Sunil Chadha
Shimla
The residents of at least six villages on the outskirts of Shimla have come out strongly against the state government’s proposal to develop a satellite township at Jathiya Devi, saying the project aimed at decongesting the capital will uproot families and threaten their livelihoods.
The opposition has intensified amid fears of large-scale land acquisition and displacement under the ambitious urban expansion plan.
The proposed township falls under Tutu development block in Shimla district, where the government plans to acquire nearly 249 hectares of land across eight villages at an estimated cost of Rs 1,374 crore.
The site, located around 14 km from Shimla city and barely 2 km from Jubbarhatti airport, has been identified as a strategic location to ease traffic pressure on the hill town. However, locals say the cost of development cannot be paid by sacrificing villages.
Villagers protest survey team’s visit, submit objections
Tension escalated recently when a social impact (SI) survey team visited the area to begin groundwork for land acquisition. Villagers from Bagi panchayat raised slogans and forced the team to return.
Shimla (Rural) SDM Manjeet Sharma, who reached the spot for a public hearing, was handed a memorandum in which residents categorically refused to part with their land.
Locals have formally recorded their objections with the SDM, who has now directed the SI survey team to document all concerns in detail and include them in the final report before any further steps are taken.
Protest halts minister’s convoy
During the protest, the convoy of Health Minister Dr (Col) Dhani Ram, which happened to be passing through the area, was also stopped by demonstrators. Villagers briefed the minister about their fears, warning that the project would destabilise rural life and force families to abandon homes they have lived in for generations.
Anger has been steadily growing in villages such as Anji, Chanan, Shilibagi, Kiyargi, Panti, Shilru, Dhanokhar and Majhola, where people say uncertainty over land acquisition has already caused anxiety.
Land only livelihood, say locals
Panchayat representatives said villagers would not allow their settlements to be dismantled under any circumstances. “Our land is our only source of livelihood. If it is taken away, our homes, jobs and future will all be at risk,” they said.
Residents argue that agriculture and allied activities remain their primary means of survival and that acquisition without consent or a credible rehabilitation plan is unacceptable. They have demanded that the government explore alternatives that do not involve uprooting entire villages, warning that protests will continue if their concerns are ignored.
