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.