Palasbari: More than 700 indigenous families in the Azara Revenue Circle, Assam, are facing uncertainty after receiving government notices for large-scale land acquisition. The land is intended for the expansion of Guwahati’s Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport and the proposed Aerotropolis (Aerocity) project.
According to official notifications, the government has earmarked 424 bighas for acquisition, including:
- 257 bighas 9.5 lechas in Mirzapur
- 83 bighas 4 kathas 15 lechas in Azara
- 70 bighas 16 lechas in Garal
Residents say that around 380 bighas of this land belong to indigenous communities, raising concerns about displacement and loss of livelihood.
This is not the first time land in the area has been acquired for airport development. Locals state they have already surrendered land on more than eight previous occasions. “This time, we will not part with even an inch,” said one villager.
Community members remain firm in their opposition, stating they will not release land for any project—government or privately run. They also fear that the Aerotropolis project could eventually require up to 6,000 bighas, potentially leading to further acquisitions in the future.
At a public meeting in Mirzapur, the community unanimously resolved to protect their land. “Our land is our identity and livelihood. We will not give it away at any cost,” the gathering declared.