Cambodia Returns Demined Land to Koh Kong Village With Indian Support

Residents of Kaoh Pao village in Koh Kong province have received formal ownership of nearly 200,000 square metres of land that has been cleared of landmines and unexploded ordnance. The October 1 ceremony marked the completion of demining efforts funded through India's Quick Impact Project initiative, benefiting approximately 134 families in the region.

The cleared land will enable villagers to safely pursue farming, build homes, and develop their livelihoods without the threat of mines. Officials from the Indian embassy highlighted how the return addresses critical safety concerns that have long restricted economic activity in the area.

India has maintained a substantial presence in Cambodia's mine-action efforts since the early 1990s. Support has included providing technical expertise, training local teams, supplying specialized equipment, and deploying mine-detection dogs. The country has also worked to assist survivors of mine-related injuries.

The Mekong–Ganga Cooperation framework has accelerated this partnership. India has established 75 Quick Impact Projects across Cambodia, with 55 now complete and 20 currently underway. These initiatives span education, health, sanitation, agriculture, women's empowerment, and humanitarian demining—all aligned with Cambodia's development priorities.

The handover in Kaoh Pao village represents a significant step forward in restoring usable land to Cambodian communities and demonstrates the ongoing commitment between the two nations to address the legacy of conflict.