India, March 3 -- Efforts to expand the Jeypore Airport in Odisha hit a significant roadblock after a gram sabha held on Sunday in the Bankobija, Ekamba, and Souraguda villages under the Jeypore block to discuss the proposed expansion.

However, the gram sabha discussions remained inconclusive as the villagers expressed their fear of displacement even after assurance from government officials.

Land Required for Jeypore Airport Expansion: Sources said that the authorities had prepared for the acquisition of nearly 250 acres of land from these three villages. 44 acres of this proposed land belong to the government while 205 acres are privately owned.

A total of 96.92 acres in Bankobija, 65.1 acres in Ekamba, and 67.47 acres of land in Sou...