Pune: Pargaon Memane Villagers Unite Again to Oppose Proposed Purandar Airport Project

Saswad, 22nd October 2025: Putting aside old differences and misunderstandings, the villagers of Pargaon Memane in Purandar taluka have once again decided to unite in their fight against the proposed Purandar airport project. The resolution was passed unanimously during the village’s traditional Complaint Padwa meeting.

The anti-airport movement in Pargaon Memane has been active for the past eight years. However, in recent months, villagers had shown signs of fatigue and reduced participation. The renewed call for unity came after the government’s new airport layout map showed that nearly 100 hectares of land in the village would be affected by the project.

During the meeting, young villager Akshay Memane questioned what concrete steps the village planned to take for the affected farmers. Following discussions, it was unanimously decided that “not a single inch of land” from the village would be given up for the project and that collective efforts would be made to protect farmers’ interests.

“Even if other affected villages do not participate, the people of Pargaon Memane will stand firm and use their strength to oppose the airport,” the villagers declared.

As per local custom, Diwali Padwa is celebrated in Pargaon Memane as Complaint Padwa — a day dedicated to addressing local disputes, grievances, and collective decisions. The practice has been followed for centuries, with the resolutions passed during this annual gathering being binding on the community.

Treasurer Laxman Gaikwad informed the assembly that around ₹10 lakh had already been spent from the village treasury on legal and organizational efforts related to the agitation and assured that more funds would be made available if needed.

Anil Memane stressed the importance of maintaining transparency in all financial matters, while former sarpanch Sarjerao Memane clarified that there was no corruption and that all accounts had been properly presented to the villagers.

The discussion also included a proposal to share future legal or organizational expenses between the Waghjai Yatra Committee, Saptah Committee, and the village treasury if the matter goes back to court.

Continuing the cultural tradition, Bharadi artists, including Ishastavan, Vajantri, Shingwale, and Bukkyawale, were felicitated during the event. The meeting concluded with speeches conveying Diwali greetings and calls for solidarity.

The proceedings were moderated by Secretary Popat Memane and former treasurer TR Memane, and were attended by a large number of villagers.