Maytas-Gayatri Damaged Victim Association (MGDVA) has demanded compensation of Rs.51,12,66,695.34 for damages inflicted for works on Zunheboto-Chakhabama Road and another Rs.5,81,69,989.70 for Phek-Pfutsero road- from the state and central governments within 15 days failing which the communities involved would be compelled to resort to their own course of action. This was stated by convenor of MGDVA Chetheba co-convenor Vepozoyi Theyi
in a letter addressed to DC Phek. MGDVA claimed that people along the roads have been severely affected during the past ten years on account of “reckless destruction’” caused by Maytas-Gayatri during the construction of the 2-lane works.
MGDVA said the road construction damaged cultivated and cultivatable land above the below the road and that the land below running around 3 Kms were worst sufferers as earth was dumped on the land.
It also claimed that thousands of families have been deprived of livelihood while many families had to migrate elsewhere resulting in discontinuation of education for children. MGDVA also claimed that many lives were lost or injured on account of accident or roadblocks while travelling on the above roads. MGDVA said the untold suffering of the affected victims was also known to the state and central governments, Gauhati High Court and Supreme Court. It said the physical assessment of damages was done by the competent authority and which was self explanatory.
MGDVA said various appeals were made for compensation in the past but to no avail and therefore, it was compelled to demand immediate cash compensation that was overdue. It also added, that the road works was being supervised by the PWD(NH) department and therefore the department was obligated to ensure timely payment of compensation.
MGDVA said NHIDCL could easily pay 30% of the compensation demanded for uncut areas but that delay arose due to Maytas-Gayatri’s silence. It said both Maytas-Gayatri(JV) and government of India pay the remaining portion of 70% of the compensation for cut and damaged areas.
MGDVA said it has no intention of obstructing the development of the work but had been patiently waiting for response to its lawful claim. However, it lamented on the apathy of the above authorities which has compelled it to seek redressal of its grievances.