Our owner got the notice, but one of our rooms was demolished in a day. Now, my wife, child, and I are crammed into a single room. We had only two days to move because an announcement came just 24 hours before the demolition—A resident
The sound of bricks crashing against the ground, dust filling the air, and the helpless cries of shopkeepers and residents echoed through Kalapahar. Broken walls, scattered debris, and shattered homes—this was the sight that greeted people after authorities moved in to clear land for the new Cycle Factory flyover extending up to Lal Ganesh Market.
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On August 17, 2024, a notification was issued under L.A. Case No. 18/2024, declaring the government’s intention to acquire land in the Beltola Mouza, Odalbakra village, Kamrup Metropolitan District for the flyover project. The notice was official, but for those living and working in the area, it was the beginning of a nightmare.
The land acquisition under the Assam Land (Requisition and Acquisition) Act, 1964 was meant for development, but the question remains—at what cost?
Objections ignored
On January 9, 2025, residents and business owners submitted an objection letter to the Kamrup Metropolitan District Commissioner, citing multiple concerns:
• Loss of Livelihoods: Many families depend on businesses along the road for survival. The demolition of their properties without compensation would push them into financial hardship.
• Previous Land Contribution: Residents had already given up 2-3 meters of land during a 2014 road and drainage extension without compensation. Now, they were being asked to give up more.
• Unnecessary Wide Footpath: The proposed 7-foot wide footpath was deemed excessive, especially when reducing it to 3-4 feet could allow road expansion without acquiring private land.
• Preserving Heritage Trees: Two 200-year-old trees within the Lion Boys' Club Kalapahar premises were at risk. These trees had been saved once in 2014 after intervention from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). Locals feared history wouldn’t repeat itself this time.
More than 300 shopkeepers and building owners have been affected by the construction. Their voices tell stories of frustration and helplessness.
Talking to GPlus, a paper mill official in Kalapahar said, “Our boundary walls have been broken for this flyover. It’s creating a mess, and our business will suffer.”
A local shopkeeper in the area said, “We have received no compensation. They broke our shops just like that. How are we supposed to survive? Just because they are in power, they don’t care about our livelihoods.”
A father of a two-year-old, living in a rented house in Kalapahar, shared his ordeal: “Our owner got the notice, but one of our rooms was demolished in a day. Now, my wife, child, and I are crammed into a single room. We had only two days to move because an announcement came just 24 hours before the demolition.”
Legal concerns and allegations
Many affected individuals claim that the authorities have overlooked legal procedures, particularly Section 73 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872.
Talking to GPlus, a jute mill official questioned the government’s actions: “Section 73 ensures compensation for damages caused by a breach of contract. It applies to contracts for the sale of goods and covers losses that naturally arise from a breach. But where is our compensation? They are mocking the law.”
What does Section 73 cover?
• Covers damages that arise naturally from a breach of contract
• Covers damages that the parties knew were likely to result from the breach
• Does not cover remote or indirect losses
But as per this Act, affected residents and business owners have not received any compensation yet. “They have made a mockery of the enactment of the Act,” the official added.
Similarly, a liquor shop owner said, “They made an announcement one day and started demolishing the next. We had no time to react.”
A resident’s plea
Talking to GPlus, Shyama Pada Roy, a resident voiced the community’s frustration:
“Is that notice enough? People objected because their homes and businesses would be affected. Development is good, but why destroy everything in the process? Even if they get compensation, where will they move immediately?”
However, talking to GPlus, a senior PWD official justified the actions: “The notice was issued months ago. Many affected individuals have not received compensation because they failed to submit all the required documents. Some have applied, but the process takes time.”
The bigger picture
The Cycle Factory flyover project is part of a larger plan to ease traffic congestion in Guwahati. But for those who have lost their homes, businesses, and sense of security, it’s a painful sacrifice. The question remains—is development worth the human cost?
As bulldozers continue their work, the cries of those affected still hang in the air, unanswered.
