Jalgaon: After remaining stalled for several years due to land acquisition hurdles, the four-laning project of the Ankleshwar–Burhanpur National Highway (NH-753B), which connects Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh via Maharashtra, has finally gained momentum. With major objections raised by farmers and local residents resolved through sustained dialogue, the land acquisition process has picked up pace, clearing the way for faster execution of the long-pending highway project.

The Ankleshwar–Burhanpur highway passes through Netrang and Dediapada in Gujarat, before entering Maharashtra and traversing Taloda and Shahada talukas in Nandurbar district, Shirpur in Dhule district, and Chopda, Yawal and Raver talukas in Jalgaon district. It then reaches Burhanpur district in Madhya Pradesh. The project had faced prolonged delays due to resistance from landowners. Earlier, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) had issued land acquisition notifications covering seven villages in Gujarat, 10 villages in Taloda taluka, 28 in Shahada, 40 in Shirpur, 24 in Chopda, 23 in Yawal, 23 in Raver and three villages in Burhanpur district of Madhya Pradesh.

With objections now addressed, the authorities have stepped up the acquisition process. Assistant District Collectors and Sub-Divisional Officers have been appointed as competent authorities to expedite proceedings. A notification under Section 3(a) of the Land Acquisition Act, 2013 has been issued for the four-laning of the highway. Officials from the Faizpur sub-division in Yawal taluka said land acquisition is currently underway in several villages, including Yawal, Faizpur, Chincholi, Kasarkhede, Dongav, Kingaon Khurd, Kingaon Budruk, Giradgaon, Waghod, Sakli, Vadode Pargane Yawal, Shirsad, Viravali Budruk, Chitoda, Sangvi Budruk, Hingone and Hambardi.

As per the notification, new construction activities, tree felling and transfer of ownership on the notified land have been prohibited. Landowners have been advised to exercise caution and comply with the restrictions until further orders.