Bagi Panchayat Unanimously Opposes Land Acquisition for Jathia Devi Township Near Shimla Airport

The Bagi Panchayat in a Shimla suburb has unanimously opposed the land acquisition for the proposed Jathia Devi Township project near Jubbarhatti Airport. During a special Gram Sabha meeting held on January 10, villagers from eight villages rejected the plan, citing concerns over threats to their agriculture, livelihoods, and the potential for severe social, economic, and environmental damage to the rural area. They contend that their farming and dairy-based livelihoods are entirely dependent on the land slated for acquisition. The villagers also allege that the project, conceived by the Himachal Pradesh Housing and Urban Development Authority (HIMUDA) in 2014 to ease pressure on Shimla city, was advanced without due Gram Sabha consent, which violates regulations. Copies of the resolution, explicitly refusing consent for land acquisition and demanding the project's immediate cancellation, have been sent to the Governor, Chief Minister, district administration, and the National Green Tribunal (NGT). Villagers have warned of initiating an agitation if their objections are not seriously addressed by the authorities.