NHA officials visit Gojal valley, KKH compensation likely to be 9-11 Lac per kanal of land

by Nur

Gulmit, May 28: Officials of the National Highways Authority (NHA) have visited Gojal valley to hold discussions with political and social representatives about the KKH expansion and grievances of the local communities. General Manager of the NHA, Muhammad Alyas Afzal Khan, was leading the team of visitors. Also present were officials of the Chinese Bridge and Road Construction Corporation (CBRC), including project deputy GM, Ye Ching Jin. Shehbaz Khan represented the people of Gojal during the meet.

Talking to Pamir Times on phone  Shehbaz Khan, member district council said that he briefed the officials about various complaints lodged by the local communities with regards to the KKH expansion work. He said that the issue of land compensation was discussed and it was principally agreed that an amount between 9-11 Lac rupees per Kanal will be paid to those affected by expansion of the Karakuram Highway.

The NHA officials, earlier, also held similar meetings with community representatives at Karimabad and Aliabad. The community had demanded at least 1.5 million rupees per kanal of land being used for expansion of the KKH, in Hunza valley.

Reportedly the issues of demolishing boundary walls without permissions, causing damage to water channels and destroying trees without prior notice were also discussed during the meeting. The CBRC officials assured that such actions will be avoided in the future. It was also emphasized that the NHA and CBRC shall give priority to local youth while filing vacancies related to the KKH expansion project.