Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis held a crucial meeting on Tuesday with farmers from seven villages in Purandar, where land is being acquired for the proposed new Pune International Airport. The dialogue revealed a complex landscape where a majority has given consent, but significant demands for higher compensation and pockets of opposition remain.
Compensation Demands and Persistent Opposition
The meeting, attended by about 50 representatives, saw farmers putting forth a range of demands. The state government's current offer stands at Rs 1 crore per acre. However, village representatives pressed for substantially increased rates. Manjusha Gaikwad, the sarpanch of Kumbharwalan village, stated that while farmers in her village oppose the acquisition, they have demanded a rate of Rs 15 crore per acre if it proceeds, along with Kunbi certificates.
Tushar Zhurange, the upsarpanch of Ekhatpur-Munjwadi, said farmers sought rates equal to or higher than those for the ring road project, which was approximately Rs 5.6 crore per acre (Rs 14 lakh per guntha). Other demands included compensation of Rs 8 crore per acre, Transferable Development Rights (TDR) on compensation land, and an increase in the developed plot offer from the current 10% to 35%.
Government's Assurance and Rehabilitation Package
According to a press release from the Pune District Information Office, CM Fadnavis assured that the state government would provide the maximum possible compensation. He emphasized that the rehabilitation of project-affected farmers and citizens is the highest priority.
Fadnavis announced a package beyond monetary compensation. This includes establishing a Skill Development Centre for children of affected farmers, who will also get priority in jobs. Furthermore, project-affected persons will receive a special 'Project Affected Certificate'. The Chief Minister stated that the government would not rely solely on ready reckoner rates but would finalize land acquisition rates through negotiations to ensure long-term security for farmers and future generations.
The Consent Conundrum and Project's Economic Impact
The district administration had announced in September 2025 that it had received consent from 94% of the farmers for the land acquisition. However, Sarpanch Gaikwad clarified that farmers from her village had only given consent for a land survey, not for the actual acquisition, highlighting a potential point of contention.
Fadnavis underscored the economic significance of the Purandar Airport project. He mentioned that several industries are keen to invest in Pune, and the new airport will play a crucial role in facilitating this growth. The project is expected to boost Pune's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by at least two percent, marking it as a key infrastructure driver for the region's future.
