Gaggal airport expansion: People doing biz on leased property seek relief

Dharamsala, February 12

The government is planning to expand the Gaggal airport and hearings for the rehabilitation plan to be outlaid for the affected families are going on. People doing business on rented and leased properties in the area are alleging that they have been left out of the relief and rehabilitation proceeding going on for the acquisition of land. They are alleging that they have been doing business in the area for decades and have invested a lot of money for setting them up. However, the administration was not consulting them for the relief and rehabilitation package.

Shivam Kumar, who runs a jewellery shop in Gaggal area, said that his family businesses have been established there since 1998. Most of the people there have been running their businesses for the past 20 to 25 years. Their livelihoods solely depend on these businesses. They do not have any other means of income.

“The closure of the market due to the airport expansion would not only affect us but also pose difficulties for future generations. As rental business owners, we have always been responsible taxpayers and documented individuals,” he said.

“However, no revenue official has approached us to discuss the compensation package to be provided to those affected by the airport expansion. Our names were also not included in the list of beneficiaries, and we are currently fighting for our rights in the matter,” he added.

Rajneesh Kumar, who runs a mobile shop, said that the government should consider relocation and rehabilitation of people running business in Gaggal area on rental basis. The people running business in rental properties have also invested their life’s earnings on setting up businesses. However, the government was just considering the land owners for compensation, he said.

The people running businesses in rental properties are alleging that as they will be moving away from the main market, and will not have a source of income to start new businesses. They would like to know what initiatives the government has planned for them to ensure a sustainable income. Those affected have urged the government in a written request to consider the impact on business owners who are in the later stages of their careers and nearing retirement age.

The Gaggal airport would be expanded in two phases. It was reported that the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has decided to expand the Gaggal airport from the current length of 1,372 m to 1,900 m in the first phase. In the second phase, the length is proposed to be increased from 1,900 m to 3,110 m.

The officials involved in formulation of a relief and rehabilitation package said the claims of people running business on rental properties would also be considered.