Drone Survey To Begin On April 9 Amidst Villagers’ Hunger Strike Threat

Even as the villagers have threatened a hunger strike, the administration is set to start the drone survey scheduled from April 9 for the proposed international airport’s land acquisition.

This comes amidst the threat of an indefinite hunger strike by landowners from Pargaon Memane village starting Friday.

The administration is planning to start the land measurement work in the seven villages and aims to finish the work in 10 days.

Recently, the MIDC issued a notification for land acquisition for this airport.

State Industrial Minister Uday Samant recently held a high-power committee meeting regarding land acquisition for the Purandar Airport and gave approval to begin the land acquisition process under the ‘pass-through method.

Compensation Five Times the Ready Reckoner Rates

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.

Officials said that farmers will be compensated on the lines of the Ring Road and Samruddhi Highway when acquiring land.

However, the villagers have intensified their protests over the land acquisition in the seven villages.

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.