Mail News Service
Jamshedpur:Â A Gram Sabha is set to be conducted in Dhalbhumgarh as part of the efforts to resolve the land dispute for the airport. The administration is seeking assistance from local Panchayat representatives to facilitate the process. Encouraged by the positive response from the villagers, the administration will soon finalize the date for the Gram Sabha. Simultaneously, the file for Forest No-Objection Certificate (NOC) for Dhalbhumgarh Airport has been forwarded from Jamshedpur Forest Division to the Chief Conservator of Forest in Ranchi. The resolution of the land dispute through the Gram Sabha is anticipated to pave the way for obtaining NOC from Jharkhand Forest.
It is noteworthy that 99 hectares of land are required for the airport in Dhalbhumgarh, with 61 hectares currently updated on the portal. While residents of three villages—Char Chakka, Burudih, and Narsinghgarh—have consented to the airport, those from two villages—Devsol and Ruasol—have expressed opposition. The administration aims to resolve the land issue by March. The development of Dhalbhumgarh Airport is expected to enhance regional flight services in the area.
The airport project, initiated in 2019 to boost regional flight services, faced setbacks due to issues related to forest land and the elephant corridor. After comprehensive paperwork and the persistent efforts of Jamshedpur MP, the process is back on track. Both the Central and State Governments are expected to invest over Rs 300 crore in building Dhalbhumgarh Airport, with Rs 100 crore already approved by the Airport Authority of India. The airport is crucial for providing air connectivity to residents in Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal.