PUNE: The administration of Pune district has concluded hearings for over 3,000 objections and suggestions from farmers in seven villages of Purandar taluka regarding the proposed ₹3,500-crore international airport. A joint land measurement will commence this month, followed by the submission of a comprehensive report to the state government, according to district land acquisition officials.
Officials noted that opinions among villagers vary; some firmly oppose the project, while others seek better compensation, jobs, and rehabilitation packages. “Responses have improved since the hearings began, but many farmers still have concerns. We aim to gain their trust,” an official commented.
Deputy collector (land acquisition) Kalyan Pandhare assured transparency throughout the process. “The state intends to acquire 90% of the land and return 10% as developed plots within the airport precincts. There will be no injustice,” he stated, mentioning that the land survey is set to be completed this month.
After conducting a second round of hearings for farmers who missed earlier sessions, the final report—covering objections, outcomes, and joint survey results—will be submitted to the government in August, after which compensation discussions will take place.
During the hearings, some farmers requested compensation as high as ₹10 crore per acre and the return of 15% of land as developed plots, significantly above standard rates. Many also asked for assurances regarding livelihoods and infrastructure improvements in resettlement areas.
Farmer Shantaram Memane from Pargaon reiterated his opposition. “We do not want construction here. The government had previously proposed a different location for the airport,” he remarked.
Earlier, farmers resisted drone surveys and land measurements. In one instance, a drone was damaged. “We may need to request police protection to conduct the survey,” a district official noted.
A notification from the industries department on March 10 identified 2,753 hectares across the seven villages as an ‘industrial area’, with an additional 70 hectares to be acquired from the forest department. This acquisition could affect approximately 7,000 landowners, officials estimated. The Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation is looking to raise ₹3,500 crore from private investors to finance the airport initiative.
The affected villages include Pargaon Memane, Ekhatpur, Kumbharvalan, Vanpuri, Khanwadi, Munjawadi, and Udachiwadi.
