The affected landowners of the Rhenock-Pakyong road widening project at Bengthang Pacheykhani village near Gangtok took out a silent protest rally on Wednesday demanding proper compensation for the land acquired for the road extension project.
The protesting villagers held placards demanding adequate compensation as per the 2013 Land Acquisition Act.
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The villagers also exhibited their protest against the rampant deforestation by the road construction company for the road extension project.
An affected land owner vented his anger saying the breadth of the existing road was being extended up to 100 feet without giving proper compensation to the landowners.
Locals have alleged that the existing road was constructed in the year 1952 and land was acquired accordingly without maintaining any proper records.
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The locals also demanded that the compensation be paid as per latest rates and the affected landowners be resettled.
The NHIDCL is undertaking the 26 km Rhenock-Pakyong road through private contractors.
The project involves widening, realignment, surface improvement of the road and felling of trees at several stretches.