Uncertainty over Gaggal airport expansion haunts residents
BOX— Bridge proposal yet to be okayed
*The Finance Commission has announced a grant of Rs 400 crore for the expansion of Gaggal airport, under which the length of the airport has to be increased from present 1,372 meters to 3,010 metres.
*The authorities had proposed to construct a bridge over the Manji river to increase the length of the airport strip. The Union Ministry is yet to approve the proposal over concerns about the bridge’s strength to handle heavy airplanes.
*According to a survey, about 40 hectares is required for the airport’s expansion. This shall include almost all of the present Gaggal township. About Rs 500 crore might be required for acquisition of land as most of the land is commercial.
Lalit Mohan
Tribune News Service
Dharamsala, December 10
Residents of Gaggal town, located about 10 km from Dharamsala, are alleging harassment due to uncertainty over expansion of the airport. They alleged that the project has been in limbo for the past five years and they were living in on the edge as the government has been pondering over the project.
Pushpa Devi, who resides along the Manji river, said her family has a two-room house. “We wanted to add a room to our house but have not been able to do so due to the uncertainty over the expansion of the Gaggal airport. In case the government decides to expand the airport, our house would be acquired and demolished. So, we do not want to spend any money,” she said.
Another resident Ashutosh, who runs a shop, said the residents were living in uncertainty for the past many years, fearing that the government would acquire their properties at any moment. “We have met the district authorities, telling them to either acquire our properties and give us compensation or let the residents do what they want to with their properties,” he said.
As per the survey reports sent to the state government by revenue officials of Kangra, about 40 hectares is required for the airport’s expansion. This will include almost all of the present Gaggal township. The officials had estimated that about Rs 500 crore might be required for acquisition of land as most of the land was commercial and high rates might have to be paid to the owners.
The Finance Commission had announced a grant of Rs 400 crore for the expansion and the length of the airport has to be increased from the present 1,372 m to 3,010 m. Sources here said the authorities had proposed to construct a bridge over Manji river to increase the length of the airport strip. The Union Ministry of Civil Aviation is yet to approve the proposal for the bridge over concerns about its strength to handle heavy airplanes.
Kangra Deputy Commissioner Nipun Jindal said a report over the security of the proposed bridge was still awaited and further process for the airport’s expansion can only be started after that. The government was pursing the matter aggressively, he added.
Meanwhile, sources said due to the opposition by Gaggal residents and high cost of the land, the administration had proposed to provide land at alternative places for a bigger airport in Kangra district.
However, till the matter was resolved, uncertainty over their houses and business establishments continues for Gaggal residents.
