Rural Backlash: Panchayat Challenges Land Acquisition Near Shimla

The Bagi panchayat near Shimla opposes the Jathiya Devi township project, fearing displacement and loss of livelihoods. Villagers demand withdrawal of the land acquisition proposal, citing threats to local social, economic, and environmental structures. They emphasize that the plan ignored Gram Sabha approval.

The panchayat of Bagi, situated on the fringes of Shimla, has firmly opposed the proposed land acquisition for the Jathiya Devi township project. This project, intended for execution near Jubbarhatti Airport, is approximately 20 km from the Himachal Pradesh capital.

In a special Gram Sabha meeting on January 10, residents from eight villages, including Chalan, Mashla, and Kyargi, expressed their concerns. They are apprehensive about potential displacement and the threat to their agricultural livelihoods. The resolution, shared with the media, seeks an immediate halt to the acquisition plan.

Documentation of the resolution has been forwarded to key officials, including the governor and chief minister, highlighting that the process overlooked the essential consent of the Gram Sabha, raising social and environmental alarms.

(With inputs from agencies.)