Pune-Nashik Industrial Expressway Temporarily Suspended, Amid Strong Opposition From Local Farmers
Pune-Nashik Industrial Expressway Temporarily Suspended, Amid Strong Opposition From Local Farmers
13 June 2024
Pune- The Deputy Chief Minister, Ajit Pawar, temporarily suspended the construction of the Pune-Nashik Industrial Expressway today. This action was taken owing to strong opposition from the local farmers and public representatives.
Paying heed to the situation, he instructed the officials to stop the work and reconsider highway construction. Cooperation Minister Dilip Walse Patil informed that the deputy Chief minister has ordered them to consider alternatives. Farmers fear the Pune-Nashik Industrial Expressway passing through Khed, Ambegaon, and Junnar Talukas will acquire their horticulture lands.
Keeping in mind the opposition and strong resentment of the farmers, a meeting was held today in the ministry in the hall of Deputy Chief Minister, Ajit Pawar, initiated by Co-operation Minister Walse Patil. MLAs Dilip Mohite and Atul Benke, former vice president of Zilla Parishad Vivek Walse Patil, Anil Valunj, Ashok Adak Patil, Balshiram Valunj, Ashok Valunj and other officers were also present in this meeting.
Through discussion, it was suggested to stop and reconsider the ongoing process regarding the highway at the government level. Ajit Pawar and Dilip Walse Patil have scheduled a meeting with the Chief Minister soon to demand the cancellation of this project and look for alternate routes to complete the road. According to Vivek Walse Patil, assurance was given to the delegation of farmers regarding land use.
MP Dr. Amol Kolhe proposed a vote of thanks to Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar for suspending the highway. He mentioned that previously, the lands of numerous farmers in Junnar, Ambegaon, and Khed talukas had been acquired for various projects. They demanded that the horticultural lands of farmers should not be taken up due to this highway.
It was also emphasized that the farmers should get a fair price if land acquisition becomes inevitable and Pune-Nashik Railway is a more viable option. According to him, this suspension shouldn’t be temporary and the project should get canceled altogether so that farmers get justice.
The Pune-Nashik highway has been widened and bypassed in many places. The land acquisition for railways has also been completed in many areas. Two other highways are proposed through this area and it has also been highlighted to take measures to reduce traffic congestion in Chakan, Talegaon, and Shikrapur areas. Walse Patil stated that the problem can be resolved if the old highway is widened in some spots.
