Haldwani, April 15 -- Notices have been issued to around 800 people in Udham Singh Nagar district, directing them to remove encroachments to facilitate the proposed expansion of Pantnagar Airport, warning them of demolition drives if the temporary structures are not removed within 15 days, officials aware of the matter said on Tuesday. Kichha sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) Gaurav Pandey said the state government is prioritising the development of Pantnagar Airport to international standards and to provide improved facilities to passengers. However, unauthorised constructions and illegal settlements in the vicinity of the airport have become a major hurdle in the implementation of the expansion project. Pandey said that Sanjay Colony and Masjid Colony fall within the scope of the airport expansion plan. "Both these colonies are illegal settlements established on land belonging to Pantnagar University. A joint team comprising officials from the district administration, forest department, Public Works Department (PWD) and the National Highways Authority conducted a detailed survey in the area, during which around 800 encroachments were identified," he said. The SDM added that notices have been served to the encroachers residing in the two colonies. "In cases where residents were not present at their homes, notices have been pasted on the doors and walls of their houses. The occupants have been given 15 days to remove their structures, failing which the administration will remove the encroachments using JCB machines," Pandey said. htc...