Pune: “Purandar Airport Will Be Built Over Our Corpses” – Farmers Intensify Protest

Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Pune, 28th April 2025: Opposition to the proposed Purandar airport intensified today as hundreds of farmers from seven villages in Purandar taluka staged a massive protest march in Pune. Marching from Alpabachat Bhavan to the District Collector’s Office, the farmers raised strong slogans against the government, demanding an immediate halt to land acquisition for the airport project.

The protest comes even as the government has initiated dialogue with villagers, begun land acquisition processes, and commenced preliminary work for the new airport, which will cover land in seven villages of Purandar taluka.

“We will not give an inch of our land. The Purandar airport will be built over our corpses,” declared a protesting farmer. “The government is imposing this airport on us against our will. Despite repeated resolutions passed by our Gram Sabhas opposing land acquisition, the authorities continue to push the project forward.”

Farmers accused the government of ignoring the 73rd Constitutional Amendment, which empowers local self-governance institutions like Gram Panchayats and Gram Sabhas. “All seven villages have officially passed resolutions against transferring land for the project. Yet, our democratic rights are being trampled,” said another farmer participating in the march.

Protesters expressed grave concerns about the long-term impact on their lives and livelihoods. “If this airport project is forced upon us, it will destroy our culture, geography, environment, and most importantly, our future generations,” a farmer warned. “Already, one of our fellow farmers has died under the mental pressure of losing his land. If the government does not stop the drone survey and land measurement immediately, many more will meet the same fate out of despair.”

Farmers demanded that the airport project be relocated to another area to prevent widespread displacement and environmental destruction. “The government only talks about compensating us with money. But it does not think about the lives, the homes, and the future it is taking away from us,” said a farmer during the protest.

पुरंदर विमानतळ प्रकल्प विरोधात शेतकरी संतप्त; पुणे जिल्हाधिकारी कार्यालयासमोर मोर्चा

“We urge the government to cancel the Purandar airport project immediately to prevent further injustice and suffering,” the protesting farmers said, vowing to continue their agitation until their demands are met.