Hooghly, 15 July (H.S.) The expansion of National Highway 19 near the Durgapur Expressway has triggered local unrest after the commencement of land acquisition for the six-lane widening project. The initiative, undertaken by the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, has already resulted in the acquisition of approximately 31 bighas of roadside land in Ward No. 4 of Dankuni Municipality.

Local residents objected to the land acquisition. The alleged that the land was taken without prior notice and adherence to legal procedures. Moreover, they claimed that no compensation was given by the authorities.

A local resident expressed frustration, saying, There was no plan, no notice. Suddenly, we saw the government had taken over our land. When we checked the official land records online, our ownership details were missing. Around 31 bighas have been taken, and no one informed us.

Trinamool Congress Ward Councillor Hasan Mondal also raised concerns over the process. He said, A settlement to the west of Dankuni Toll Plaza was suddenly demolished. There was no notice or discussion with residents. Lines were drawn on the land overnight. This is not how land acquisition should be done. It must be a systematic and transparent process.

Reacting to the controversy, Dilip Singh, Vice-President of BJP's Serampore Organisational District, told Hindusthan Samachar on Tuesday, Years ago, when the Brijen Group worked in this area, people were compensated for their land. If anyone feels that injustice has been done, they can approach the court. Creating a public uproar will not help the situation.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey