In a major boost to road infrastructure, Meghalaya has disbursed more than ₹268 crore as land acquisition compensation for national highway works in the Garo Hills districts, Deputy Chief Minister Preston Tinsong informed the assembly.
The payouts reached 2,414 affected families across North and East Garo Hills. Breaking it down, North Garo Hills saw 187 recipients get ₹43.96 lakh, dwarfed by the ₹225.13 crore handed to 2,227 individuals in East Garo Hills.
These funds address displacements of property, structures, vegetation, and agricultural produce essential for the ambitious highway upgrades. With most claims settled, the project baton has passed to NHIDCL, signaling green lights for accelerated construction.
Kharkutta MLA Rupert Momin highlighted success stories of families reinvesting in new properties but flagged gaps for those with legitimate papers yet excluded. Tinsong responded confidently: nearly 94% completion rate, only four cases lingering in North Garo Hills—three in arbitration, one mired in internal disputes.
Landowners unhappy with valuations can seek redress via formal petitions, to be adjudicated by government-appointed arbitrators. As Meghalaya races towards better highways, this compensation framework exemplifies proactive governance, minimizing delays and fostering regional development.