The long-pending expansion of Jolly Grant Airport near Dehradun has witnessed substantial progress, with the district administration acquiring over 85 percent of the required land within just three days. This marks a pivotal milestone in positioning the airport on the international aviation map and enhancing air connectivity in Uttarakhand.

A high-level review meeting was held in the District Collectorate Auditorium to accelerate land acquisition, disburse compensation, and advance the resettlement of displaced families. Chaired by the District Magistrate, the meeting underscored the airport’s strategic importance in boosting tourism and connectivity across the state. “Officials must approach the task with urgency and seriousness to complete the remaining formalities,” he stated, stressing that the airport must soon be ready to handle international air traffic.

Jolly Grant Airport plays a key role in serving religious and tourist hubs such as Haridwar, Rishikesh, and the Char Dhams, apart from Dehradun. During the review, it was noted that 43 families and 93 farmers, who occupy small unregistered plots, were among those affected by the land acquisition. These parcels have been classified as unclaimed, prompting the District Magistrate to instruct the SDM, Doiwala, to retrieve records of all land registries from the past three years to clarify ownership.

Responding to demands from affected residents for market-rate compensation, the DM directed the SDM and Sub Registrar to assess these claims and submit a detailed report. He also acknowledged the requests for additional compensation and instructed that such proposals be evaluated under existing norms and forwarded for approval. Verification of affected families has already been completed, with compensation distribution in progress.

The DM emphasised the need to expedite displacement and rehabilitation procedures to ensure minimal disruption and maintain the project’s momentum. The airport’s expansion aims to accommodate international flights and larger aircraft, significantly enhancing both domestic and international connectivity.