Itanagar, Jul 10: The All Nyishi Students' Union (ANSU) has urged the Arunachal Pradesh government to publish a comprehensive White Paper on land compensation disbursed under the Frontier Highway Project in Kurung Kumey, Kra Daadi and East Kameng districts, citing the need for greater transparency and accountability in the implementation of the strategically important road project.
In a representation submitted to the Commissioner of Land Management on Thursday, the union sought publication of the White Paper within 15 days, containing detailed information on compensation sanctioned and disbursed under the project.
The union stated that the Frontier Highway Project involves substantial public expenditure and directly affects the rights and interests of thousands of landowners and beneficiaries. It said transparency, fairness and accountability must be ensured in the compensation process.
ANSU also referred to a writ petition pending before the Itanagar Bench of the Gauhati High Court concerning land compensation in the Kurung Kumey stretch of the project. The union alleged that compensation was disbursed despite the High Court's directions issued on April 10, without mandatory physical verification, videography, photography and other prescribed procedures to verify the existence and extent of land, structures and plantations before release of compensation.
Among its demands, ANSU sought district-wise, package-wise and village-wise details of compensation sanctioned and disbursed, a complete list of beneficiaries, the valuation methodology adopted, verification reports, survey records, GPS mapping and geo-tagging documents.
It also called for disclosure of complaints received, departmental inquiries, vigilance proceedings, audit observations, recovery proceedings and pending court cases related to compensation under the project.
Further, ANSU sought details of the total compensation disbursed, the source of funding and corrective measures initiated by the government to recover excess or fraudulent payments while ensuring lawful compensation to genuine beneficiaries.
The union said publication of the White Paper would enhance public confidence, facilitate informed public scrutiny and reaffirm the government's commitment to transparent governance.
ANSU also demanded the constitution of a recovery committee within seven days to identify and recover any excess, fraudulent or unauthorised land compensation disbursed under the Frontier Highway Project.
The union further called for the declassification and public release of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) investigation report related to the alleged land compensation irregularities, saying its disclosure was essential to ensure transparency, accountability and restore public confidence in the investigation.
In a separate representation to the Minister for Land Management, Urban Affairs and Housing, ANSU requested a meeting involving the district administration, the Land Management Department, the local MLA and representatives of the union to discuss issues related to the proposed Kamla Hydroelectric Project.
The union said the meeting would help stakeholders obtain first-hand information on land acquisition, compensation, rehabilitation and other related matters to safeguard the interests of affected people. It added that early consultations would help prevent disputes similar to those witnessed during land compensation for the Lada-Sarli stretch of the Frontier Highway in East Kameng district and facilitate the smooth implementation of the Kamla Hydroelectric Project.