Special Correspondent | Pune
In an important development regarding the proposed international airport at Purandar, Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule has assured farmers that land acquisition will be carried out only after offering the best possible compensation package. He appealed to farmers to submit their demands to the government within seven days, including expectations related to compensation, rehabilitation, and additional facilities.
Speaking after a two-hour meeting with farmers from the seven affected villages at the District Collector’s Office, Bawankule said, “The government will not act unjustly against any farmer. Purandar airport, like the MIHAN project in Nagpur, will be a game-changer for western Maharashtra and will create employment opportunities for local youth.”
The minister urged farmers to convey their demands transparently. “This project is of national and state importance. The government is ready to offer the best package. Cases filed against innocent farmers during protests will be reviewed and withdrawn after investigation. However, action will be taken against those who attacked officials, as we have video evidence,” he stated.
The meeting was attended by MLA Vijay Shivtare, District Collector Jitendra Dudi, and land acquisition officers. The minister emphasized that no injustice would be done and cited examples of development brought by similar projects in other parts of the state.
Regarding recent protests in Purandar, Bawankule acknowledged that some farmers had been booked. He promised fair investigation and justice for innocent protesters, while also warning of strict action against those instigating violence. “There are reports of bullock carts being let loose during the protest. The matter will be probed. Some individuals might have tried to escalate the situation, but justice will be ensured,” he added.
On the allegations of misinformation being spread via WhatsApp and involvement of outsiders in the agitation, Bawankule said, “Some people circulated false rates and created confusion. The government’s approach is transparent and prioritizes farmers’ welfare. The involvement of outsiders is baseless and will be verified through inquiry.”
Responding to claims about middlemen buying land from farmers, he clarified, “There is no evidence of this yet. However, we will investigate the matter. One or two agents should not be allowed to harm the interests of genuine farmers.”
The ongoing land survey for the airport project has been temporarily halted. “We have stopped the survey respecting farmers’ sentiments. Within the next 15 days, we will hold discussions with farmers to find a mutually acceptable way forward,” Bawankule concluded.
