What Will Sharad Pawar Discuss With CM Over Purandar Airport?
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Synopsis
As protests escalate regarding the Purandar airport project, Sharad Pawar prepares to meet with Chief Minister Fadnavis, local villagers, and MP Supriya Sule. This meeting aims to address villagers' concerns about agricultural displacement and seek solutions that protect their land. Will this meeting lead to a resolution that satisfies all parties involved?
Key Takeaways
- Meeting to Address Villagers' Concerns: Sharad Pawar aims to meet with CM Devendra Fadnavis to discuss local issues.
- Potential Agricultural Impact: Villagers fear losing irrigated land vital for horticulture and sugarcane.
- Government's Position: Authorities assure a favorable deal to protesting farmers.
- Airport Development Plans: The new greenfield airport will enhance connectivity in western Maharashtra.
- Public-Private Partnership: The airport will be developed with significant investment and planning.
Pune, May 19 (NationPress) In the midst of rising protests against the proposed greenfield international airport at Purandar in Maharashtra's Pune district, former Union Minister and NCP(SP) President Sharad Pawar announced on Monday that he plans to arrange a meeting with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, accompanied by MP Supriya Sule and local villagers. The primary aim is to address the concerns raised by the residents and to explore alternatives to safeguard the irrigated agricultural land.
The villagers expressed their worries during a meeting with Pawar on Sunday, highlighting issues related to potential displacement and the loss of vital irrigated land.
“The Central Government has opted to establish an airport and has earmarked Purandar for this project. The selected villages for the airport development are primarily agricultural areas known for horticulture and sugarcane cultivation. During my tenure as Chief Minister, we implemented an irrigation scheme that significantly increased the region's irrigated land. The locals conveyed to me on Sunday that their hard work has enabled them to cultivate horticulture and sugarcane, and they wish for this to remain undisturbed. They are advocating for their villages to be excluded from the airport project. Ultimately, the final decision on the airport will rest with the Centre,” stated Pawar. He further mentioned that the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) has been tasked with assessing land availability for the airport.
“Any decisions regarding the airport must involve discussions among the Centre, the state government, and the local populace. My goal is to facilitate a meeting with CM Devendra Fadnavis, MP Supriya Sule, and the villagers to devise a solution. We will review how we can preserve agriculture on the irrigated land during this meeting. Afterward, I will provide a clearer picture,” Pawar added.
Pawar's engagement with the villagers and his initiative to organize a meeting with the Chief Minister follows violent clashes on May 3, during drone surveys conducted across seven villages marked for the international airport project. Over 25 police personnel and numerous villagers sustained injuries amidst the unrest.
Previously, CM Fadnavis and Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule urged the protesting farmers in Pune district on May 5 to reconsider their opposition to the airport project, assuring them of a “favorable agreement.” He mentioned that the airport and cargo hub in Pune district would significantly enhance the region and offer global connectivity to western Maharashtra.
According to the Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC), the current International Airport at Pune (Lohegaon) has reached its capacity limits. Consequently, the new greenfield airport has been proposed at Purandar, near Pune.
The airport will be developed through a public-private partnership, featuring two parallel runways measuring 4000 x 60 meters, an apron to accommodate over 100 aircraft, a modern cargo terminal, and a maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) and flying training organization. The Special Purpose Vehicle - Pune (Purandar) International Airport Limited (PIAL) has been established by the City and Industrial Development Corporation, MADC (Nodal Agency), MIDC, and Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority. The development plan for the proposed airport, covering an area of 2832 hectares, is currently in advanced stages of preparation.
Point of View
The developments surrounding the Purandar airport project highlight the complex intersection of infrastructure development and community rights. While the need for improved connectivity is clear, it is crucial to ensure that the voices of affected communities are not only heard but prioritized in the decision-making process. The upcoming meeting between Sharad Pawar, CM Fadnavis, and local villagers could set a precedent for future projects across India.
NationPress
26/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main concern of the villagers regarding the Purandar airport?
The villagers are primarily concerned about displacement and the loss of their irrigated agricultural land due to the airport development.
Who is facilitating the meeting between the villagers and the Chief Minister?
Former Union Minister Sharad Pawar is facilitating the meeting with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to discuss the villagers' concerns.
What has been the government's response to the protests?
The government, represented by CM Fadnavis and Revenue Minister Bawankule, has urged protesting farmers to reconsider their opposition and assured them of a favorable deal.
What will the new airport project entail?
The new airport project will include two parallel runways, a cargo terminal, and is expected to enhance global connectivity for western Maharashtra.
What is the current status of the existing Pune International Airport?
The existing Pune International Airport at Lohegaon is currently oversaturated, necessitating the development of a new airport at Purandar.
