Pune News: Villagers Oppose Land Acquisition For Purandar Airport, Threaten Legal Action
Pune News: Villagers Oppose Land Acquisition For Purandar Airport, Threaten Legal Action
Opposition to the proposed international airport in Purandar has intensified even before the land acquisition process begins. Local villagers from seven affected villages have warned of legal action against the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) after it declared 2,832 hectares as an industrial zone.
Retired Justice B.G. Kolse Patil visited Pargaon to support the protesting farmers and advised them on the issue. Village representatives from Pargaon, Khanwadi, Ekhatpur, Mujwadi, Kumbharvalan, Vanpuri, and Udachiwadi were present at the meeting. They argued that the government should consider using barren or forest department land instead of acquiring fertile agricultural land.
Farmers strongly opposed giving up their land, stating that even if they were offered compensation at more than five times the current rate, they would not sell their properties. As a result, the seven villages have decided to pass a resolution for a legal battle while also planning peaceful protests.
In response, district authorities stated that efforts will be made to build trust with the locals before proceeding with land acquisition. Pune District Collector Jitendra Dudi assured that while land acquisition is necessary, steps will be taken to ensure that farmers do not suffer losses.
