Diplomat Correspondent
Kargil, DD: Arbitration proceedings were conducted by Shri Bhupesh Chaudhary, IAS, Administrative Secretary, Transport Department, UT Ladakh, in his capacity as Arbitrator, on the 4th and 5th of June 2025 in Kargil, to address disputes relating to compensation for land acquired for the construction of the Kargil-Zanskar National Highway (NH-301).
On June 4, 2025, the preliminary proceedings were held at the office of the Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO), Kargil. The session was convened to resolve issues regarding compensation rates and their assessment. The Arbitrator reviewed and scrutinized 29 cases, comprising statements of claim submitted by landowners and the corresponding defence statements submitted by the Competent Authority for Land Acquisition (CALA). The claims pertain to areas from Kargil-Minjee to Thangdumbur-Sankoo.
The session was attended by the Assistant Commissioner (Revenue), Kargil; Consultant (CALA)/Deputy Commissioner, Kargil; ARTO, Kargil; Deputy General Manager (Land Acquisition & Coordination), NHIDCL; and Legal Assistant, Transport Department, UT Ladakh.
On June 5, 2025, the proceedings continued at the VC Hall, Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Kargil. The Arbitrator examined the maintainability of the 29 submitted cases, identifying those requiring additional documentary evidence or clarification. The scrutiny was conducted in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, and the National Highways Act, 1956.
Prior to the proceedings, the Arbitrator held a consultation with the Hon’ble Executive Councillor, Shri Kacho Mohd. Feroz, and the Councillor of Suru Constituency, Shri Abdul Hadi.
The representatives conveyed public concerns related to the timely resolution of compensation matters and disbursement of funds. The Arbitrator assured that these issues would be appropriately taken up with the concerned authorities.
Additionally, the Arbitrator met with the Deputy Commissioner, Kargil, to discuss the pendency of compensation cases, institutional coordination, and financial provisioning. The meeting emphasized the need for early resolution and effective redressal of landowners’ grievances, particularly in light of the strategic significance of the NH-301 project.
The proceedings reaffirm the Administration’s commitment to ensuring transparent, equitable, and timely resolution of land acquisition-related claims in support of vital infrastructure development in the Union Territory.DD
