PUNE: District Collector Naval Kishore Ram on Thursday said that they are all set to begin the land acquisition process for the Purandar airport.
He was addressing a press meet at the Collector’s Office near Pune station.
He said that Maharashtra Airport Development Company Limited (MADC) has informed that initially, they would need 2,000 hectares of land and overall, they will require 2,832 hectares for the airport at Purandar.
“At the initial stage, about Rs 3,000 crore will be required for the acquisition process. However, availability of funds will not be an issue as the amount will be required in phases and the government will be ready to provide the funds,” Ram said.
The collector also said that while they are banking on direct purchase of the required land, they will see to it that no farmer is left dissatisfied. “We would also have provisions for land settlement in case a farmer is losing his entire land in the acquisition. We expect cooperation from the farmers during the process,” he said.
Altogether 2,832 hectares of land in Purandar taluka is likely to be acquired for the project from Pargaon, Khanauri, Munjwadi, Udachiwadi, Ekhatpur, Vanpuri and Kumbharvan villages.
Speaking on the land rates for settling the deal with farmers, Ram said that the ready reckoner rates will be the guiding light for settling the deal. “We will also seek the opinion of MADC on the same,” added Ram.
Speaking on the duration required for the acquisition process, Ram said that ideally, it would take a year for the entire process but they will try to complete it in six months. The collector has also appointed seven officers to assist in the acquisition process. “As per the reports submitted to the government, Purandar is the best location for the international airport in Pune and it will help in the social and economic development of the district,” Ram added.
5 MORE GATES AT KHED-SHIVAPUR TOLL
- Speaking on the ongoing dispute of Khed-Shivapur toll plaza, Ram said, “To avoid traffic chaos at the toll plaza, I have asked for addition of five more gates which will help in reducing traffic congestion. The gates will be operational soon. The decision to shift the toll plaza or to waive the toll amount lies with National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).”
- The locals of Khed-Shivapur had recently held a protest to raise their voice against delayed road repair work of Pune Satara Highway. Following this, the locals had demanded to shift the toll plaza outside Pune metropolitan region.