Workers are seen installing iron mesh along a vulnerable stretch of National Highway 29, just past the Chümoukedima check gate near the Patkai bridge, as part of ongoing efforts to prevent rockslides in the area. (Morung Photo)
Kohima, May 6 (MExN): Deputy Chief Minister of Nagaland TR Zeliang today called for urgent consideration of adopting the National Highways Act, 1956 to facilitate smoother and more efficient construction of national highways in the state, warning that continued delay could result in stalled infrastructure projects and loss of central funding.
Chairing a high-level meeting at the Civil Secretariat Conference Hall in Kohima, Zeliang explained that the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has made it clear that the NH Act applies uniformly across India, including in Nagaland, and must be used in conjunction with the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (RFCTLARR) Act, 2013.
“The adoption of the NH Act will immensely benefit our people,” the Deputy Chief Minister said, highlighting that the current compensation mechanisms under the Nagaland Land Requisition and Acquisition Act, 1965, are outdated and do not provide the range of provisions available under the central legislation. These include more transparent and fair land rates, broader criteria for compensation, and a streamlined acquisition process, he said.
Zeliang cautioned that non-adoption of the NH Act could lead to further delays in highway construction, which in turn would deprive Nagaland of vital road connectivity and economic growth opportunities. Drawing a parallel with the long-delayed implementation of the Women’s Reservation Act, he said, “Should we continue to stall and delay, the NH Act might meet a similar fate where development benefits are unnecessarily postponed, and the state will have no option but to implement it under pressure later.”
At the same time, the meeting gave due importance to concerns regarding the protection of Nagaland’s special constitutional status under Article 371A, which guarantees protection of Naga customary law and ownership of land and resources. Participants deliberated on the need to craft a framework that balances these protections while enabling infrastructure progress.
The meeting was attended by several top government officials including Additional Chief Secretary and Finance Commissioner Sentiyanger, Principal Secretary of Law & Justice Kikheto Sema, Commissioner & Secretary of Works & Housing Kesonyu Yhome, Commissioner & Secretary of Land Revenue Dr Zase Chusi, the Chief Engineer of PWD (National Highways), Additional Advocate Generals, and representatives from district administrations.
It was resolved that the Works & Housing Department, in consultation with the Law & Justice and Land Revenue Departments, will draft a Cabinet Memo to be placed before the State Cabinet. Any further steps, including potential legislative amendments, would be taken up through the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, if necessary.
Kesonyu Yhome, IAS, urged all stakeholders to expedite the process, warning that continued procedural delays would hamper progress on essential projects.
The government said it remains committed to ensuring sustainable development while protecting land ownership and customary rights. If implemented with necessary safeguards, the adoption of the NH Act is expected to unlock central funds, improve road infrastructure, and stimulate long-term economic benefits for Nagaland.
