Rajkumar Choudhary
Gaggal (Kangra)
Around 60 to 70 families impacted by the Kangra Airport expansion project in Gaggal will receive fair compensation along with the benefits of rehabilitation and resettlement (R&R). This assurance was given by APMC Chairman and State Chairman of the Himachal Congress OBC Department, Nishu Mongra, who emphasized that the government is committed to protecting the rights of affected families.
Speaking on the issue, Mongra said that many families in Gaggal have been living for decades on government or panchayat land. With the airport expansion project now requiring their displacement, the government has made it a priority to safeguard their interests. He added that during the monsoon session of the Assembly, the state government also assured that eligible families would be compensated and provided R&R benefits in accordance with the rules.
“No family affected by this development project will be left stranded. Their rights will be secured under law and policy,” Mongra stated.
Service Road Demand Raised First by Mongra
Highlighting his role in pushing for better connectivity, Mongra pointed out that he was the first to raise the demand for service roads around the airport. He recalled presenting this demand directly before the Chief Minister during a visit to Gaggal Airport, where the proposal was immediately approved.
He criticized certain leaders for attempting to claim false credit for the initiative, stressing that the demand was originally raised by him. Mongra explained that service roads from every corner of the airport would ensure smooth connectivity for surrounding villages, linking them more effectively to district headquarters such as Dharamshala, Kangra, and Shahpur.
“The expansion of Kangra Airport is not just about aviation—it is about strengthening road connectivity and infrastructure for the entire region,” he said.
Development Beyond the Airport
Mongra assured that the benefits of the expansion project would extend beyond the airport itself. Improved road networks and infrastructure would provide alternative routes for local residents, easing traffic and enhancing accessibility. He noted that most affected families have already received compensation, while the government is sensitively addressing the concerns of the remaining families.
He reiterated that rehabilitation, resettlement, and connectivity improvements are among the government’s top priorities, ensuring that no eligible family is left without support.
