Daman : Contractor Initiates Fast Unto Death Over Unpaid Dredging Bills

Daman : Jaydeep Dalsania, a dredging contractor from Vapi, has embarked on a harrowing fast unto death in the Union Territory of Daman, demanding the clearance of outstanding dues totaling Rs 1 crore from the Daman District Panchayat.

Dalsania, driven to this drastic measure, has been embroiled in a protracted battle since 2019 when he submitted bills for dredging work carried out as part of a pre-monsoon activity under a contractual agreement with the Daman District Panchayat.

Despite investing his own financial resources to complete the dredging work promptly in Daman, Dalsania faced an insurmountable hurdle upon submitting the bills. Allegations surfaced that some Panchayat authorities were stalling payments, purportedly demanding substantial kickbacks for bill clearance, leaving Dalsania in a financial quagmire.

The ordeal intensified in 2020 as Dalsania tirelessly reached out to the Daman District Panchayat, UT Administrator Praful Patel, Daman Collector, the Irrigation Department, and other relevant authorities through over 50 letters, seeking resolution for the pending payments. Regrettably, bureaucratic red tape and elusive responses forced Dalsania into a desperate corner, leading to financial ruin.

“I have been securing government contracts in Gujarat for over a decade, and never have I encountered such an ordeal,” expressed a distraught Dalsania. “Despite over 50 representations to top Daman authorities, my pleas have fallen on deaf ears. I was left with two choices: to contemplate the unthinkable or to stage a sit-in until my voice is heard.”

Dalsania’s grim resolve crystallized into a fast unto death, compelling action from the Daman District Panchayat. Officials visited him on Wednesday evening, appealing for an end to the strike and offering verbal assurances of bill clearance. However, Dalsania remains resolute, insisting on written guarantees from the Panchayat authorities before considering an end to his protest.

“I require written assurance from the Panchayat authorities; otherwise, I will not terminate my fast unto death,” affirmed Dalsania, underscoring the seriousness of his plight.

As Dalsania’s protest persists, the spotlight turns to the Daman District Panchayat, intensifying public scrutiny over the handling of contractual obligations and the plight of contractors navigating bureaucratic entanglements in pursuit of their rightful dues.