The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) today said that the contract for construction of flyover from Rilbong Point to Jhalupara here had already been issued but after the contractor foreclosed the same, steps have been taken to invite new biddings and the last date for receipt of the same is March 15.
The NHIDCL informed this to the division bench of the Meghalaya High Court today during hearing of a PIL filed by city-based lawyer Kaustav Paul on the matter.
According to the NHIDCL, about 26 trees have already been felled and the further felling activity will be undertaken only to ensure that the handing over of the land to the contractor is not delayed.
Regarding certain problems regarding acquisition of land, the NHIDCL assured the court that no trees in the disputed areas would be felled before the actual process of acquisition is completed.
Both the State government and NHIDCL indicated that in accordance with the practice now in place for trees felled for the purpose of any infrastructure project, land has to be acquired elsewhere and a degree of afforestation undertaken.
The petitioner however pointed out that it is possible that even after the acquisition of the land for the flyover project similar trees are planted in the area so that some of the pristine nature may be restored despite the unavoidable development work undertaken.
According to the NHIDCL, the Rilbong to Jhalupara flyover project is only a part of the five-part project pertaining to the proposed expansion, widening and development of the Shillong to Dawki road.
