Guwahati: Azara Locals Oppose Land Acquisition for Aerotropolis Project

Azara: The recent land acquisition notice issued by the Kamrup Metropolitan District administration for the proposed Aerotropolis project near Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International (LGBI) Airport has sparked widespread concern and opposition among residents of Azara and surrounding areas.

The notice, issued on July 25, follows a request from the Secretary of the Housing and Urban Affairs Department (Letter No. 679333/13, dated July 19, 2025). It targets land parcels in the revenue villages of Azara, Garal, and Mirzapur under Ramcharani mouza, affecting over a thousand families. The government plans to acquire both inhabited and uninhabited lands for the development of the aerotropolis.

According to the official notification under Section 3(1) of the Assam Land (Regulation and Acquisition) Act, 1964, a total of over 400 bighas will be acquired including 83 bighas 4 kathas 15 lechas in Azara, 70 bighas 16 lechas in Garal, and 257 bighas 9.51 lechas in Mirzapur.

The move has triggered anxiety and anger among residents, many of whom say they had previously surrendered their myadi land for the construction and expansion of the airport decades ago. “We have already given away vast stretches of land. Now, this fresh move will leave many of us homeless,” said a villager from Azara.

In response to the notice, locals have resolved to submit a memorandum to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, seeking immediate intervention to halt the proposed acquisition. Community members have expressed fears over loss of homes, livelihood, and cultural disintegration if the land is taken over.

The administration is yet to issue any response to the rising protests or clarify whether compensatory or rehabilitation measures will be provided to the affected families.