Expansion of Kangra Airport: Government Accelerates Plans, Over 1200 Families to be Displaced
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Government Aims to Make Kangra the Tourism Capital, Offers the Best Resettlement Package in the Country
The expansion of Kangra Airport is picking up pace as the government seeks to transform Kangra into a “Tourism Capital.” With this goal in mind, the government is pushing to expedite the project, even though the expansion will lead to the displacement of approximately 1,200 families. Despite the emotional and social toll of displacement, many believe that sacrifices are necessary for progress.
Best Compensation Package Offered to Displaced Families
According to reports, the government is offering a resettlement package that is considered the best in the country. It includes several options for the displaced families, such as an allocation of eight marla of land or the option to take a cash settlement for those who prefer not to accept land.
Additionally, compensation for land and structures, including homes and commercial complexes, is set to be generous. To date, around 547 kanals of land have been selected for the resettlement of affected families.
Private Sector Steps In with Additional Offers
In parallel, the private sector has stepped in to offer assistance. Recently, a poster campaign has promoted a new shopping complex on Baladhar Road, which offers fully equipped shops for rent to displaced individuals. The poster also claims that land will be provided, allowing displaced families to live and conduct business in the same area. This initiative offers another option to those being affected by the airport’s expansion.
Resettlement Land Identified by the Government
The government has identified approximately 15 hectares of land for resettlement purposes under the airport land acquisition, resettlement, and rehabilitation plan. This land is spread across various locations in Kangra, Dharamshala, and Shahpur.
Government officials have reiterated that their priority is to ensure a smooth and comfortable resettlement for the displaced families. Shahpur MLA Keval Pathania and Dharamshala Block Congress President Chaudhary Harbhajan Singh have emphasized the government’s commitment to providing all necessary facilities.
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Experts Suggest Integrated Approach for Resettlement
Local experts have suggested that the administration should identify a large piece of land to develop a unified market, residential area, and transport hub in one location. If this approach is adopted, it could become a model for effective and comprehensive resettlement, with displaced families benefitting from easy access to essential services and business opportunities.
Plot or Compensation? Families Given the Choice
A total of 1,200 families from 14 different localities will be displaced due to the Kangra Airport expansion. The government has outlined a “One-Time Settlement Policy” that offers these families the choice between receiving a plot of land or financial compensation.
The expansion project will involve the acquisition of approximately 3,847 kanals of land, affecting about 938 homes and 594 shops. The displaced families will have the option to select whichever package suits their needs best, ensuring a smooth transition.
This comprehensive expansion project aims to balance progress with people’s welfare, ensuring that Kangra’s transformation into a tourism hub is both sustainable and beneficial to its current residents.
