Guwahati: Residents of Lalkura village’s first and second blocks on January 3 protested against the Dhubri district administration for resisting the purchase of their properties for the construction of Rupsi airport.
The government representatives were reportedly chased away by the villagers when they measured the land.
The locals clearly stated that they would not compromise on their lands and argued that the airport’s development would have a significant negative impact on their way of life.
The first Flybig flight from Guwahati Airport landed at the Rupsi Airport on May 8, 2021, marking the airport’s return to business after a 38-year hiatus.
The Airports Authority of India manages and maintains Rupsi airfield, a World War II-era airstrip in southern Assam. It is spread out on 337 acres and features a 3,500 square metre terminal building with a maximum capacity of 250 passengers.
It features a single runway and two ATR-72 type aircraft parking bays.
The airport mostly serves travellers from the Assamese districts of Kokrajhar, Dhubri, Goalpara, and Bongaigaon, as well as the West Bengali districts of Cooch Behar and Aliduarpur and some regions of Bhutan.
People use the airport’s services when travelling to a variety of historical and religious locations, including Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary, Gauripur Rajbari, Gurudwara Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahi, Dhubri, and Ramona National Park, among others.
The Rupsi Airport has improved local connection which has increased travel and business in the area.