Two years on, ex-serviceman’s wife in Kangra awaits relief from NHAI

Nurpur, February 22

Raksha Devi, wife of a former Army Havildar Teja Singh of Balah-Bhedkhud village in Kangra district, has submitted a complaint to the Lokayukta alleging that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has not paid her compensation of Rs 64.14 lakh for the acquisition of her shops and house for the Pathankot-Mandi road widening project.

Running from pillar to post for the last two years, she has now threatened to end her life along with her two children. According to information, the NHAI had assessed the value of her five shops and a house at Rs 64.14 lakh and the Competent Authority Land Acquisition (CALA)-cum-SDM had awarded her land compensation in March 2022. However, she is yet to receive the award for her land and house.

Raksha had purchased land at Balah-Bhedkhud village in October 2013 and constructed five shops and a house on it.

In her complaint to the Lokayukta, she alleged that the NHAI had released building compensation to other owners whose structures were also acquired for the road project while she was facing harassment in getting her award. She added that the construction company had started the road widening work and her structure was on the verge of collapse.

Raksha claimed that she had met the Jawali SDM several times but in vain. Reeta Devi, Chairperson, Kotla gram panchayat, said she had issued certificates authenticating the construction of shops and house of Raksha.

Bachitar Singh, SDM, Jawali, said payments of those persons whose property titles were disputed had been withheld.