𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐀𝐋 – 𝐓𝐨𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐁𝐞𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐝

The planned expansion of Paro International Airport marks a significant step toward improving the country’s aviation safety and meeting growing demand for air travel. Upgrading infrastructure to meet international standards is essential for enhancing connectivity, supporting economic growth, and ensuring passenger safety. These developments reflect a broader ambition to position the nation as a reliable and accessible destination in a fast-changing world.

However, progress should not come at the expense of those whose lives and livelihoods are directly affected by the project. The uncertainty faced by landowners caught in the expansion’s path is a pressing issue that requires immediate and thoughtful attention. Restrictions on land use, lack of clear communication, and delays in confirming compensation and relocation plans leave many residents in a state of limbo. This creates anxiety and frustration among families who have cultivated their land for generations and are now confronted with the reality of uprooting their lives.

Development projects of this magnitude inevitably demand sacrifices from local communities. Still, such sacrifices must be met with transparency, fairness, and respect. Clear and timely communication is essential. Residents need to be fully informed about project phases, land acquisition plans, compensation packages, and relocation arrangements. Without open dialogue and genuine engagement, uncertainty breeds mistrust and undermines support for a project that is vital for the country’s future.

Moreover, compensation must be fair and reflective of current land values. A delay or undervaluation risks inflicting long-term hardship on displaced families. Providing infrastructure and basic amenities at resettlement sites is equally crucial. Offering land without access to roads, electricity, or water only compounds the difficulties faced by those who are expected to build new lives from scratch.

There is a broader lesson here for all development initiatives. Sustainable progress hinges not only on physical infrastructure but also on social equity. The government must ensure that its vision for national development includes concrete measures to protect the rights and dignity of its citizens. Every affected household deserves clarity and certainty as they navigate this difficult transition.

It is encouraging that a working committee has been established to oversee the expansion and coordinate among various stakeholders. The involvement of local representatives is a positive step toward bridging gaps between authorities and communities. Still, periodic consultations must evolve into continuous, meaningful dialogue where concerns are addressed promptly and solutions are co-created.

The airport’s expansion is undeniably critical for the country’s safety and economic aspirations. Yet the pace and management of such projects must balance urgency with empathy. Development that leaves citizens behind weakens social cohesion and ultimately undermines the very progress it seeks to achieve.

The challenge before policymakers and planners is clear: How can infrastructure growth be realized without leaving any citizen in uncertainty or hardship? Answering this question is fundamental not only for the success of Paro Airport’s expansion but also for the nation’s integrity and future. When development respects people as partners, the benefits are more inclusive, lasting, and just.