A road construction project intended to connect two villages in Nagpur has sparked a confrontation between a farmer and the Public Works Department (PWD). Sunil Chaudhary, a resident of Chakikhapa village on the Outer Ring Road, has blocked the stretch, claiming it cuts through his private land without his consent.
Farmer's Allegations
Chaudhary told TOI that he had repeatedly warned PWD about the encroachment. "Work started 15 months ago with murrum and gravel, but there has been no progress for nearly a year. Even then, I raised objections as the road passed through my land and showed them old demarcation records, but the agency continued," he said. He added that recent documents confirmed his fears: nearly half an acre of his land is being used for the road. "That's when I decided to block the stretch," he stated.
Chaudhary also alleged discrepancies in the alignment. "There is a sanctioned road in old demarcations, but the contractor deviated from the plan and began construction through my land. Some other farmers also objected, but the work continued. The contractor said I won't get compensation since the sanctioned road does not pass through my land," he claimed.
PWD's Response
PWD officials maintained that the work follows approved plans. Deputy engineer Sandip Shende said, "The road was laid as per the layout provided by the gram panchayat. It is a pandhan road that passes through farmers' lands. The issue is currently being resolved at the gram panchayat level, and if needed, other options will be explored."
Local Concerns
A local resident, Vivek Sisodia, alleged irregularities in execution. "PWD is working without proper layout, which will further delay the already prolonged project," he said. The road aims to connect Chakikhapa under Lonara gram panchayat with Gumthala village, both in Hingna assembly constituency. Chaudhary has placed bushes and concrete blocks to barricade the stretch, turning a development project into a battle to protect his land.
