Pune Court Clears Path for ₹26.14 Crore Compensation to Temghar Dam-Affected Farmers

After years of delays, Pune court orders release of ₹26.14 crore compensation to farmers displaced by Temghar dam project, ending long legal struggle

Pune| 31January,2026: After years of prolonged legal struggle and administrative delays, a Pune court has finally cleared the way for the release of ₹26.14 crore in compensation to farmers affected by the Temghar dam project. The decision brings long-awaited relief to 39 landowners whose agricultural land was acquired for the dam but who were yet to receive enhanced compensation despite earlier court orders. The ruling highlights serious lapses in the execution of land acquisition compensation and underscores the judiciary’s role in enforcing accountability.

The Temghar dam, a key component of the Khadakwasla water system, plays a vital role in supplying water to Pune city and surrounding regions. However, while the project serves urban and irrigation needs, affected farmers have faced years of financial hardship due to delayed compensation. The court had approved revised compensation amounts nearly two and a half years ago, but procedural hurdles and lack of coordination between departments prevented the funds from reaching beneficiaries.

Frustration among farmers escalated when repeated reminders and official follow-ups failed to yield results. In a dramatic move to enforce the court’s directive, farmers accompanied a court bailiff to initiate attachment proceedings against government assets. This step intensified pressure on authorities and prompted high-level administrative meetings involving district officials and senior state-level officers. The matter was eventually escalated to top government authorities, leading to a breakthrough.

Following court intervention, the state government deposited ₹26.14 crore with the designated agency responsible for disbursing compensation. The court has now directed that the amount be placed before judicial authorities to ensure direct transfer to the bank accounts of eligible farmers. This step is expected to bring an end to a long-standing dispute that had tested the patience and financial stability of affected families.

Earlier, the court had taken a strict view of the non-compliance, ordering attachment proceedings against the land acquisition office on more than one occasion. In a rare and stern action, attachment of property belonging to the special land acquisition officer was also ordered due to persistent failure in releasing the compensation amount. Legal experts say such measures reflect growing judicial intolerance toward delays in implementing compensation orders.

The case has once again drawn attention to systemic issues surrounding land acquisition for large infrastructure projects. While dams and irrigation projects are crucial for urban water security and agricultural development, delays in compensating displaced farmers often lead to prolonged litigation and social unrest. Experts stress that timely and transparent compensation is essential to maintaining public trust and preventing legal escalation.

For the Temghar dam-affected farmers, the court’s intervention marks a significant milestone after years of uncertainty. While the compensation brings financial relief, many believe the prolonged delay highlights the urgent need for reforms in land acquisition processes to ensure that affected citizens are treated fairly and without undue hardship.

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