Pune’s long-stalled Purandar International Airport project has received a significant impetus with the Pune district administration introducing an innovative compensation package designed to accelerate land acquisition. This strategic move marks a crucial advancement in the development of the much-anticipated airport, promising not only enhanced connectivity for the region but also a novel approach to landowner rehabilitation. The integrated plan, which includes both monetary compensation and developed land parcels within a proposed ‘AeroCity’, aims to foster a more equitable and sustainable model for large-scale infrastructure projects while addressing the concerns of affected farming communities.
The revised compensation framework, finalised during a high-level meeting in Mumbai recently, offers a dual-benefit model to farmers who voluntarily surrender their land. Under this scheme, landowners will receive developed plots equivalent to 10% of their total surrendered area. These plots are strategically located within a planned ‘AeroCity’, an integrated urban development envisioned adjacent to the proposed airport site, with approximately 700 acres earmarked for this purpose. The allotment of these plots will operate on a first-come, first-served basis, incentivising early and willing participation from the farming community. This progressive approach aims to transform landowners into stakeholders in the new economic ecosystem emerging around the airport.
Beyond the land component, the package also includes a significant monetary compensation. Land donors will be compensated at four times the prevailing market value of their land, ensuring a fair and attractive financial return. This dual-benefit structure is a deliberate strategy to encourage faster land acquisition, aiming to overcome the protracted delays that have historically plagued such large-scale infrastructure projects in India. By offering both immediate financial gain and long-term asset value in a rapidly developing urban zone, the administration seeks to build trust and cooperation with the affected communities.
The land acquisition process will be carried out under the provisions of the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) Act, 2019. A key aspect of this legislation, as applied to this project, is that the 10% land return scheme is exclusively available to farmers who voluntarily consent to part with their land. Those who choose not to provide their consent will still be entitled to monetary compensation at four times the market rate, but will not qualify for the developed plots in the AeroCity. This differentiation is designed to streamline the acquisition process by rewarding proactive engagement and mitigating potential prolonged disputes. The entire project requires the acquisition of 2,673 hectares of land across seven villages, with roughly 667.5 acres reserved for distributing developed plots to affected farmers.
The successful implementation of this new compensation model is paramount for the timely realisation of the Purandar International Airport, which is crucial for decongesting Pune’s existing airport and boosting regional development. The AeroCity concept, with its blend of commercial and residential infrastructure, promises to create new economic opportunities and enhance the overall liveability of the area, aligning with the broader vision of creating smart, eco-friendly, and equitable cities. This project sets a precedent for future infrastructure development, showcasing how governmental bodies can work collaboratively with local communities to achieve large-scale development goals while ensuring equitable benefits and sustainable growth. The emphasis on voluntary consent and fair compensation is vital for ensuring social justice and fostering inclusive economic growth in the region.
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