Patna: The dream of a state-of-the-art airport in Bihta, a town 30 kilometers from Patna, Bihar, is at risk of being grounded as villagers from Safuddinpur fiercely resist the acquisition of land deemed sacred for the construction of a runway. The proposed expansion, vital for accommodating larger aircraft and enhancing air travel facilities in the region, has met with staunch opposition from the local populace, who cite deep religious and cultural ties to the land.
The land earmarked for the runway includes a cemetery in Safuddinpur village, where a shrine dedicated to Sufi saint Sharavati Shah stands. The villagers, numbering around 3,000, have been residing here for over six centuries. The shrine, alongside a small mosque, holds profound religious significance. Villagers, who frequently visit the site to offer prayers and make wishes, see any attempt to displace them or disturb the shrine as an affront to their faith and heritage.
Despite the government’s offer of compensation, the residents are adamant about not relinquishing their land. “We will give our lives, but will not leave our homes,” declares Nasreen Parveen, a local resident, encapsulating the collective sentiment of the community.
Shahabuddin Qasmi, another villager, elaborates on the historical and religious significance of the site. He recounts how Sharifuddin Yahiya Maneri Makhdoom, a revered Sufi saint, once walked through the village, offering prayers at the very spot where the shrine now stands. The village, he says, was named in his honor, and the land holds a sacred place in the hearts of the villagers. This deep-rooted connection makes the idea of parting with the land inconceivable for the residents.
The villagers’ resistance is further fueled by lingering mistrust of government promises. Faraz Ahmed, Vice President of the Sharf Welfare Society, points out that land acquired previously from the village has yet to be compensated. This history of unresolved issues leaves the villagers skeptical about the government’s intentions and fearful of the repercussions of land acquisition, which could leave many of them homeless and landless.
Adding to this sentiment, Rahmatullah Khan criticizes the government’s repeated targeting of Safuddinpur for such acquisitions. He underscores the impact on local livelihoods, with most villagers reliant on agriculture as their sole means of subsistence.
While Safuddinpur remains resolute in its refusal, neighboring Kodhar village presents a different stance. Though just 500 meters away, the villagers of Kodhar are open to giving up their land—provided their conditions are met. Javinder Singh, a local from Kodhar, demands that for every acre of land acquired, a government job should be provided to the landowner. He also insists on upfront, lump sum compensation to support those who might be displaced.
Suman Chauhan, the ward councilor of Kodhar, echoes these demands, emphasizing the need for fair compensation and employment opportunities for those affected by the land acquisition.
In response to the villagers’ concerns, the district administration has formed a seven-member team, led by DM Dr. Chandrashekhar Singh, to explore possible alternatives. This team is tasked with identifying suitable land that might allow the airport’s runway to be extended without encroaching on sacred or residential areas.
The Bihta Airport project, which is expected to be completed by 2027, has the potential to transform the region into an industrial hub, bringing increased VIP movement and employment opportunities. However, the success of this ambitious project now hinges on the government’s ability to navigate the complex interplay of faith, land rights, and development.
As negotiations continue, the search for a solution that respects both the villagers’ heritage and the region’s development needs remains ongoing.
Mahi Saha
Mahi Saha, from Ranchi, reports for Neo Politico.
