Even as the administration is preparing for the acquisition of 2,673 hectares of land across seven villages for the Purandar Airport project, the villagers are intensifying their protest.
Recently, social workers and former judge BG Kolse Patil attended a meeting held by the seven villages.
Meanwhile, the Pune district administration has informed that the drone survey will gather information about the exact area of agricultural and non-agricultural land, the number of trees, buildings, wells, and their locations to ensure accurate land acquisition data.
Recently, state industrial minister Uday Samant held a high-power committee meeting regarding land acquisition for the Purandar Airport and gave approval for beginning the land acquisition process under the ‘pass through method.’
This method is similar to the land acquisition process for the Samruddhi Mahamarg. Under this process, land will be acquired at five times the ready reckoner rates.
However, the villagers have also warned of a judicial battle for the land acquisition. The meeting held last week alleged that the stated villages have orchards, and some other area should be selected for the airport.
The villagers added that farmers will be displaced on a large scale, and even if compensation is offered at more than five times the current land rate, they will not give up their land. As a result, a resolution will be passed by seven villages to fight the legal battle. Additionally, it was warned by the locals that a peaceful protest will be held.
Meanwhile, out of the seven villages, the maximum area will be acquired for this airport in Pargaon, followed by Khanwadi, Kumbharvalan, Vanpuri, Udachiwadi, Ekhatpur, and Munjawadi.
History of this airport project
The Central and State Governments, as well as the Airport Authority of India and the Ministry of Defence, have already given the green light to the land acquisition in seven villages of Purandar taluka. Earlier, the notification for land acquisition was issued by the Maharashtra State Airport Development Company. Now, this project has been handed over to MIDC.
The airport, since its announcement, has been embroiled in controversy. Set to be named after Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the proposed Purandar international airport is seen as a response to the growing operational challenges at the existing Lohegaon airport, which also serves as a base for the Indian Air Force. Initially, Chakan was considered as the location for the new airport, but due to local protests, the plan was shelved. Purandar was then selected as the alternative, offering more space and fewer objections.
Once completed, the airport is poised to significantly enhance Pune’s infrastructure, connectivity, and its role as a major hub for commerce, tourism, and international travel.
