Clash in Purandar Over New Pune Airport Project: Villagers Oppose Drone Survey, One Damaged
Purandar, 2nd May 2025: Tensions flared in Purandar taluka on Friday when villagers from seven hamlets strongly resisted a drone-based land survey conducted by government officials for the proposed Purandar International Airport. The situation escalated into a confrontation with police, and one of the drones used in the exercise was damaged during the unrest.
According to Pune Rural Police, some farmers and locals from Ekhatpur and nearby villages opposed the survey, which was being carried out by the district administration. “Villagers objected to the drone operation, and in the commotion, one of the drones was damaged. We are initiating legal action, and an FIR will be lodged at Saswad police station,” said Deputy Superintendent of Police (Bhor Division) Tanaji Barde.
A resident of Pargaon Memane, one of the affected villages, said the opposition was decided collectively. “At our gram sabha, we unanimously resolved to protest the drone survey. Women from the village led the opposition. When the police tried to stop them, a scuffle broke out. We will not allow any survey unless proper dialogue is initiated with landowners,” he said, requesting anonymity.
Land acquisition officials confirmed that of the three drones deployed for the aerial mapping of Ekhatpur, one was damaged. Despite the resistance, officials said the survey was completed using the remaining two drones.
“We surveyed around 248 hectares of land in Ekhatpur. There was some resistance, but we managed to finish the work,” said Varsha Landge, the land acquisition officer. “The survey in other villages will continue as planned.”
The district administration has been given a six-month deadline to complete the acquisition process.
Last week, landowners had marched to Pune and staged a protest outside the Pune Collector’s office, demanding that the state government reconsider the project or initiate fresh negotiations.
