Assam: Bajali flyover project faces backlash over land acquisition controversy

The construction of a proposed flyover in Bajali has sparked significant controversy and public backlash over allegations of land acquisition irregularities. Locals have accused the authorities of tampering with land measurements, causing unrest in the region as the project is set to commence operational work.

The dispute stems from the measurement process undertaken by government officials. Locals claim that instead of utilizing available government land, measurements were taken in a manner that encroaches upon private land, particularly on the eastern side of the proposed flyover site. Allegedly, while departmental officials were surveying the area, they deliberately left out a one-meter stretch from the middle of the main road, shifting the project’s alignment towards private properties. This has led to widespread dissatisfaction among landowners and residents, who have raised concerns about unfair land acquisition practices.

The controversy comes in the wake of Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma’s election rally at Sarupeta in Bajali, where he assured the public that a flyover would be constructed over the Sarupeta railway track. The announcement was met with enthusiasm, as the flyover was a long-standing demand of the people to ease congestion on the Bhawanipur-Manah road, a crucial and heavily trafficked route in the region.

However, as the project moves forward, the manner of land acquisition has led to massive public agitation. Residents feel betrayed, as they expected the flyover to be built in a way that utilizes government land efficiently, rather than infringing upon private property without proper compensation or consent.

Given the growing concerns, local residents have called upon the authorities to reconsider the alignment of the flyover. They demand that the structure be rebuilt from the right-middle of the road at Sarupeta to ensure equitable land use without unjustly burdening private landowners.

Community leaders and affected landowners have urged the state government and concerned departments to take immediate corrective measures. Many are pushing for an independent review of the measurement process to ensure transparency and fairness in land allocation.

The ongoing dispute underscores the need for better planning and communication between government authorities and local communities. While infrastructure development is crucial for economic progress, it should not come at the cost of unfair land appropriation and disregard for public sentiments.

As tensions rise, it remains to be seen how the Assam government will address the grievances of Bajali’s residents and whether the flyover project will be realigned to meet public expectations while adhering to ethical land acquisition practices. For now, the people of Sarupeta await a resolution that balances development with justice and fairness.