Staff REPORTER
ITANAGAR, Apr 11: Raising questions over alleged irregularities in the Lada-Sarli Frontier Highway project, social activist Sol Dodum on Saturday demanded greater transparency in the ongoing investigation and compensation process.
Speaking to reporters at the Arunachal Press Club here, Dodum expressed concern over delays in compensation to affected landowners, alleging that several genuine beneficiaries have yet to receive their dues despite re-verification exercises.
Describing the verification process as “an eye-wash", he called for a detailed public update on the probe being conducted by the Central Bureau of Investigation, including the status of arrests and recovery of allegedly misappropriated funds.
He further urged the authorities to disclose the total amount recovered so far and ensure accountability at all levels of project implementation.
He further alleged involvement of certain legislators and ministers in the scam, attributing this as a reason behind the Centre entrusting the project to the Border Roads Organisation.
Dodum also flagged structural issues in the execution of infrastructure projects, alleging that contracts awarded to outside firms are often subcontracted to local companies, leading to delays and scope for corruption. He suggested re-tendering of such projects to streamline execution.
Claiming that the matter involves multiple stakeholders, he said representations would be submitted to senior authorities, including the Chief Minister, Chief Secretary, Union Ministers, and the BRO Chief. He also announced plans to constitute district-level teams to monitor the tendering process of such projects.