (Nagaland portion), which has already been acquired and compensated.
In the notification dated September 6, 2023 made available on Saturday, the DC said that numerous complaints have been received regarding ROW encroachments along the said stretch by means of construction of unauthorized structures i.e buildings, huts, sand mahals, culvert blockages, damage to medians, and occupation of public land which has been acquired through compensation.
DC asserted that such unlawful activities were punishable offences under relevant sections of National Highway Act and ‘The Nagaland Eviction of Persons in Unauthorized Occupation of Public Land Act 1971’.
It also said that these illegal obstructions posed as a serious threat to public safety, disruption of traffic and damage to road surfaces.
Therefore, in an attempt to preclude ROW encroachments along the highway stretches, DC said that obtaining No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the DC’s office was compulsory prior to commencement of any kind of construction activity whether for private or commercial purposes.
The district administration shall continue to conduct regular verification and initiate necessary actions against violators, it said.
DC, therefore, urged upon the public to strictly adhere to this notification and extend all possible cooperation to the district administration in ensuring that the highways are free from encroachments for the overall safety and benefit of the citizens.