Pune: Rahu Island Land Crisis: Farmers Selling Ancestral Land Amid Rising Prices
Daund, 6th March 2025: Rahu and the surrounding island region in Daund taluka, once known for its agricultural prosperity, is witnessing a concerning trend of landowners selling their ancestral lands. Situated at the confluence of the Mula-Mutha and Bhima rivers, this fertile region has thrived due to year-round water availability, black soil, and proximity to Pune’s vast market. However, large portions of land are now being sold off, raising alarms about the future of local agriculture and land ownership.
In several villages across Rahu Island, nearly 40% to 50% of the land has already been purchased by outsiders. The original landowners, who once held vast acres, are now being reduced to working as laborers or sharecroppers on the same lands they previously owned. Many farmers, enticed by skyrocketing land prices, have sold their properties without considering the long-term consequences, leaving their future generations landless.
The rapid rise in land prices is largely attributed to Rahu’s proximity to urban hubs like Pune and Wagholi. The trend of Gunthewari has surged, leading many young farmers to venture into the real estate business. However, due to complex legal procedures, fraudulent partnerships, and lack of market knowledge, several have suffered heavy financial losses, forcing them to sell their remaining land assets to recover from debts.
Politics has also played a significant role in this shift. Historically, Rahu Island has been a political battleground, where contesting elections was considered a matter of prestige. However, with the changing dynamics of politics, financial investments have become a necessity. Many local leaders, in their pursuit of power and status, have been forced to sell off their lands to sustain their political ambitions.
Adding to the speculation-driven land sales is the region’s rapid infrastructural development. The Wagholi-Rahu Road is being upgraded into a four-lane cement road, connecting key highways like the Daund-Kedgaon-Solapur route. Additionally, a bridge linking Takali Bhima in Shirur and Daund talukas is being constructed at a fast pace, set to improve connectivity between Ahilyanagar Highway and Pune-Solapur Highway. With such developments, land prices in Rahu Island are expected to soar in the near future.
Despite these upcoming opportunities, many farmers are selling off their lands prematurely. Experts warn that those selling their properties today may soon regret their decisions as land in this region could become highly valuable. The situation underscores the need for awareness among farmers about long-term planning, sustainable financial management, and preserving ancestral wealth for future generations.
