Principal Secretary & Ors. v. Gaggal Airport Expansion Affected Social Welfare Committee

Legal News by - Divyanshi (This news was written by her during her Internship at Legal Soch Foundation)

This case revolves around a legal and environmental dispute concerning the expansion of Gaggal Airport, also known as Kangra Airport, which is a domestic airport serving the Kangra Valley and nearby areas. The Gaggal Airport expansion project aimed to increase the runway length from 1372 meters to 3110 meters, requiring 140 hectares of land.

The local community opposed the project, arguing that it would significantly affect the public and disrupt their livelihoods. The matter was taken to the Himachal Pradesh High Court, where concerns about environmental impacts and legal compliance were raised.

After reviewing the expansion plans, the legal requirements, and environmental norms, the Himachal Pradesh High Court ordered the authorities to properly assess the potential environmental impacts and make the necessary changes to the expansion plan. This included improving compensation and rehabilitation measures for the affected communities. Subsequently, the court imposed a temporary injunction and stayed the expansion activities.

However, the Supreme Court later intervened and lifted the stay order. The Supreme Court, in its judgment, remarked:

> "The interim direction of the High Court dated 9 January 2024 puts a complete embargo on the State following due process of law towards the proposed expansion of the Gaggal (Kangra) Airport. Bearing in mind the time and cost overruns resulting from such blanket orders of stay on infrastructural projects, such a direction was inappropriate and uncalled for."

This observation was made by a bench comprising Chief Justice of India, Justice JB Pardiwala, and Justice Manoj Misra. The bench noted that several aspects of the case, such as social and economic impact, regulatory compliance, and environmental concerns, were still under deliberation.

While the Supreme Court has lifted the interim order passed by the High Court, many key aspects of the case remain unresolved and are still to be reviewed. The final order on the case is yet to be delivered.