Compensation row escalates in Dima Hasao, villagers threaten to halt highway work

Protests have intensified in Dima Hasao district as residents of Dolaichunga village under Harangajao demanded immediate compensation for land damage caused by an ongoing highway project, warning of halting construction if their demands are not met.

Aggrieved villagers have issued a two-day ultimatum to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), stating that failure to release compensation within the stipulated time will force them to stop the ongoing Silchar–Saurashtra East-West Corridor four-lane road construction passing through the district.

According to locals, several families in Dolaichung village, located between Jatinga and Harangajao, have suffered extensive damage to agricultural land and plantations due to the road construction. However, despite repeated demands, compensation has not been disbursed.

Villagers alleged that multiple surveys and measurements have been conducted jointly by the district administration, the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council, and NHAI, with assurances of compensation each time, but no payments have been made so far. “Our land and crops have been destroyed, yet we have not received any compensation. If the dues are not cleared within two days, we will be forced to stop the construction work,” a local resident said.

Residents also recalled that they had halted construction two months ago over the same issue, but resumed work after assurances from the district administration. They now claim that those promises remain unfulfilled.

Meanwhile, NHAI Project Director Yogesh Rao acknowledged that changes in the geographical condition of the area have led to additional land damage. He stated that while compensation for land acquired since 2006 has already been paid, the issue now pertains to additional land impact.

Rao added that a competent authority had been assigned to conduct fresh assessments, and a report has already been submitted. “We are here to verify whether the survey has been conducted properly. If everything is found in order, compensation will be released to the affected families at the earliest,” he said.

The situation remains tense, with villagers determined to press ahead with their protest unless swift action is taken.