CM Fadnavis Engages with Airport-Affected Villages, Assures Maximum Compensation for Purandar Airport
Purandar airport to boost Pune’s industrial growth, raise regional GDP by at least 2%, says Chief Minister
Reinforcing the State Government’s commitment to development with justice, Devendra Fadnavis on Monday held a direct dialogue with representatives of seven villages affected by the Purandar Airport project, assuring them of maximum land acquisition compensation, priority rehabilitation, and long-term livelihood security.
Speaking in Mumbai, the Chief Minister said the Purandar Greenfield Airport would act as a catalyst for industrial and economic expansion across Pune and adjoining regions. He emphasised that the project would not merely serve as a passenger hub but also function as a cargo airport, significantly benefiting the trade of perishable agricultural produce.
📈 “The Purandar airport will increase Pune region’s GDP by at least two per cent and create large-scale opportunities in agriculture, industry and trade,” Fadnavis asserted.
Dialogue with Project-Affected Villages
The interaction was attended by former minister Vijay Shivtare, senior bureaucrats including Additional Chief Secretary (Finance) O.P. Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary (Transport) Sanjay Sethi, Principal Secretary (Industries) P. Anbalagan, Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation CEO P. Velrasu, and Jitendra Dudi, along with villagers from the project-affected areas.
Maximum Compensation Through Negotiation, Not Ready Reckoner
Addressing land acquisition concerns, the Chief Minister stated that the government would finalise compensation through negotiations rather than Ready Reckoner rates, ensuring farmers receive rates higher than prevailing market values.
He assured that:
- Maximum possible land acquisition rates will be offered
- TDR benefits will be extended under the proposed Aerocity project
- Criminal cases registered during earlier protests will be withdrawn
Importantly, the government is considering making this Maharashtra’s first project to offer both monetary compensation and alternative land to affected farmers.
Rehabilitation Given Top Priority
Fadnavis underlined that rehabilitation and resettlement of affected farmers and families would receive topmost priority. Housing rehabilitation will consider family structure, with additional space for adult children, and special solutions will be evolved for women’s inheritance rights, small landholders, and landless farmers.
🛖 “Our intention is not to make anyone landless but to ensure security for future generations,” he said.
Jobs, Skill Development and Shareholding for Affected Families
In a major assurance, the Chief Minister announced:
- 100% job priority for children of project-affected farmers
- Establishment of a Skill Development Centre after finalising land rates
- Industry-specific training to enhance employability
- Consideration of shareholding for farmers in the project
Additionally, special ‘Project Affected Certificates’ will be issued as a unique concession to Purandar villagers.
Cultural Landmark and Wider Policy Vision
The government will also erect a grand statue of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj in the airport area and remove encumbrances on previously acquired surplus land. Discussions will be held on orchard compensation rates, village reconstruction (Gaothan redevelopment), and broader farmer participation.
The Chief Minister further revealed that the State is considering a separate corporation for all project-affected persons across Maharashtra, signalling a long-term policy shift.
Development with Trust
Drawing parallels with the Navi Mumbai International Airport, Fadnavis said large infrastructure projects have historically created new agricultural, commercial and industrial opportunities, leaving affected communities ultimately satisfied.
“Purandar airport will similarly transform this region. Farmers and citizens will be the biggest beneficiaries,” he concluded.