The proposed Purandar International Airport project in Pune has encountered significant resistance from local farmers who are vehemently rejecting the current compensation package offered by authorities.
Compensation Standoff Escalates
Farmers from the seven villages earmarked for the airport development have unanimously declared the offered amount of ₹1 crore per acre as completely unacceptable. The landowners argue that this compensation fails to reflect the true value of their fertile agricultural land and the emotional attachment they have to their ancestral properties.
Voices from the Ground
"This land is not just property for us; it's our heritage and livelihood," stated one of the affected farmers during the protest. "The government expects us to surrender our means of survival for a price that doesn't account for future inflation or provide adequate rehabilitation measures."
What Farmers Are Demanding
- Substantially increased compensation rates that reflect current market values
- Comprehensive rehabilitation packages for displaced families
- Employment opportunities for family members in the upcoming airport project
- Transparent communication about the project timeline and impact assessment
Project Implications
The Purandar Airport, envisioned as a solution to Pune's growing air traffic needs and decongestion of the existing airport, now faces potential delays due to the land acquisition impasse. The project's success heavily depends on resolving these farmer concerns amicably.
The Way Forward
Authorities now face the challenging task of balancing infrastructure development with farmer welfare. The situation calls for renewed negotiations and a more empathetic approach to address the legitimate concerns of the farming community while ensuring the critical airport project moves forward.
