Purandar Airport Project Gets Green Signal as HC Rejects Plea

• Court Says Site Selection Is Technical and Policy Matter; Land Acquisition to Continue

PUNE : The Bombay High Court has dismissed a petition filed by farmers opposing land acquisition for the proposed Chhatrapati Sambhajiraje Greenfield International Airport at Purandar and seeking a change in the selected site. The petition was rejected on September 22, clearing a legal hurdle for the project.

The court observed that selection of the airport site is a matter within the domain of technical experts and forms part of the government’s policy decision. It also stated that the court is not an expert authority to interfere in strategic policy decisions of the state government.

The court further observed that petitioners can approach the concerned authorities regarding land acquisition and compensation. If they find that the compensation offered is inadequate or not in accordance with the law, they can challenge it through the appropriate legal process.

On the issue of locus standi, the court held that the petitioners did not have the necessary legal standing to challenge the state government’s policy decision, according to the information provided by the district administration.

Meanwhile, the land acquisition process at the government-selected site is being carried out on a fast-track basis. According to the district administration, 96 per cent of farmers from Vanpuri, Kumbharvalan, Udachiwadi, Ekhatpur, Munjwadi, Khanwadi and Pargaon have given their consent. So far, acquisition proceedings for around 910 hectares have been completed, while compensation amounting to approximately Rs 3,875 crore has been paid to the concerned farmers.

The administration said the acquisition process is being expedited to ensure that farmers receive compensation at the earliest. The state government has provided what it describes as the highest-rate package for the project, along with a rehabilitation policy aimed at protecting farmers’ interests. Individual land-related disputes are also being addressed by the administration.

Under the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation’s rehabilitation policy, the administration has extended the deadline for farmers who have not yet given consent. Farmers will be given additional time from September 25 to October 10 to provide their consent, while the entire acquisition process is scheduled to be completed by October 20.

However, after October 10, compulsory acquisition will be initiated for the remaining land. The administration has clarified that farmers whose land is acquired compulsorily will not be eligible for benefits under the rehabilitation policy.

District Collector Jitendra Dudi’s Appeal

District Collector Jitendra Dudi appealed to farmers to give their consent within the extended deadline. “The government has provided a substantial package keeping the interests of farmers in mind for the Purandar international airport. I request all farmer brothers to give their consent within the extended period, as it is in their interest. With consent-based acquisition, they will receive a 10 per cent return and other benefits as per the rehabilitation policy. Farmers holding joint land should resolve their individual issues and accept the compensation so that the amount does not get held up in court proceedings,” Dudi said.