Shillong, Dec 11: Residents of several villages along the NH-217 Tura–Dalu road have strongly refuted the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. (NHIDCL)’s recent claims of “successful completion” of widening and geometric improvements on the project.
Villagers say that on the ground, work has not even started on multiple stretches where land disputes and compensation issues remain unresolved.
NHIDCL’s in an official post had highlighted connectivity benefits and progress under the JICA-funded project.
However, affected landowners across Rongjeng, Rongmil, and nearby localities say the announcement is misleading, as the agency has neither completed land acquisition nor obtained consent from several property owners whose lands lie directly in the alignment.
Chintu G Momin of Rongmil , whose land falls within the proposed expansion, said the project has not begun in his area because residents have rejected the compensation offered. “My land will go if the road expands, but the amount they offered is too small for rebuilding. I have not consented. They have not started any work here because families like mine are still waiting for fair compensation. How can they claim successful completion?” he said.
In Rongmil, Gabil Bisa under East Garo Hills, Phulbalin G. Momin said that NHIDCL’s engaged company had attempted to enter her land earlier, prompting her to file a legal case. She said no road-related work has begun since the dispute was raised. “They tried to damage parts of my property without proper notice. I filed a case, and the matter is still in court. No construction is happening here because nothing has been settled. Their claim is far from the truth.”
Commercial property owners in Rongjeng Bazar have echoed these objections. Shamina N. Sangma, who owns a shop marked for acquisition, said she has not accepted the valuation offered by NHIDCL. “The compensation for my shop is too little. I have not given consent, and that is why work has not started in this stretch. It is wrong to say the project is completed when affected people have not agreed.”
Villagers argue that the corporation’s public communication ignores the ground reality: key sections of NH-217 cannot proceed due to stalled land acquisition, pending compensation disputes, and ongoing litigation. They say mandatory procedures under land acquisition laws—including fair valuation, consultation, and consent—remain incomplete.
As affected residents continue to oppose the compensation offered and legal disputes remain active, large parts of the NH-217 project corridor in East Garo Hills remain untouched. Villagers say NHIDCL’s claim of “successful completion” is inaccurate and disregards the unresolved issues of those whose homes and livelihoods stand to be affected.
