Fiery Debate Unfolds Over Gaggal Airport Expansion in Himachal Assembly

In a fervent session of the Himachal Pradesh Assembly, legislators engaged in lively discussions regarding the planned ₹3,500 crore expansion of Gaggal Airport in Kangra district. The debate featured pointed questions and occasional humor as members underscored issues surrounding land acquisition and regional connectivity.

BJP MLA Pawan Kajal raised concerns about the fate of 80-90 families residing on panchayat-allocated land. In response, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu revealed that ₹1,960 crore has been allocated for the project, with assurances of appropriate compensation as per the Land Acquisition Act.

Suspended flights under the UDAN scheme also surfaced as a pivotal issue, with BJP MLA Vipin Singh Parmar seeking clarity on government actions. Although Chief Minister Sukhu confirmed ₹10 crore in Viability Gap Funding, he highlighted the need for sustained operator services and pressed for new route developments, including helicopter services.

The debate occasionally became heated, with former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur addressing financial concerns, but was tempered with humor when Sukhu suggested maintaining composure. Congress MLA Kewal Singh Pathania expressed gratitude for the project's progress, while Sudhir Sharma highlighted the significance of housing policies for displaced families. The session underscored both development ambitions and the pledge to complete land acquisition by year's end, balancing infrastructure growth with humane considerations.