Purandar Airport Land Acquisition: Farmers Demand Higher Compensation, Collector Signals Support

Farmers affected by Purandar Airport demand higher compensation and better rehabilitation. Pune District Collector Jitendra Dudi says the government is open to a positive solution.

Pune / Purandar, December 08, 2025 – Farmers from several villages in Purandar have once again raised strong demands for higher compensation as the state prepares to acquire land for the Purandar Airport project. During a public meeting, Pune District Collector Jitendra Dudi assured villagers that the administration would take their concerns seriously and work toward a fair settlement.

Nearly 3,000 acres are required for the proposed airport, which will cover villages such as Khanwadi, Kumbharvalan, Ekhatpur, Munjawadi, Pargaon, Udachiwadi and Vanpuri. The region has been under negotiation for years as authorities attempt to move forward with land acquisition while addressing concerns of affected families. Farmers say their land is their primary livelihood, and compensation must reflect economic reality and long-term impact.

Officials have earlier offered compensation up to ₹1 crore per acre along with several benefits such as compensation for houses and wells, support for shifting, and around 10 percent of developed land after the project is completed. Along with that, displaced families were promised residential plots and rehabilitation assistance. However, many landowners argue that the proposed rate does not match land value and that the government must provide higher payouts similar to other major infrastructure projects in the state.

Farmers have also pointed out that not all landholders are the same. Small and marginal farmers may lose their only source of income if they give up land. Some have demanded up to five times the ready-reckoner rate or alternative land options to secure their future. Women landholders and those cultivating leased land have asked for special provisions so that no family is left out of benefits.

During the recent meeting, Collector Jitendra Dudi said the administration is positively inclined toward the demands and would convey suggestions to the state government. He indicated that compensation, rehabilitation and other facilities will be handled transparently. Authorities are currently finalising terms and may release compensation in phases once approvals are completed.

The Purandar Airport project, first conceptualised several years ago, has been through multiple design changes. The size of the project has been reduced to minimise displacement. Even so, thousands of people are set to be directly or indirectly affected, making fair compensation a crucial part of the project’s acceptance.

For the villagers, the issue is not only about money but also relocation, livelihood and future security. Many have worked the same land for generations and worry about losing both heritage and income. Community leaders have urged the government to ensure rehabilitation is meaningful and that displaced families do not end up struggling after land acquisition.

Negotiations are ongoing, and meetings between farmers and officials are expected to continue. The final decision on compensation may shape future land acquisition policies in Maharashtra, especially for large infrastructure projects that affect rural communities.

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