Farmer stalls road work, blames PWD for starting construction without nod

Nagpur: What was meant to be a road linking two villages has become a bone of contention between a farmer and public works department (PWD). The farmer, Sunil Chaudhary, resident of Chakikhapa village on Outer Ring Road, claims the road cuts through his private land and the project didn't have his consent. In an act of defiance, he has blocked the stretch, turning a development project into a battle to protect his land.PWD is constructing the road to connect Chakikhapa under Lonara gram panchayat with Gumthala village, both in Hingna assembly constituency. The farmer has placed bushes and concrete blocks to barricade the stretch.Speaking to TOI, Chaudhary alleged PWD ignored his objections despite repeated warnings. "Work started 15 months ago by laying murrum and gravel, but there has been no progress for nearly a year now. Even then, I raised objections as the road was passing through my land and showed them old demarcation records, but the agency continued with the work," he said.He further claimed recent documents confirmed his fears. "A few days ago, I received papers showing that nearly half an acre of my land was being used for the road. That's when I decided to block the stretch," Chaudhary said, adding he did not file complaints so far, but made multiple calls to the contractor, who has not yet responded.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," he said adding, "the contractor said I won't get compensation since the sanctioned road does not pass through my land."PWD officials, however, maintained the work was carried out as per 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."Meanwhile, 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.