Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha has reassured the public that landowners are being compensated when their land is acquired for the Northeast Gas Grid project. The project is a significant natural gas pipeline network that will connect Guwahati to three state capitals – Imphal, Agartala, and Itanagar. It is anticipated that once operational, the project will enhance energy access and spur industrial development across the region.
During a press conference on Wednesday, Saha addressed recent claims of forced evictions without payment, stating that compensation is indeed being provided to landowners. He expressed confusion over where such reports originated from, dismissing them as inaccurate.
These statements follow allegations made by Tipra Motha Party (TMP) chief Pradyot Kishore Debbarma, who claimed that tribal families in Damcherra and Panisagar in North Tripura were being forcibly removed from their ancestral lands to make way for the gas grid project. Debbarma, a vocal advocate for indigenous rights, called on supporters to resist any such actions.
The assurance from Chief Minister Saha aims to alleviate concerns and ensure transparency in the land acquisition process for the Northeast Gas Grid project. As the project progresses, it will be important for authorities to uphold the rights of landowners and address any grievances that may arise during the implementation phase.
