Archive · 7 Jan 2026
Villagers Protest Rs 1,300-Crore Shimla Township Plan
In Shimla, the government wants to build a new township to reduce crowding in the city.
This township, costing Rs 1,374 crore, will be built on land that includes nine villages.
The government says they will not force anyone to give up their land and that people can keep some land for gardening.
However, the villagers are worried.
They say the land is their home and their livelihood.
They fear they will lose their farms and temples, which have been in their families for generations.
The government says the township will bring new opportunities, but the villagers are not sure.
They want the government to explain how they will be compensated fairly.
The government says they will follow the proper legal process and listen to the villagers' concerns.
The government plans to acquire 249 hectares of land across nine villages for a new satellite township near Shimla.
The project, costing Rs 1,374 crore, aims to ease Shimla's congestion by spreading urban growth.
386 households and 158 livelihoods are at risk due to the acquisition.
Villagers oppose the plan, fearing displacement and loss of ancestral lands and livelihoods.
Government officials assure that no land will be acquired against the wishes of locals and that provisions will be made for kitchen gardening.
- Who
- Residents of nine villages in Shimla and Solan districts, government officials, and HIMUDA
- What
- Proposed acquisition of land for a new satellite township in Shimla
- When
- Land acquisition notices issued on December 25, 2025, with a public hearing on December 29, 2025
- Where
- Villages of Chanan, Panti, Aanji, Shilli Baghi, Majhola, Shilru, Dhanokari, Kyaragi in Shimla, and Manjiyari in Solan
- Why
- To ease Shimla's congestion by spreading urban growth into surrounding rural areas
Villagers
Government Officials
Land Acquisition
Villagers
Villagers oppose the acquisition of entire villages, including fertile farmlands and ancestral homes, fearing displacement and loss of livelihood.
Government Officials
Government officials assure that no land will be acquired against the wishes of locals and that residential houses and fertile farmlands will be excluded from the plan.
Compensation
Villagers
Villagers express concerns about fair compensation and the division of land among family members.
Government Officials
Officials state that provisions will be made for people to retain land for kitchen gardening and that the process will follow due legal procedures.
Benefits of the Township
Villagers
Villagers fear the loss of their cultural and historical heritage, including farmlands and temples.
Government Officials
Officials argue that the township will benefit locals by providing new opportunities and easing Shimla's congestion.
- Project Cost
- Rs 1,374 crore
- Land Area
- 249 hectares (2,959 bighas)
- Affected Households
- 386
- Livelihoods at Risk
- 158
- Township Location
- 14 km from Shimla city, 2 km from Jubilee Airport
- Township Size
- 135 hectares
- Residential Units in Phase I
- 895