Pune: The Talegaon MIDC (Nigde) Phase 4 project, planned across four villages—Ambale, Nigde, Kalhat, and Pawalevadi—has hit a major roadblock due to eco-sensitive zone restrictions in Nigde and Kalhat. Despite being notified for industrial development eight years ago, nearly 1,600 farmers in these two villages are yet to receive compensation, while industrial expansion in the area remains stalled.
The Talegaon industrial hub has seen growing demand from companies, especially after Hyundai took over the General Motors plant, attracting several ancillary and supplier units. To support this demand, MIDC notified 2,390 hectares of land in May 2017 for Phase 4 of industrial development. However, approximately 75% of this land falls within the Western Ghats Eco-Sensitive Zone, preventing land acquisition and industrialization.
Farmers in Nigde and Kalhat have been unable to develop or sell their land due to MIDC restrictions on land ownership documents (7/12 extracts). Meanwhile, Ambale and Pawalevadi have completed land acquisition, and farmers in these villages have received compensation.
Timeline of Land Acquisition Delays
2017: MIDC notifies 2,390 hectares for Phase 4 industrial development.
2018: Compensation rates finalized – ₹73 lakh per acre (₹1.82 crore per hectare).
2020: Proposal for final land acquisition notification sent to the state government.
2021-2022: Local opposition leads to multiple negotiations between farmers and MIDC.
2022-2023: Farmers in Ambale and Pawalevadi receive compensation, but land in Nigde and Kalhat remains stuck due to eco-sensitive zone classification.
Farmers’ Demands and Challenges
Remove eco-sensitive zone restrictions to facilitate land acquisition.
Increase compensation with interest due to prolonged delays.
Allow land swaps for farmers whose land is centrally located in industrial zones.
Lift MIDC restrictions on lands excluded from acquisition.
Ensure infrastructure development in all four villages.
Current Status of Land Acquisition (in hectares)
Village - Notified Area - Acquired Area - Compensation Paid (₹)
Ambale - 477 - 427 - ₹588 crore
Pawalevadi - 135 - 82 - ₹130.91 crore
Kalhat - 492 - Not acquired - Not paid
Nigde - 1,117 - Not acquired - Not paid
Delays Impacting Industrial Development
Despite high demand from industries, the eco-sensitive zone restrictions have stalled 75% of land acquisition in Talegaon MIDC Phase 4. Until these restrictions are lifted, the project remains incomplete, preventing industrial expansion and economic growth in the region.
Struggles Faced by Farmers in Nigde and Kalhat
No compensation for the last eight years.
MIDC stamp on land records (7/12 extracts), preventing development.
No loans from banks due to pending acquisition status.
No permissions for construction of houses, cowsheds, or irrigation pipelines.
Legal disputes between investors, agents, and farmers over land claims.
Internal conflicts within farming families due to financial strain.