The Himachal Pradesh High Court has directed the submission of a fresh status report on the Gaggal airport expansion project in Kangra district.
Justice Sandeep Sharma noted that there is currently no basis to consider the request made on December 7, 2023, by the Advocate General to withdraw his earlier statement. The Advocate General had previously assured the court that no individuals would be evicted from land included under the Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013, Section 11(1) notification.
During the hearing, the Additional Advocate General requested an extension to complete various formalities related to the expansion. The High Court granted two weeks to file an updated report on statutory compliances associated with the land acquisition process.
On behalf of the government, a supplementary affidavit was submitted on November 13, 2024, by the Special Secretary (Tourism and Civil Aviation), confirming that land acquisition procedures have commenced, with compensation already provided in some cases.
The court observed that while land acquisition awards have been issued by the Collector in some instances, necessary approvals for forest land diversion from the Government of India are still pending.
It was noted that the Gaggal airport expansion proposal remains with the Project Screening Committee, awaiting the Techno-Economic Feasibility Report (TEFR), an essential prerequisite for environmental clearances. Only upon receipt of the TEFR can the government proceed with the forest clearance approval.
Additionally, the obstacle limitation surface (OLS) survey, another requirement for airport development, is still under review by the competent authority. The court expressed concern that essential statutory compliance steps have yet to be fully addressed by the state government, delaying the progress of the project.
Himachal High Court orders fresh status report in Gaggal airport expansion case
