In a significant show of grassroots opposition, the Gram Panchayat Bagi in Shimla (Rural) has formally refused to part with any land for the proposed multi-crore Jathiya Devi mountain township. The decision was cemented through a resolution passed by an overwhelming majority during a Gram Sabha meeting held on Saturday.
Overwhelming Majority Votes Against the Project
The resolution was adopted at the Jathiya Devi Panchayat Bhawan under the leadership of Panchayat Pradhan Naresh Kumar Thakur and Up-Pradhan Desh Raj. Out of the 418 households in Gram Panchayat Bagi, a substantial 280 families put their signatures on the document opposing the land acquisition. This far exceeds the required quorum of just 120 households, demonstrating the depth of local resistance.
"The resolution was passed with a clear and full majority," stated Pradhan Naresh Kumar Thakur. He confirmed that the signed document would be submitted to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Town and Country Planning Minister Rajesh Dharmani, and other concerned officials. Thakur also noted that local MLA and PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh, though absent due to a Delhi visit, had expressed his full support for their stance.
What Land is at Stake?
The proposed satellite township, estimated to cost Rs 1,374 crore and planned under the Himachal Pradesh Urban Development Authority (HIMUDA), targets a vast area. The project envisions acquiring approximately 249 hectares (nearly 2,959 bighas) of land. This includes eight out of the eleven revenue villages under Gram Panchayat Bagi: Chanan, Panti, Aanji, Shilli Baghi, Majhola, Shilru, Dhanokari, and Kyaragi. Additionally, Manjiyari village in Solan district's Mamlig tehsil is also marked for acquisition.
The identified land is not just barren plots. It encompasses agricultural holdings, non-agricultural land, common village land (shamlat), and forest land over which villagers hold traditional and legal rights. This comprehensive nature of the acquisition is what has galvanized the community.
"Some people were initially willing to give their land, but once it became known that agricultural land, shamlat land and forest land would be acquired, almost everyone decided to oppose the project," explained Bal Krishan, a local resident.
A History of Mistrust and Fear of Livelihood Loss
The opposition is partly rooted in past experiences. Pradhan Naresh Thakur pointed out that HIMUDA had previously acquired over 250 bighas for the township a long time ago, but not a single brick has been laid on that infertile land. This time, however, the plan threatens fertile agricultural land and homes, raising the stakes considerably.
Tensions escalated recently after authorities issued land acquisition notices under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013. The notices sought objections to a Social Impact Assessment (SIA) study by December 29, 2025.
The SIA report itself estimates that 386 households would be directly affected, with nearly 158 families likely to face loss of livelihoods. The project, located about 14 km from Shimla city and 2 km from Jubbarhatti Airport, has been under discussion since 2014 but is now facing its most organized resistance yet.
The unified stand of Gram Panchayat Bagi sets a powerful precedent and poses a major challenge for the state government's development plans, highlighting the persistent conflict between infrastructure projects and the rights of local communities over their land and resources.
