Pune: Over 3,000 Farmer Objections Reviewed for Purandar Airport; Land Survey to Begin This Month

Pune, 12th July 2025: With the proposed ₹3,500-crore Purandar International Airport project moving ahead, the Pune district administration has concluded hearings on more than 3,000 objections and suggestions submitted by farmers from seven villages in Purandar taluka. Officials confirmed that a joint land measurement survey will begin this month as the next step in the land acquisition process.

Speaking at the first-ever Western Region Ministers’ Conference on Civil Aviation held in Mumbai, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis assured that land acquisition for Pune’s second airport would be completed in the next four to five months. He acknowledged the resistance from a section of the farming community but reiterated the state’s commitment to push forward with the project.

“We are committed to completing the land acquisition process soon. Concerns of all stakeholders will be addressed fairly,” Fadnavis said.

Mixed Reactions from Villagers
Officials involved in the acquisition process noted that reactions from affected farmers have varied. While some villagers remain firmly opposed to the project, others have demanded higher compensation, assured employment, and detailed rehabilitation packages.

“The response has been more balanced compared to when the process first started. But there are still concerns, particularly around compensation and long-term impact. We’re working to build trust with the community,” said an official from the district administration.

Emphasis on Transparency and Fair Compensation
Deputy Collector (Land Acquisition) Kalyan Pandhare assured farmers that the process will be carried out with full transparency and fairness. “The state government plans to acquire 90% of the land and return 10% to landowners as developed plots within the airport premises. No injustice will be done,” he said.

The joint land survey, which includes government surveyors and farmers’ representatives, is expected to be completed by the end of July. Following this, another round of hearings will be conducted for farmers who missed earlier sessions.

“The final report — which will include objections, feedback from hearings, and findings from the joint survey — will be submitted to the state government in August,” Pandhare added. Compensation details will be finalized after that based on discussions with stakeholders.

Steep Demands from Farmers
During the hearings, some farmers demanded compensation of up to ₹10 crore per acre, along with a request for 15% of their acquired land to be returned as developed plots — significantly above the current government offer.

While negotiations are ongoing, the administration believes that steady dialogue and assurance of long-term benefits will help build consensus for the ambitious project, which is expected to boost regional development and decongest Pune’s existing airport at Lohgaon.