Special Correspondent | Pune
The agitation against the proposed international airport in Purandar taluka reignited on Saturday as farmers from seven villages adopted an aggressive stance against the land acquisition process. The villagers have opposed the ongoing drone surveys, leading to heightened tensions and a tragic incident.
The airport project involves acquiring 2,673 hectares of land across the villages of Vanpuri, Udachiwadi, Ekhatpur, Munjwadi, Kumbharvalan, Khanwadi, and Pargao. On Saturday, when an official team arrived for land measurement, locals blocked their entry into the village. Following this, villagers alleged that the police resorted to a lathi-charge (baton charge). During the chaos, an elderly woman, identified as Anjanabai Kamthe, reportedly died after being pushed. However, the administration has not yet confirmed this officially.
Villagers had earlier warned the administration, stating, “Stop the drone survey and land measurement, or we will intensify our opposition.” Despite this, drone surveys resumed on Saturday, sparking anger among the villagers. In retaliation, they damaged one of the drones. Authorities cited this as obstruction of government work and began filing cases against the protesters.
In response to the unrest, Sub-Divisional Officer Varsha Landge deployed two additional drones, and the survey was completed by evening.
The villagers claim they were subjected to police action, including the use of tear gas shells, and that criminal cases are being filed against them. “We have protested and fasted multiple times, but no one listened. If needed, this project will happen over our dead bodies. We are firm in our resolve not to give up our land,” a local farmer said.
They have also demanded that the government consider alternative locations for the airport within the district, stating that the current project will destroy their culture, livelihoods, and heritage.
