Meghalaya’s Deputy Chief Minister, Prestone Tynsong, informed that more than Rs 268 crore has been disbursed as land compensation for National Highway construction in North Garo Hills and East Garo Hills districts. A total of 2,414 beneficiaries across the two districts have received compensation. In North Garo Hills, 187 beneficiaries were compensated with Rs 43,96,924, while in East Garo Hills, Rs 225,13,52,897.31 was disbursed to 2,227 beneficiaries.
The compensation package covers landowners affected by the National Highway projects, including those whose land, structures, trees, and crops were impacted. The process has been completed and handed over to the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) to aid construction work. Responding to concerns raised by Kharkutta MLA Rupert Momin, Tynsong mentioned that most of the land compensation process, around 93 to 94 percent, has been finalized.
While many beneficiaries have utilized the funds for purchasing land or building houses, some with valid land documents were excluded from the compensation list. Tynsong assured that those dissatisfied with the assessment can submit a petition for review. In North Garo Hills, only four cases are unresolved, with three under arbitrator consideration and one involving a dispute among landowners. The Deputy CM expressed confidence in resolving these issues soon.
Landowners unhappy with the compensation rates set by district authorities have the right to appeal through a government-notified arbitrator. Tynsong affirmed that such cases would be addressed in line with existing provisions.
