Maharashtra: Farmers promised priority, transparency in PMRDA’s ring road acquisition drive

PMRDA Commissioner Dr Yogesh Mhase interacting with the farmers

In a bid to ensure transparency and cooperation in the land acquisition process for the proposed 65-metre-wide Internal Ring Road project, the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) called a meeting with farmers from 13 villages at Nigdi-Pradhikaran on Wednesday.

During the session, PMRDA Commissioner Dr Yogesh Mhase interacted directly with farmers whose land is set to be acquired. Mhase assured them that no acquisition would take place without proper dialogue and mutual understanding. Mhase said, "The rights and interests of farmers will be given utmost priority. The land acquisition process will be carried out in a manner that ensures no loss or hardship to any landowner."

He further added, "Farmers who voluntarily agree to the acquisition will be eligible for 25 per cent additional compensation from the government." The proposed ring road aims to improve connectivity to several villages, significantly enhancing local transportation and infrastructure. Officials also noted that the value of the remaining land parcels owned by farmers is expected to increase after the road's completion.

Farmers were given detailed guidance on various acquisition and compensation models, including direct purchase, consent-based acquisition, Transferable Development Rights (TDR), and incentive Floor Space Index (FSI). Discussions covered both Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the Ring Road project. The meeting was attended by senior officials, including Additional Metropolitan Commissioner Deepak Singla and Chief Engineer Rinaz Pathan.

Officials said the meeting was organised to clarify doubts and address concerns of farmers affected by the project. The land acquisition process was explained in detail to ensure that all stakeholders were fully informed of their rights, procedures, and benefits.

Farmers from Wadgaon Shinde, Nirgudi, Ambegaon Khurd, Jambhulwadi, Bhilarewadi, Mangdewadi, Gujar Nimbalkarwadi, Yewalewadi, Pisoli, Wadachiwadi, Kadamwakvasti (Haveli Taluka), and Solu (Khed Taluka) attended the meeting. The PMRDA aims to continue such consultations to maintain open lines of communication with all stakeholders, officials added.