In a significant move to address farmer concerns, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced that the state government is preparing to offer the highest possible compensation package for land required for the proposed Greenfield airport in Purandar. The rehabilitation and future livelihood of affected farmers from seven villages remain the top priority for the project.
Unprecedented Compensation Package on the Table
During a crucial interaction with approximately 40 representatives from the project-affected villages—Vanpuri, Kumbharvalan, Udhachiwadi, Ekhatpur, Munjavadi, Khanvadi, and Pargaon—in Mumbai, Fadnavis outlined a generous plan. He stated that land rates would be finalized through negotiations rather than strictly adhering to ready reckoner values. The government is willing to pay more than the original land value to protect the interests of farmers and their future generations.
The airport, which requires around 1,285 hectares (about 3,000 acres), will not be just a passenger terminal but also a crucial cargo hub. Fadnavis emphasized that this infrastructure project could raise Pune's GDP by at least 2%, marking it as vital for the development of Maharashtra and the Pune region.
Focus on Rehabilitation and Future Livelihood
The Chief Minister laid out a comprehensive rehabilitation plan that goes beyond cash compensation. Key announcements include:
- 100% job priority for the children of project-affected farmers.
- Establishment of a skill development centre to train local youth as per industry needs once land rates are finalized.
- Resettlement plans designed keeping family structures in mind, including additional space for adult children.
- Special measures to be explored for marginal and landless farmers.
- Withdrawal of all police cases registered during earlier protests against the project.
Fadnavis confirmed that the Purandar project would be the first in Maharashtra to offer both cash compensation and alternative land to those losing their plots. He also promised that benefits related to Transferable Development Rights (TDR) would be extended under the proposed Aerocity project in Purandar.
Financial Approval and Enhanced Models
Pune Collector Jitendra Dudi provided further details, indicating that a proposal to sanction Rs 6,000 crore for land acquisition is likely to be cleared in the next state cabinet meeting. The actual acquisition process is expected to begin in the new year, from January 15.
Dudi noted that over 95% of farmers have already given their consent for the acquisition. While an earlier proposal offered Rs 1 crore per acre, double compensation for on-site assets, and 10% developed land, farmers demanded a higher package. Consequently, the government is now considering more lucrative models.
Drawing parallels, Fadnavis mentioned that beneficiaries of CIDCO's Navi Mumbai airport project received 22.5% developed land. He assured that the government would strive to offer even higher benefits for Purandar farmers. Collector Dudi stated that models from the Navi Mumbai airport and the Samruddhi Expressway would be considered, which could substantially enhance the final compensation package.
In a final assurance, the Chief Minister announced that the seal on additional land acquired earlier would be removed from mutation extracts. He also declared that a grand statue of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj would be erected within the airport area, honoring the local historical legacy.
