Purandar Airport Project: High Court Dismisses Farmers’ Petition
The Bombay High Court dismissed a petition challenging the proposed Purandar airport site on September 22. The Pune district administration reports that 96% of affected farmers have consented to acquisition, with 910 hectares acquired and ₹3,875 crore paid. The consent deadline has been extended to October 10, after which compulsory acquisition is planned. The court ruling has been independently reported; the latest acquisition figures and revised deadlines are attributed to the district administration.
Pune: The Purandar international airport project has cleared a legal hurdle after the Bombay High Court dismissed a petition filed by farmers opposing land acquisition and seeking a change in the proposed airport’s location.
The petition concerning the Chhatrapati Sambhajiraje Greenfield International Airport was dismissed on September 22. According to information released by the Pune district administration, the court observed that selecting a site for the airport involves technical expertise and falls within the state government’s policy-making powers.
The court also clarified that the petitioners could approach the appropriate authorities with grievances relating to land acquisition or compensation. They could challenge compensation decisions if they believed the amount awarded was inconsistent with applicable law.
Land Acquisition Reaches 910 Hectares
According to the district administration, 96% of farmers across Vanpuri, Kumbharvalan, Udachiwadi, Ekhatpur, Munjawadi, Khanwadi and Pargaon have consented to land acquisition for the airport.
The administration stated that acquisition proceedings covering 910 hectares have been completed and approximately ₹3,875 crore has been paid to the farmers concerned.
Consent Deadline Extended to October 10
Farmers who have not yet given their consent will receive an additional opportunity to do so between September 25 and October 10. The administration aims to complete the overall land acquisition process by October 20.
However, compulsory acquisition of the remaining land is planned after October 10. According to the district administration, farmers whose land is acquired compulsorily will not be eligible for benefits under the rehabilitation policy available through consensual acquisition.
Pune District Collector Jitendra Dudi has urged the remaining farmers to use the extended deadline. He said those opting for consensual acquisition would receive a 10% additional return and other applicable rehabilitation benefits.
The administration is also addressing individual land disputes and has advised joint landowners to resolve outstanding issues so that compensation payments are not delayed by litigation.