25-Km Road Project Faces Fresh Hurdle Near Finish Line, Compensation dispute at Dalaichunga raises concerns over Jatinga–Harangajao corridor

Hills Live News,Haflong, Sept 1: A road project that promises to transform connectivity in the hill district of Dima Hasao has run into another hurdle near the finishing stage, with construction work on the Jatinga–Harangajao stretch of the Silchar–Saurashtra East-West Corridor reportedly facing resistance over compensation demands.

The nearly 25-km stretch from Jatinga to Harangajao is close to completion and is expected to significantly improve connectivity between Dima Hasao, the Barak Valley and neighbouring states, including Tripura, Manipur and Mizoram.
However, construction work at Dolaichunga near Harangajao has reportedly been disrupted by a section of local residents seeking settlement of compensation-related claims. On some occasions, work has allegedly been stopped and road blockades reported, raising concerns over the timely completion of the project.
The exact status of the compensation claims and their settlement remains unclear.
The issue has drawn concern from Dima Hasao Autonomous Council Chief Executive Member Debolal Gorlosa, who said genuine compensation-related grievances should be resolved through dialogue rather than by obstructing a major development project.
“Stopping road construction and blocking the road amounts to obstructing development. It is not acceptable under any circumstances,” Gorlosa said.
He said the Jatinga–Harangajao corridor was important not only for transportation but also for tourism, agriculture, trade and the overall economic development of Dima Hasao.
According to him, Dima Hasao is gradually emerging as a tourism destination, and improved road connectivity could open up new economic opportunities for the district. He urged all concerned to work together in the larger interest of development.
Local residents have also called for a quick resolution of genuine compensation claims, while stressing that the long-awaited project should not be delayed because of unresolved disputes.
With the project nearing completion, attention is now focused on the settlement of the compensation issue and the early completion of the remaining works. The immediate concern is whether the dispute at Dolaichunga can be resolved through negotiations or whether it will further delay the Jatinga–Harangajao corridor.