Legislators from various parties pressed the government on issues including land acquisition, rehabilitation, and regional connectivity.

The matter was raised through a Legislative Question by BJP MLA Pawan Kajal, who highlighted concerns about 80-90 families living in the Gaggal area for five to six decades on land allotted by panchayats. Kajal asked whether these families would receive compensation equal to that of private landowners if displaced.

Responding, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu stated that ₹1,960 crore had already been disbursed for the project and the government remained committed to completing the expansion. He noted that approximately ₹1,500 crore was still pending and that the runway would be extended from 1,376 metres to 3,110 metres, representing one of the state's most significant aviation infrastructure upgrades in decades.

The Chief Minister assured the Assembly that compensation would adhere to the Land Acquisition Act for both landowners and non-landowning occupants affected by the expansion. He added that rehabilitation and resettlement plans would consider families documented in ration cards and family registers. Land acquisition was targeted for completion by the end of 2026.

The debate intensified when BJP MLA Vipin Singh Parmar raised concerns about suspended flights under the UDAN scheme, pointing out the Dharamshala-Shimla route had been inactive for 7-8 months. He asked if the government would release Viability Gap Funding (VGF) to resume services.

Chief Minister Sukhu replied that ₹10 crore had already been provided under VGF but operators could not sustain flights. He said the state was pursuing new routes including Dharamshala-Shimla and Delhi-Shimla-Dharamshala, and planned to operationalise heliports in Chamba, Palampur, and Hamirpur by June 2026 to offer helicopter services under VGF.

As the exchange became more heated, former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur attempted to speak on off-budget borrowings and loans from HUDCO. However, Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania invoked Rule 299 and did not allow him to proceed, reminding members to maintain order during the Chair's address.

The tense atmosphere eased when Chief Minister Sukhu, in a lighter tone, advised Thakur not to lose his temper, noting, “I also take medicine for blood pressure,” and suggested discussions continue calmly. This remark drew smiles across both treasury and opposition benches.

Congress MLA Kewal Singh Pathania, whose constituency contains nearly 70 per cent of the airport area, thanked the Chief Minister for pursuing the project with the Centre. He urged the state's Members of Parliament to raise the matter with the Union Civil Aviation Minister and advocated for a House resolution seeking further support.

Congress MLA Sudhir Sharma expressed concerns about a dedicated housing policy for displaced families and asked for clarifications on airport authority approvals, including whether a Letter of Engagement had been issued. The Chief Minister assured these issues would be addressed.

Throughout the debate, members repeatedly highlighted the difficulties faced by families and traders, particularly in Gaggal market, who risk losing their homes and livelihoods. They urged the government to ensure fair and adequate compensation.

The debate underscored the scale of the proposed infrastructure development and the political and human challenges involved, as the government reaffirmed its goal to complete land acquisition by year-end while striving to balance development with rehabilitation.