Due to strong opposition from local farmers, the Pune-Nashik industrial highway was temporarily closed

Taking note of the situation, he directed the officials to stop the work and reconsider the highway construction. Cooperation Minister Dilip Walse Patil said that the Deputy Chief Minister had directed them to explore alternatives. Farmers fear that the Pune-Nashik industrial highway, which passes through Khed, Ambegaon and Junnar talukas, will encroach on their horticultural land.

In view of the opposition and strong resentment of the farmers, a meeting initiated by Cooperation Minister Walse Patil was held today at Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s hall. MPs Dilip Mohite and Atul Benke, former Vice President of Zilla Parishad Vivek Walse Patil, Anil Valunj, Ashok Adak Patil, Balshiram Valunj, Ashok Valunj and other officials were also present in this meeting.

During the course of discussion, it was suggested that the ongoing process regarding the highway should be stopped and reconsidered at the government level. Ajit Pawar and Dilip Walse Patil have scheduled a meeting with the Chief Minister soon to demand that this project be stopped and alternative routes be sought for the completion of the road. According to Vivek Walse Patil, the farmers’ delegation has been given assurances regarding land use.

MP Dr Amol Kolhe expressed his gratitude to Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar for blocking the highway. He mentioned that earlier the lands of many farmers in Junnar, Ambegaon and Khed talukas were acquired for various projects. They demanded that the horticultural lands of the farmers should not be encroached upon by this highway.

It was also stressed that if land acquisition becomes inevitable and Pune-Nashik railway line is a more viable option, farmers should get a fair price. According to him, this suspension should not just be temporary but the project should be stopped altogether so that farmers get justice.

The Pune-Nashik highway has been widened and bypassed at many places. Land acquisition for railway has also been completed in many areas. Two more highways are planned through this area and it was also stressed that measures will be taken to reduce traffic congestion in Chakan, Talegaon and Shikrapur areas. Walse Patil stated that the problem can be solved if the old highway is widened at some places.