Hon’ble High Court Halts University Land Acquisition for Tourism Village: Teachers Celebrate Victory

In a major decision, the Hon’ble High Court has imposed a stay on the proposed acquisition of 112 hectares of land belonging to Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University, Palampur. The land had been earmarked by the state government for the construction of a tourism village, a move that had sparked widespread concern among the university’s faculty members and academic community.

This legal intervention has been welcomed with immense relief and joy by the teachers of the Agricultural University. Many had voiced their disapproval, arguing that the acquisition of such a large portion of university land for a tourism project would severely hinder the institution’s research and educational activities. The teachers feared that the project would disrupt the progress and functioning of one of the state’s premier educational institutions, which is dedicated to agricultural advancement and innovation.

The President of the Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University Teachers Association (HPAUTA) expressed gratitude for the court’s decision, stating, “This is a victory for education and the future of agricultural research in our state. The Hon’ble High Court’s stay has ensured that the university’s land will remain intact for the purpose it was intended—promoting agricultural development and empowering future generations of farmers and researchers.”

The teachers also renewed their appeal to the Hon’ble Chief Minister, urging the government to reconsider its plans and relocate the tourism village to another site. They emphasized that such a relocation would prevent any disruptions to the university’s ongoing projects and allow both the tourism initiative and agricultural progress to thrive independently.

The government’s move to acquire university land had been met with opposition from various quarters, including students, academics, and local residents. They argued that the university plays a pivotal role in boosting the state’s agricultural economy and should not be compromised for the sake of tourism.

As the legal proceedings continue, the High Court’s interim decision offers a temporary reprieve, giving stakeholders hope that a long-term solution will be reached in favor of the university’s academic mission.