SHIMLA
The state government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, is not only providing adequate compensation to landowners for the acquisition of land required for the expansion of Gaggal Airport to boost tourism activities in the Kangra region, but it has also approved Rs. 16.76 crore to 113 families on humanitarian view who had shops and other businesses on government land in the vicinity of the airport.
Deputy Chief Whip Kewal Singh Pathania expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for adopting this compassionate approach. He said that the Chief Minister has always remained committed to the welfare of the poor and weaker sections of society. He said that this is perhaps the first such case in the country where people running businesses on government land are being provided financial assistance by the government in connection with a land acquisition project.
He said that the present state government is dedicated to support poor and middle-class families and this decision would help the affected people to rebuild their livelihoods and continue earning a living.
Sh. Pathania said that during the Chief Minister’s visit to Kangra district, several delegations had met him and requested financial assistance for these shopkeepers. By approving this support, the Chief Minister has once again demonstrated his sensitivity and concern for the welfare of economically weaker sections of society.
He further said that Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has developed Kangra district as the ‘Tourism Capital’ of the state and has approved several major tourism projects to attract visitors to the region. The expansion of Gaggal Airport would increase the inflow of high-end tourists to Kangra district and create new employment and self-employment opportunities for local people, bringing significant economic benefits to the area.
