Gaggal airport expansion stalled over pending statutory approvals
Photo used for indicative purpose only. Source Internet
Shimla, Nov 25,
The Himachal Pradesh High Court heard arguments in the case Gaggal Airport Expansion Affected Social Welfare Committee vs. The Principal Secretary (Tourism & CA) & Others on November 25, 2024. The case, revolving around the proposed expansion of Kangra’s Gaggal Airport, highlights significant delays due to incomplete statutory compliances.
During the hearing, Senior Advocate Rita Goswami, representing the petitioner, argued that the affected parties had not been adequately considered in the acquisition process. Additional Advocate General Pranay P. Singh, appearing for the State, sought additional time to provide a fresh status report.
The Special Secretary (Tourism & CA), Government of Himachal Pradesh, submitted a supplementary affidavit revealing critical pending requirements. These include (Forest Clearance) approval for the diversion of forest land from the Government of India is still awaited, A (Techno-Economic Feasibility Report (TEFR)) prerequisite for environment-related permissions, the (Obstacle Limitation Surface (OLS) Survey) report remains pending and a mandatory survey for airport construction is yet to receive clearance.
The court emphasized that these statutory prerequisites must be completed before any progress on the airport expansion can be sanctioned. It also noted the State’s earlier commitment, made on December 7, 2023, not to dispossess landowners without completing the due process under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation, and Resettlement Act, 2013.
Justice Sandeep Sharma granted the State two additional weeks to file a comprehensive status report on the pending statutory compliances. The matter will be reconsidered after the submission of the report.
The delays in obtaining necessary approvals continue to hinder the much-anticipated expansion of Gaggal Airport, which is expected to boost tourism and connectivity in Himachal Pradesh.
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Gaggal airport expansion is not the first one in the country. There is no rocket science involved. Why the courts time is being wasted for providing knowledge to IAS, IRS, IES and forest officers in obtaining various permissions ? Why these officers are not doing the homework ? Why there salaries are so high if they have to be guided each time for the public projects? Are they escalating the price of the project ?
These are the questions everyone of us should think in order to achieve progress fast and become self reliant.