Farmers hesitant over Rs1.6 crore per acre rate, investors move first

Pune: Investors are showing early interest in the land acquisition process for the proposed Purandar airport from Thursday, but primary landowners are not in a hurry.Several farmers are disappointed over the state govt's Rs1.61 crore per acre compensation package. Many from Pargaon and neighbouring villages said the offered rate fell short of expectations."We were expecting at least Rs2.5 crore per acre, at par with what was offered for ring road land acquisition. This land is fertile and supports our livelihood. The rates should reflect that," said a farmer from Pargaon, adding that he was yet to respond on the rate to the administration.Pune Collector Jitendra Dudi said the compensation package was final and the rate would apply uniformly to all seven villages from where land would be acquired. The airport project involves acquisition from Vanpuri, Kumbhar Valan, Udachiwadi, Ekhatpur, Munjawadi, Khanwadi and Pargaon in Purandar taluka of Pune district. Over 95% of the landowners agreed to give up their land for the project after discussions last year. The deadline to voluntarily participate in the land acquisition process is June 10."We will wait and watch. The government has said those coming forward early will benefit, but the rate is not satisfactory," another farmer said.Land acquisition officials clarified that the compensation rate was final. "Those who come forward by June 10 will get all the benefits. Others will get compensation only for the land,'' said a land acquisition official.Farmers said the state had promised incentives such as 10% developed land in return, along with additional compensation for houses, trees and other assets. "If you add these components, the average compensation may go up to Rs2 crore per acre, but the base rate matters to us," a landowner said.Land aggregators indicated that investors were quick to respond to the govt's announcement. "They are looking to capitalise on the compensation framework and future development prospects," said a local property consultant.