Pune: In a remarkable show of unity and determination, residents of Ekhatpur and Munjawadi—two of the seven villages marked for land acquisition for the proposed Purandar International Airport—have issued a clear and uncompromising stance. Over 1,700 objections have been formally submitted, reflecting the villagers’ insistence on comprehensive compensation and rehabilitation before any land is handed over.
Key Demands Raised by Villagers of Ekhatpur and Munjawadi:
One-time compensation of ₹10 crore per acre.
Allocation of 35% of the acquired land back to the villagers as developed plots within the airport project limits.
Floor Space Index (FSI) of 5 for the developed plots.
Residential plots that are three times the size for families without homes or land.
Compensation for residential and commercial properties at 2.5 times the current market rate.
Employment opportunities (both skilled and unskilled) in upcoming government, semi-government, and private sector projects for land contributors and their dependents.
Reservation in education and government employment for those affected by the project.
Land to be valued as a whole, without considering its classification as agricultural or horticultural.
Land acquisition to be managed by a government body other than MIDC.
Compensation to follow a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
For orchard lands, payments to account for the age, productivity, and market worth of trees.
Extent of Proposed Acquisition:
Ekhatpur: 216.280 hectares
Munjawadi: 129.323 hectares
Community Unity and Voice:
A recent Gram Sabha meeting drew large participation from villagers and local leaders, including Sarpanch Sheetal Tilekar and Deputy Sarpanch Tushar Jhurange. The gathering highlighted the collective resolve to secure a just deal. Villagers made it clear that while they support progress, it must not compromise their livelihoods or future security.
Objection Statistics:
Total objections filed so far: 1,790
Deadline for submissions: May 29
Hearing venue: Office of the Sub-Divisional Officer, Purandar
