Market complex to come up near Gaggal airport for displaced traders

The district administration of Kangra has devised a plan to construct a market complex near the Gaggal airport to rehabilitate traders, who will be displaced due to the airport''s expansion. Revenue officials have been directed to identify land for the market complex and a proposal has been made to build circular roads around the airport.

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Kangra Deputy Commissioner Hemraj Bairwa said the Block Development Officer (BDO) had been instructed to compile records of panchayat properties in areas around the Gaggal airport that will be acquired for the expansion project. Additionally, records of ''kuhls'' and roads will also be prepared.

During a meeting held yesterday to review the airport expansion progress, the Deputy Commissioner emphasised the process is gaining momentum, with efforts underway to ensure minimal displacement. “The state government will ensure the welfare of those affected by the expansion. They will receive priority in development projects around the Gaggal airport and their interests will be safeguarded,” he assured.

The Deputy Commissioner also instructed the SDMs of Kangra and Shahpur to ensure compensation is provided to eligible individuals according to the rules and to focus on the rehabilitation plan to prevent any inconvenience.

The expansion of the airport is expected to benefit Himachal Pradesh and its residents in several ways. It will not only boost tourism but also create new employment opportunities. Over Rs 300 crore has already been disbursed among landowners whose properties are being acquired for expansion.

Sources reveal that the government is providing compensation to individuals who give consent to surrender their land for the airport expansion project. A total of Rs 2,300 crore is estimated for acquiring all the land required for the Gaggal airport's expansion, with an additional Rs 700 crore proposed for the relief and rehabilitation of displaced people.

The government has already disbursed Rs 500 crore among residents of the seven revenue Mohals along the Manjhi Khad. The expansion requires the acquisition of land from around 1,200 families in 14 villages, covering around 147 hectares (around 3,847 kanals) of government and private land.