Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has taken a decisive stand against corruption in infrastructure projects. Recently, he ordered a comprehensive multi-level investigation into the frontier highway issues in East Kameng. This move addresses a massive ₹130-crore land compensation scam linked to the Lada-Sarli section of the highway.
The Chief Minister reiterated his “zero-tolerance” policy toward financial mismanagement. He noted that such irregularities delay vital strategic projects. Consequently, the government is now employing both investigative and administrative measures to resolve the crisis.
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Investigating Frontier Highway Issues in East Kameng
The core of the frontier highway issues in East Kameng involves fraudulent land claims and inflated asset valuations. A state-appointed Fact-Finding Committee (FFC) recently uncovered major lapses in the compensation process for the 125.5-km road stretch.
Following these findings, the government initiated several actions:
- Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) Arrests: The ACB has already arrested the former District Land Records and Settlement Officer (DLRSO) for his alleged role in the misappropriation.
- Official Suspensions: The state suspended four senior officials and recommended action against the former Deputy Commissioner of East Kameng.
- Asset Verification: Investigators found that many “ghost houses” and non-existent assets were assessed to siphon off government funds.
Because the project is critical for border security, the Chief Minister has vowed that no one involved will be spared, regardless of their position.
Re-Verification Drive to Resolve Compensation Row
To rectify the situation, the Department of Land Management has formed new Re-Verification Committees. These teams will conduct physical inspections of land and assets across Packages I to V of the project. This is a vital step in solving the frontier highway issues in East Kameng.
The re-verification process includes several strict protocols:
- Direct Supervision: The East Kameng Deputy Commissioner will oversee all field activities.
- GPS and Videography: Every land parcel will be documented and videographed to ensure transparency.
- Cross-Departmental Teams: Experts from the forest, agriculture, and public works departments will join the survey.
- Security Support: Three platoons of the CRPF will provide protection to the survey teams during their field visits.
Furthermore, the government has allocated ₹60 lakh to cover the operational expenses of this 45-day exercise.
Impact on Strategic Border Infrastructure
The Frontier Highway (National Highway-913) is a dream project for the state. It aims to connect remote districts along the India-China border. However, the frontier highway issues in East Kameng have threatened the timeline of this ₹42,000-crore initiative.
Chief Minister Khandu expressed his disappointment over the local interference. He lamented that a few individuals were playing “spoilsport” for personal gain. Meanwhile, he praised other districts like West Kameng for completing their land acquisition in a transparent manner. By solving the East Kameng dispute, the state hopes to restore public trust and resume construction quickly.
Conclusion
The crackdown on the frontier highway issues in East Kameng demonstrates the state’s commitment to clean governance. By ordering a multi-level probe and on-ground re-verification, CM Pema Khandu is ensuring that genuine landowners receive their dues.
Ultimately, these measures will safeguard the state’s strategic interests. As the investigation continues, the people of Arunachal Pradesh look forward to the timely completion of this vital lifeline.
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