The Tripura Human Rights Commission (THRC) has directed NHIDCL to submit a report on allegations of unscientific NH-44A road construction in Tlaksih village, North Tripura, following complaints of land cracks. The Commission will hear the matter again on August 10, 2026.
The Tripura Human Rights Commission (THRC) has directed the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) to submit a detailed report regarding allegations that the construction of National Highway-44A (NH-44A) in Tlaksih village under North Tripura district was carried out in an unscientific manner, reportedly resulting in cracks in several parts of the village.
The matter came up before the Commission during the hearing of reports submitted in compliance with its earlier order dated June 11, 2026. The case concerns complaints from residents who alleged that improper execution of the highway construction work had adversely affected their homes and surrounding areas, causing visible cracks and posing potential risks to the safety of the village.
During the proceedings, the District Magistrate and Collector of North Tripura informed the Commission that the stretch of NH-44A passing through Tlaksih village had been constructed by NHIDCL. However, the district administration clarified that it was not the competent authority to assess the technical aspects of highway engineering or determine whether the construction had been carried out in an unscientific manner, as alleged by the complainant.
The district administration nevertheless acknowledged that cracks had indeed developed in certain parts of Tlaksih village. According to the report placed before the Commission, the local administration had taken immediate relief measures whenever such incidents were reported. The Sub-Divisional Administration at Kanchanpur provided financial assistance under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) norms to support the affected families.
As per the official report, compensation amounting to Rs 18.20 lakh has already been disbursed to 14 beneficiaries for shifting their dwelling houses from vulnerable locations. Each beneficiary received Rs 1.30 lakh to facilitate relocation and ensure temporary relief.
In addition to housing assistance, the administration also extended compensation for agricultural losses. A total of Rs 30,500 was distributed among 10 beneficiaries whose plantations suffered damage due to the reported incidents in Tlaksih village.
The report further stated that another Rs 28,600 was paid to 13 affected families for shifting graves and clearing debris. Each family received Rs 2,200 under the prescribed SDRF norms, reflecting the administration’s efforts to provide immediate humanitarian assistance despite the pending technical assessment of the construction work.
After examining the submissions, the Human Rights Commission, headed by Justice Arindam Lodh, directed that a copy of the District Magistrate’s report be furnished to the complainant. The Commission also allowed the complainant to submit a response or objections, if any, after reviewing the findings presented by the district administration.
Meanwhile, appearing on behalf of NHIDCL, advocate Rajib Saha filed a vakalatnama before the Commission and sought a short adjournment to enable the corporation to prepare and submit its technical report on the allegations.
Considering the request, the Commission granted NHIDCL additional time and scheduled the next hearing on August 10, 2026, by which the corporation is expected to file its report.
The forthcoming report from NHIDCL is expected to play a crucial role in determining whether the highway construction complied with prescribed engineering standards and whether any corrective measures or further action may be necessary. The Commission’s proceedings also underscore the importance of ensuring that infrastructure development projects are executed with due regard to public safety, environmental stability, and the rights of affected communities.
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Residents of Tlaksih village are now awaiting the findings of the technical report, hoping that the investigation will bring clarity to the cause of the cracks and pave the way for appropriate remedial measures if deficiencies in construction are established. The case continues to draw attention as it highlights the balance between large-scale infrastructure development and the protection of local communities and their livelihoods.
