People whose lands have been affected by the construction of farm roads will not receive compensation. Infrastructure and Transport Minister, Chandra Bdr. Gurung, said this during the National Assembly’s question hour today. Khatoed-Laya MP, Lhaba Lhaba, asked the minister if there were any plans to compensate people whose land had been affected by the farm road construction.
The minister said that the country has more than 11,200 kilometres of farm roads, spanning nearly 34,000 acres.
The minister added that if the government were to compensate at a rate of 3,000 per decimal, it would exceed Nu 100bn, clarifying that no compensation would be provided.
“It is mentioned in the farm road development guidelines of the then agriculture and forests ministry that no compensation would be given for farm roads. Aware of this issue, we aim to construct farm roads on government land wherever possible to avoid affecting private land.”
The minister was also questioned about whether a 50-foot road right of way is required for widened roads and if the requirement needs to be uniform on both sides.
“According to the Bhutan Road Act, both sides of primary and secondary highways must maintain a road right of way of 50 feet from the centre line. During discussions, experts have emphasised that it is necessary to keep the right of way on both sides.”
Furthermore, the minister added that the guidelines specify that the farm road construction should avoid affecting small landholders and engineers should align the roads to minimise disruption to the public.
Pema Tshomo & Dechen Choden
Edited by Sonam Pem
