Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Monday urged the farmers protesting against the proposed international airport in Pune district's Purandar taluka to reconsider their opposition, assuring them of the "best possible land deal".
"I met with some farmers opposing land acquisition for the airport. They expressed their unwillingness to part with their land. I explained to them how the Mihan project in Nagpur was executed successfully with the cooperation of locals," Bawankule told reporters.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader said the proposed airport and cargo hub would transform the region and bring global connectivity to western Maharashtra.
"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," he asserted.
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While some farmers remained firm in their refusal to give up land, Bawankule urged them to consider alternatives.
"I asked them what compensation would be acceptable if land is to be acquired. What are the prevailing rates in the area? I have asked them to submit their demands within a week," he said.
The minister also said that the state may propose a new compensation package after deliberations. "The government will try to offer the best possible deal to the farmers, even if it means tweaking existing land acquisition laws," he added.
Bawankule said misinformation on social media about compensation rates has created confusion among farmers. "The government's offer will be fair and beneficial, and I believe it will convince the farmers to support the (airport) work," he said.
He reiterated the government's willingness to engage in dialogue. "We are open to all suggestions. Let's sit across the table, resolve this deadlock, and open the doors of development in the region," he told the farmers.
Bawankule said that until the deadlock is resolved, the drone survey of 2,673 hectares of land spread across seven villages — Kumbharvalan, Pargaon, Khanwadi, Ekhatpur, Munjwadi, Udachiwadi and Vapuri — for the proposed airport will remain suspended. "I told them that as the revenue and acquisition minister, I'm ready to do the mediation," he concluded.
This comes after a protest by locals against the proposed airport turned violent on Saturday, leaving 18 policemen injured. Six of the protesters were detained after they clashed with the police during the agitation. The locals, however, accused the police of lathi-charging them.
"Those opposing the survey were agitating at the proposed site, and because of that, no work could take place. When police tried to remove locals' vehicles parked on the road, they started pelting stones. A total of 18 police personnel sustained injuries," said Pankaj Deshmukh, SP, Pune Rural Police.
Meanwhile, locals claimed that an 87-year-old woman from one of the villages died of a heart attack as she was anxious over the airport project. The woman's son alleged that his mother was under stress, as she feared that their land could be taken for the proposed airport. However, Deshmukh said her death had nothing to do with the proposed airport.
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Baramati MP and NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule called Saturday's protest and clashes extremely unfortunate. "The government should have taken appropriate steps after understanding the sentiments of the citizens. However, the use of force (on protesters) is truly saddening. It is disturbing that locals were injured in this incident. The government should have shown restraint and sensitivity given the public sentiment. We strongly condemn this incident," she said.
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said that he has told the officers not to get aggressive with the farmers.
