Arunachal: Multi-crore compensation fraud rocks Frontier Highway project in East Kameng

A reassessment team has visited East Kameng district in Arunachal following allegations of a multi-crore compensation scam linked to the ambitious Frontier Highway Project in Arunachal Pradesh. The team conducted a re-verification of the Lada–Sarli stretch, examining compensation disbursements and the authenticity of land ownership claims along the 126-kilometer segment of the project.

Sources revealed that the distribution of compensation lacked transparency, with numerous irregularities detected during the review. Reports indicate the emergence of “ghost houses” — fake structures allegedly built to fraudulently claim government compensation for non-existent properties. In several cases, photographs of houses from other locations were presented as evidence of ownership over barren or forested land.

The Frontier Highway, estimated at ₹42,000 crore, is a strategically vital road that aims to enhance border connectivity and security in Arunachal Pradesh. However, compensation-related malpractices have raised serious concerns.

In June 2025, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju described such irregularities as a “cancerous disease” that threatens to delay the project’s progress. Emphasizing the importance of the initiative, he noted that a few “vested interests” were exploiting compensation loopholes to stall development.

Prominent activist Sol Dodum and local leader Taku have voiced strong concerns over discrepancies in the disbursement process.
“There have been clear lapses in the distribution of compensation,” said Taku, highlighting variations in payment rates. “For the same square meter of land, some received ₹100 while others got ₹200. This inconsistency exposes deep-rooted disparity in the process,” he added.

Taku further alleged that District Land Revenue and Settlement Officer (DLRSO) Takam Kechak of Seppa had compensated unclassified forest lands, including those within protected and reserve forest zones, in violation of existing forest regulations. He also pointed out that separate payments for utility shifting had been made to departments, yet discrepancies remained unaddressed.

Activists also questioned the integrity of the verification process, claiming that no geo-tagging, video recording, or photographic documentation was carried out during the land assessment.
“Through RTI, we requested the department to provide geo-tagged photos and video evidence of the affected areas, but none were furnished,” Taku alleged, calling for an independent inquiry.

Echoing similar concerns, social activist Sol Dodum stated that instead of ensuring fair and equal compensation for affected families, certain officials allegedly diverted payments to government structures, leaving genuine landowners deprived.

Officials from the Central and State governments have assured that the findings of the reassessment will be thoroughly examined, and strict action will follow against those found guilty of malpractice. The investigation aims to restore public trust and ensure that the Frontier Highway Project proceeds transparently and efficiently.