A section of tribals is incensed over the proposed expansion of World War II era airport in Dhalbhumgarh block of East Singhbhum district. Villages situated on the periphery of the airport have called for a meeting of gram sabha to arrive at a consensus on whether to part away with their land for the airport or not. Around three villages Kokepara, Debsole, and Burudih villages might face the displacement whip. Villagers of Debsole in gram sabha unanimously decided against giving their land for the development of proposed airport. We have decided against the construction of the airport. The airport would lead to displacement of a lot of people, Dakhin Hansda, village head and chairman of gram sabha said. Around 84 acres of land would be acquired for nearly 1100 acre of proposed airport. Airport Authority of India has given its consent and district administration has been directed to identify the status of the land. Administrative officials are planning to earmark and measure the available land. Villagers of Debsole have decided that they would not let the administration measure the land. Hansda pointed out that village residents around the WW II airports come under the fifth schedule that allows residents to decide on the land use. However, circle officer of Dhalmgarh, Harish Chandra Munda feels that prima facie only a few houses of Ruasole Village would be acquired. He also added that there might be a need for additional land for housing, hotels and allied infrastructure for the airport that may require the acquisition of more land. At present, we feel that enough land is available and a dialogue would be held with agitating villagers, he said. A large section of village residents is ready to give their land for the proposed airport if the government gives compensation and land. Construction work is likely to start in in 2018 and completion of the project is aimed at 2021.