Delhi-Mumbai Expressway Construction Halted: Villagers Protest Crop Losses In Gujarat

In a significant development, construction of the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway has come to a halt after representatives from 14 villages in Dahod district, Central Gujarat, collectively decided to stop the work, according to the Desh Gujarat report. The decision, made during a crucial meeting at Zalod, came into effect today, as the community seeks to address grievances related to the project that remain unresolved.

The key issue driving the protest is the construction's impact on the natural flow of rainwater. Villagers claim that the elevated expressway has obstructed water passage, causing waterlogging and crop damage. Despite multiple requests for compensation, both the construction company and the National Highway Authority have failed to respond, deepening the frustration of the affected community.

In their efforts to resolve the situation, villagers approached the Prant Officer with a specific demand for compensation: two quintals each of wheat, maize, and rice for every family that has suffered crop losses. However, their appeals were met with silence, prompting the community to take more drastic action.

After careful deliberation, the villagers decided to block the construction work on the expressway as a means to draw attention to their plight and pressure authorities to address their concerns. The blockade, set for Monday, December 16, will take place at Vasti Primary School, a symbolic site for the protest.

As the day draws nearer, the villagers' resolve remains firm. Their actions highlight a larger struggle for justice and compensation in the face of development projects that negatively affect local communities. While the outcome is yet to be determined, it is clear that the villagers of Dahod district are committed to standing their ground until their demands are met.