CSOs and landowners have raised objections during a public hearing held on Wednesday at Kontha Ahallup Awang Leikai, Imphal East on “Acquisition of Land for Development of IT Hub” in the area besides IT SEZ, Imphal East.
In the wake of the state government’s move to acquire a land measuring around 100 acres in parts of Kontha Ahallup, Mantripukhri, Chingmeirong Nongpok and Meitei Keirang for the construction of the IT Hub, the public hearing was organised by a Social Impact Assessment (SIA) Unit of the Environment and Climate Change.
Raising objection during the hearing, AMMOCOC president SM Jalal said that such land in the urban area is considered as a treasure by the landowners. So, in the best interest of the landlords on humanitarian grounds, it will be wise for the government to search for another suitable location for the project, he added.
Shifting the location of the project will avoid unwanted hue and cry, besides, it will help in maintaining peace and tranquillity in the society, he added.
Some of the land owners totally opposed the land acquisition while some are ready to accept if they are given well compensation and provided an alternative location.
Joint director of Environment and Climate, T Brajakumar, who is the scheme officer of the SIA Unit, while addressing the gathering, informed that the unit is an independent and a neutral body which acts as a bridge between the pattadars and the government.
The statement and opinion of the pattadars and the report on the possible impact to the environment and social impact will be recommended to the government by the assessment unit, he added.
A similar public hearing on the same topic is also scheduled to be conducted on Thursday in another location.
