Pune: Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) leader Sharad Pawar has voiced his support for the proposed Purandar international airport while also recognizing the objections raised by local farmers over land acquisition. Speaking on Monday, Pawar highlighted the need for a balanced approach that considers both development goals and the well-being of the agricultural community.
Pawar announced that he would soon convene a meeting involving local stakeholders, Baramati MP Supriya Sule, and the Chief Minister to explore possible solutions. He pointed out that the land in question had become highly fertile due to a lift irrigation project launched during his time as Chief Minister, and now sustains crops such as sugarcane and horticulture. “It’s understandable that farmers are hesitant to give up such productive land,” he remarked.
A day earlier, several villagers met Pawar in Pune to share their concerns, which included insufficient compensation, potential environmental harm, and the threat of displacement. Farmers noted that Pawar had also contacted Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who is Pune’s guardian minister, to raise the issue.
Tensions have been rising since a violent clash on May 3 during drone surveys in seven villages earmarked for the airport. The confrontation left more than 25 police personnel and numerous villagers injured. In response, Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule stated that while the government remains open to discussions, the decision to construct the airport in Purandar remains unchanged.
Pawar expressed optimism that continued dialogue could yield a resolution that respects the agricultural value of the land while addressing the legitimate concerns of the farming community.
