As opposition intensifies against the proposed international airport at Purandar in Pune district, veteran politician Sharad Pawar has stepped in to mediate between villagers and the state government, calling for a dialogue that includes the voices of those directly impacted.
Pawar, speaking to the media after meeting residents of the affected villages on Sunday, announced plans to request a joint meeting with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, MP Supriya Sule, and local farmers to address their concerns over displacement and the potential loss of fertile agricultural land.
“These villages have been transformed through irrigation projects into high-yielding farmland,” Pawar said. “Locals grow sugarcane and horticulture crops here. Their demand is simple spare these lands from the airport project.”
Pawar added that the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) is currently assessing land availability for the airport.
“A meaningful conversation between the Centre, the State, and local stakeholders is necessary. My effort will be to bring everyone to the table and understand how the project can move forward without compromising on agriculture,” he said.
The veteran leader also reached out to Ajit Pawar, who is the guardian minister of Pune district, for an update.
The move comes just days after violent clashes broke out on May 3 during drone surveys across the seven villages identified for the greenfield airport. Over 25 policemen and multiple villagers were injured in the confrontation, underscoring the rising tensions on the ground.
Earlier on May 5, Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule urged farmers to reconsider their opposition, assuring them of a “best possible deal” and government sensitivity toward their concerns.
But the villagers remain firm. Their message is clear: development cannot come at the cost of livelihood and fertile land. With over 2,400 hectares of irrigated land at stake, the Purandar airport debate once again highlights the delicate balance between infrastructure growth and agrarian rights.
As Pawar prepares to mediate a crucial meeting with the CM, villagers are hoping for more than just assurances they are seeking a fair, transparent, and inclusive decision-making process that respects both development and dignity.
May 3 Clashes and Government Appeal
The move comes just days after violent clashes broke out on May 3 during drone surveys across the seven villages identified for the greenfield airport. Over 25 policemen and multiple villagers were injured in the confrontation, underscoring the rising tensions on the ground.
On May 5, Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said ,
“This will benefit farmers through international exports. The state government is committed to creating a world-class airport in Pune. It’s a policy decision that will not be reversed.”
Farmers Dig In, Warn of Agitation
Opposition to the proposed Purandar airport project has intensified as local farmers adopt a firm stance against land acquisition, declaring their unwillingness to give up their farmland. Protesting in various villages, they warned of a mass agitation if the government proceeds forcibly. While discussions between district officials and farmer leaders continue, a resolution remains elusive amid heightened police presence. In recent days, the district administration’s attempt to conduct a drone survey in some villages in Purandar tehsil was met with stiff resistance from local farmers. One such protest turned violent on May 3, leaving 18 policemen injured and drone cameras destroyed.
Drone Survey Sparks Outrage
Farmers allege that they were caught off guard on Saturday by the sudden, forceful attempt to carry out a drone survey, which they had vehemently opposed. Despite repeated appeals for transparency, the authorities allegedly proceeded with the exercise without notifying locals. This led to an agitation, leading to stone-pelting by some protesters. In response, the police launched a dual offensive using tear gas and batons.
Local leader Santosh Haghawane said, “Had the farmers been informed that the drone survey was cancelled, this confrontation could have been avoided. The police lathi-charged unsuspecting farmers, prompting them to defend themselves by pelting stones.” (Source-Pune Times Mirror)
While minor injuries were reported among the police, villagers claimed the administration exaggerated the charges against farmers and ignored the violence inflicted by police.
“Why were no cases filed against officers who beat women and elderly farmers? Who gave the lathi-charge orders?” asked a farmer.
Voices from the Villages
Farmers and sarpanchs from Vanpuri, Ekhatpur, Munjawadi, and other affected villages gathered in large numbers, demanding answers and justice.
Tanubai Kumbharkar from Vanpuri declared, “We will not give an inch of land. Let the local politicians give their own land first.”
Deputy Sarpanch of Pargaon, Chetan Memane, criticised the silence of those promoting women welfare schemes, while female protesters and elders face police brutality.
“We don’t want airports — we want to do farming and protect our environment,” Deputy Sarpanch of Pargaon, Chetan Memane said.
A Struggle for Land and Livelihood
The villagers remain firm. Their message is clear: development cannot come at the cost of livelihood and fertile land. With over 2,400 hectares of irrigated land at stake, the Purandar airport debate once again highlights the delicate balance between infrastructure growth and agrarian rights.
As Pawar prepares to mediate a crucial meeting with the CM, villagers are hoping for more than just assurances — they are seeking a fair, transparent, and inclusive decision-making process that respects both development and dignity.
(inputs-Pune Mirror)
