PRENEETA SHARMA
The Himachal Pradesh government has gone ahead and approved ₹5 crore for the Jathia Devi satellite township project, despite clear and repeated opposition from villagers in the area.
While local residents and gram panchayats have formally rejected land acquisition, the government has continued to push the project, exposing a widening gap between official decisions and public consent. Villagers say fertile agricultural land, homes, and common village property are at risk, but their objections have been ignored.
The approval of funds, even before resolving protests or securing consent, has fuelled accusations that the government is forcing development and prioritising real-estate interests over local livelihoods.
Opposition leaders have slammed the move, saying the government is “selling Himachal” in the name of development, while villagers warn they will intensify protests if the project is not withdrawn.
