Assam: NH construction halted again in Dima Hasao as Dolaichunga landowners demand compensation

Construction work on a crucial National Highway stretch at Dolaichunga under Harangajao Police Station in Assam’s Dima Hasao district has once again been halted after local residents and affected landowners indefinitely suspended construction activities over the alleged non-payment of land compensation.

 

The affected landowners alleged that despite repeated assurances from the authorities that their compensation would be released soon, they are yet to receive payment for their acquired land. From August 31, villagers stopped all construction work in the Dolaichunga section.

 

While vehicular movement along the highway remains unaffected, the suspension has brought construction work to a complete standstill, raising concerns over possible delays to the project.

 

The affected residents have halted construction along the approximately 25-km stretch between Jatinga and the Shiv Temple at Harangajao, which forms part of the Silchar–Saurashtra (East–West) Corridor.

 

Meanwhile, construction of the Dolaichunga flyover has made significant progress, with two of its four lanes already open to traffic. Work on the remaining two lanes was reportedly nearing completion and was expected to be opened by September 5. However, the latest protest has brought the work to a halt.

 

The repeated disruption has raised concerns over the timely completion of the strategically important highway project and renewed questions over the delay in settling compensation claims of affected landowners.

 

Apart from compensation, the villagers have also raised concerns over basic infrastructure affected by the ongoing construction work. They have demanded that the National Highway authorities construct the village approach road, which they described as the only lifeline connecting the village. According to residents, the approach road was damaged by the construction company during the highway work, causing considerable inconvenience.

 

The villagers have also demanded the construction of a proper pedestrian footpath on the Dolaichunga Bridge to ensure the safe movement of pedestrians and local residents.

 

The latest development has intensified calls for the authorities and affected landowners to resolve the compensation issue at the earliest, allowing construction work on the important highway corridor to resume without further disruption.