Pune: The land measurement survey for the Purandar Airport is on track to be completed by Oct 16, with compensation distribution for affected landowners slated to begin by Nov 15, collector Jitendra Dudi announced on Thursday.The collector highlighted the rapid progress made since the process commenced on Sept 26, noting that land measurement in five villages is already finished, with the remaining two expected to be done within the next two days. “We have already completed measurements for about 720 hectares out of the targeted 1,285 hectares, and the remaining work will be finished by Oct 16,” he said. Land acquisition spans seven villages in Purandar taluka: Vanpuri, Udachiwadi, Kumbharvalan, Ekhatpur, Pargaon, Munjwadi, and Khanwadi, with Pargaon and Vanpuri being the final two for measurement.Six dedicated teams, supported by officials from all concerned departments, are simultaneously working across different villages. Dudi emphasised the transparent and participatory nature of the exercise, maintaining continuous communication with farmers and landowners. “We have received 95% consent from farmers so far. The remaining farmers too are expected to join, and they will receive the same benefits as others,” he assured. Frequent meetings with local representatives and stakeholders are also being held to ensure a smooth process and avoid delays, prioritising fair treatment for every landholder.Once the survey and documentation are finalised, compensation disbursement will commence by mid-Nov, he said. “We are already in discussions with management and financial institutions to ensure that landowners use the compensation amount wisely. Skill development and financial literacy training will also be provided so that the funds are utilised for long-term benefit,” Dudi said.The Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) is funding the land acquisition, earmarking approximately ₹4,500 crore for the process, to be raised through financial institutions. These funds will be transferred to the district administration upon completion of the survey and verification.Dudi credited the swift pace to effective inter-departmental coordination, with officers from revenue, agriculture, and MIDC departments working together on the ground. Modern surveying tools are being employed to ensure accuracy and speed. “We want to ensure that this becomes a model of cooperative land acquisition — quick, fair, and transparent,” Dudi said, with the administration’s goal set to complete both land acquisition and compensation well before the year-end.
