Land acquisition as per established norms and procedures: Commissioner Nagaland

The Commissioner of Nagaland has claimed that land acquisition process has been meticulously followed as per established norms and procedures for road construction at CH 126, Tsiedukhru (Pagla Pahar) along NH-29.
Reacting to news reports over land acquisition process, the commissioner in a press release stated clarified that joint survey for land acquisition was conducted on December 13, 2024, while proposal for land acquisition (LA) was submitted to the government on February 10, 2025.
He said the Tourism department issued no objection certificate (NOC) for LA on March 25, 2025, and the state government submitted its approved proposal on April 11, 2025 to the executive director (P) of National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL) Kohima regional office.
The NHIDCL, PMU-Dimapur raised an objection to the acquisition of government land (Tourism Department) and PHED estimates for utility shifting on May 22, following which Deputy Commissioner (DC) Chümoukedima submitted a clarification and furnished a revised PHED estimate.
In view of the upcoming monsoon, a joint meeting was held on May 20, where it was decided to issue NOC to NHIDCL for carrying out construction works.
Subsequently, the DC Chümoukedima issued the NOC that day itself, allowing NHIDCL to start construction works at CH 126.
Compensation for land acquisition was received on July 2, which included 100% compensation amount for the Tourism Department (land cost and forest damages) and 80% of the amount for utility shifting for PHED.
Accordingly, it said that payments were made to both PHED and Tourism department, while PHE Urban Division Dimapur executive engineer issued clearance to NHIDCL to commence work for hill cutting at CH 126.
While construction works have not yet started at CH 126, the Commissioner has requested all stakeholders and the public to refer to accurate information and avoid speculation.
He said the state government remained committed to the timely and transparent execution of this vital infrastructure project.