New Pune Airport: Massive Protests Erupt in Purandar Over Proposed Land Acquisition
Purandar, 27th January 2025: Villagers affected by the proposed Pune International Airport in Purandar staged a protest outside the Panchayat Samiti office last week, strongly opposing the project. Carrying black flags and placards, the residents voiced concerns over land acquisition, inadequate compensation for farmers, and the environmental and socio-economic impacts of the airport.
The project, first announced in 2016, has been fraught with controversy since its inception. While the government promotes it as a catalyst for economic growth, locals fear it will disrupt their lives, livelihoods, and the region’s ecological balance.
In September 2016, the Maharashtra government identified Purandar as the site for a new international airport to bolster development and create jobs. However, the announcement was met with protests, particularly from farmers, over issues like land acquisition, compensation rates, and large-scale displacement.
Affected villages include:
Pargaon: 1,037 hectares (2,592 acres)
Udachi Wadi: 261 hectares (625 acres)
Gunjawadi: 140 hectares (357.5 acres)
Ekhatpur: 271 hectares (677.5 acres)
Khanwadi: 484 hectares (1,010.5 acres)
Kumbharwal: 351 hectares (827.5 acres)
Vanpuri: 339 hectares (847.5 acres)
Pargaon faces the highest land acquisition, while Vanpuri, with its dense residential settlements, is set to experience significant displacement.
Residents have raised alarm over the destruction of agricultural lands and orchards, including fig, custard apple, and pomegranate plantations, which are primary sources of income for the community.
Key grievances include a lack of transparency and consultation in the decision-making process. “For nearly a decade, we have protested through marches, roadblocks, and meetings with officials, yet our demands remain unaddressed,” said a farmer leading the protest.
Protesters have demanded clarity on the land acquisition process, market-linked compensation rates, and a comprehensive rehabilitation plan for displaced families. “We’ve been told that land will be acquired voluntarily, but no concrete measures have been taken to ensure fairness,” another resident said.
The Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) is responsible for land acquisition, but locals allege delays and irregularities. The 2013 Land Acquisition Act, which mandates adequate compensation and resettlement, is reportedly not being adhered to.
Political differences have further complicated the issue. Former MLA Sanjay Jagtap and others opposed the project under the Mahavikas Aghadi government, suggesting alternative sites, but the Defence Ministry rejected the relocation proposal. Current MLA Vijay Shivtare has advocated for voluntary land acquisition and alternative development projects like IT parks, though these proposals have yet to materialize.
Residents have also accused local brokers and political leaders of facilitating large-scale land sales to outside investors at low prices, adding to their mistrust.
Union Minister of State Muralidhar Mohol recently met with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to discuss the airport and other aviation projects in Maharashtra. Mohol assured that the Purandar airport would be operational by 2029, with infrastructure improvements such as night landing facilities and runway development being prioritized.
Despite these assurances, villagers remain skeptical. “If our voices continue to be ignored, the protests will escalate,” warned a farmer.
