Noida airport expansion: 3 new runways to uproot 4.6k families, 7 schools – resettlement planned near Jewar

Jewar

The next phase of the Noida International Airport project is expected to bring a major shift in the lives of thousands of villagers. Over 4,600 families will be displaced, and seven government schools will be relocated, according to a draft rehabilitation plan released by the Gautam Buddha Nagar district administration on Wednesday, The Times of India reported.

The plan outlines the resettlement of people affected by the acquisition of 1,857 hectares of land across 14 villages for the third and fourth phases of the airport's expansion.

Who will be most affected?

According to a household survey conducted between May and June, most affected families are small-scale farmers or agricultural labourers, with 58 per cent of them earning between Rs 50,000 and Rs 1 lakh annually. Only 4 per cent earn more than Rs 5 lakh a year. The draft plan, prepared on the basis of the survey, said since a large part of the economy was dependent on farming and animal husbandry, the resettlement area should include infrastructure like facilities for livestock.

A new settlement

The administration has earmarked 340 hectares near Jewar town, covering areas like Alavalpur, Mangaroli, Ahmedpur Chawroli, and Neemka Shahjahanpur, for the resettlement. Plots ranging from 50 to 500 square metres will be allocated based on the size of each family.

The draft plan promises a well-equipped settlement with roads, drinking water, sewage systems, electricity, anganwadis, community halls, cremation grounds, and cattle areas. Fair price shops and other public services will also be provided to help restore normal life.

Women get equal rights

As per TOI, the draft has introduced gender equality in land allocation, where women will get equal rights. Unmarried adult daughters will be treated at par with sons and will be eligible for individual plots and financial aid, marking a progressive shift in resettlement policies.

Financial assistance and job support

For the 17,945 affected families in total, the package is likely to include a monthly subsistence allowance of Rs 3,000 for a year, Rs 50,000 as transport compensation, and an additional Rs 50,000 for SC/ST families. There will also be provisions for skill training and job preference in airport-related services for one member from each family.

Despite these promises, not everyone is satisfied. There is growing unrest among villagers who feel their voices were not heard. The survey saw very low participation in some villages, only 1 per cent in Neemka Shahjahanpur, 20 per cent in Khwajpur, and 50 per cent in Thora. Many are demanding better compensation and guaranteed water access in the new settlements.

Landowners to get higher rates

Seven government schools in Banwariwas, Kishorepur, Ramner, Neemka Shahjahanpur, Khwajpur, Thora, and Jewar Bangar will have to be relocated. Though land will be provided free of cost for rebuilding the schools, no compensation will be offered for the land currently occupied by them.

Landowners will be compensated at Rs 4,300 per square metre, a 40 per cent increase from the previous phases. "Once approved, we'll publish the final scheme and formally declare the resettlement area. The collector will determine land values and calculate the compensation, including a 100 per cent solatium as mandated," TOI quoted Bacchu Singh, ADM (land acquisition), as saying.

Approved by the Ministry of Civil Aviation in 2017, the Noida International Airport is being developed as India’s largest greenfield airport. While the first two phases covering 2,699 hectares are nearing completion, the expansion now demands an additional 2,053 hectares.

The expansion is expected to boost airport capacity significantly, with new runways, cargo terminals, and maintenance areas.