Dankuni locals protest NH-19 widening after 31 bighas taken without notice or compensation

A dispute has arisen in Dankuni, Hooghly, over the expansion of National Highway-19 near the Durgapur Expressway. The project, overseen by the Union Ministry of Road Transport, aims to widen the existing highway into a six-lane road. As part of the process, land acquisition has begun in areas under Ward No. 4 of the Dankuni Municipality. Approximately 31 bighas of land adjacent to the highway have already been acquired for the project.

Local residents have alleged that the land was taken without prior notice or any form of communication. They claim that the acquisition was carried out without informing landowners or following standard procedures. Some stated that while checking their land records online, they found no data showing ownership under their names. According to them, the land was fenced off suddenly, with no official engagement or explanation.

One resident said, “No plan, no notice—suddenly we saw the government had taken our land.” Residents have also alleged that no compensation has been provided. The lack of clarity on compensation and the alleged absence of due process have caused anger among those affected.

Responding to the issue, BJP’s Srirampur organisational district vice-president Dilip Singh said that compensation was paid years ago when Brijen Group was working in the area. He added that those who feel wronged should approach the court. Trinamool Congress ward councillor Hasan Mondal criticised the move, saying that a settlement west of the Dankuni toll plaza was removed overnight without any notice or discussion. He stated, “This is not how land acquisition should happen. It must follow a structured and transparent process involving public dialogue.”