Guwahati: In Assam’s Dima Hasao district, unrest has escalated as residents of Dolaichunga village under Harangajao have intensified their protest demanding compensation for farmland damaged by an ongoing highway construction project.
The villagers have set a 48-hour deadline for the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), warning that failure to release compensation within the given time will lead to obstruction of the Silchar–Saurashtra East-West Corridor four-lane road project passing through the area.
Locals said that multiple families in Dolaichung village, located between Jatinga and Harangajao, have suffered serious damage to agricultural fields and plantations due to construction activity, but no compensation has been received despite repeated appeals.
They further alleged that joint inspections were carried out by officials from the district administration, the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council, and NHAI, during which assurances of compensation were given repeatedly, but no payments followed. A resident stated that their crops and land have been destroyed and warned that the project would be stopped if dues are not cleared within two days.
Villagers also recalled that construction had been halted earlier two months ago over the same issue, but work resumed after assurances from authorities, which they now claim were not honoured.
On the administrative side, NHAI Project Director Yogesh Rao explained that changes in terrain have led to additional impact on land in the region. He clarified that compensation for land acquired since 2006 has already been settled, and the current matter relates to newly affected areas.
He added that a designated authority has carried out fresh verification and submitted a report. According to him, officials are now reviewing the findings, and compensation will be released once verification is completed successfully.
Tension continues in the area as villagers maintain their demand and say they will continue their agitation if authorities fail to act quickly.