Land acquisition for NH: R S Pathania questions 13-year delay in compensation to affected families

Udhampur, Aug 21: MLA Udhampur East Ranbir Singh Pathania Thursday questioned what he chose to describe as an “inexplicable 13-year delay in disbursing (withheld 20 percent) compensation to families whose lands were acquired in 2012 for the construction of the National Highway.

While addressing a public meeting at village Mand on the National Highway, the BJP MLA, while criticising the delay, stated, “Why is 20 percent of the lawfully due compensation still being withheld from affected landowners even after 13 years? People’s lands were taken in the name of development, yet their rightful dues have been denied. This injustice cannot be tolerated any further.”

Pathania demanded immediate accountability and release of withheld payments.

Later he undertook an extensive tour of flood-affected areas in Udhampur. Accompanied by officials, he inspected damaged roads, public infrastructure, and residential houses.

Pathania called upon the administration to amend SDRF norms to ensure every rain-affected family was indemnified and immediately restore drinking water supply in affected areas.

He also directed for clearance of blocked roads, including Larang, Kah, and the University campus road, and the repair of damaged irrigation channels and power lines without delay.