Developed plots along with compensation for farmers who give consent for land acquisition for Purandhar Airport

The officer also said the government has devised a special plan, under which farmers who willingly give their consent will be allotted developed plots equivalent to 10 per cent of their total surrendered land in the proposed Aerocity area, along with compensation.

“Developed plots will be given only for farmers who give their consent. Those who oppose the land acquisition will get only compensation. We hope this move will allow more and more farmers to give their consent,” said the officer.

Spread over 2,832 hectares, the proposed international airport will require the acquisition of land from seven villages: Vanpuri, Udachiwadi, Kumbharvalan, Ekhatpur, Munjwadi, Khanwadi, and Pargaon. The project has faced protests from local residents in many parts. However, the state government has attempted to alleviate the farmers’ concerns and promised them substantial compensation.

Among the protesters, Pargaon residents have been the most vociferous in their opposition to the project as it will see the highest land acquisition. Mahesh Memane, a villager from Pargaon, said, “At present, we have not seen any activity on the ground. We do not require any developed land; we will not allow the land acquisition.”

The need for another international airport in Pune has long been recognised, as the Lohegaon airport is overburdened. The Lohegaon airport serves primarily as a defence base, owned by the Indian Air Force and operated by the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
—-