Pune News: Pavana Dam victims receive justice;  gets four acres of land each

After five decades of struggle, the people affected by the Pavana Dam project have finally received justice. In a landmark decision announced on Wednesday, 764 account holders affected by the dam will be allocated four acres of land each. Maval MLA Sunil Shelke worked hard to provide justice to the affected people.

The decision was confirmed during a meeting in Mumbai chaired by Anil Patil, Minister of Relief & Rehabilitation. According to Patil, each affected account holder will receive two acres of land within the dam area and an additional two acres in other talukas of Pune district. This allocation aims to address the long-standing grievances of the dam victims, many of whom have been waiting for rehabilitation since the dam’s completion in 1972.

MLA Shelke has been a key advocate for the dam-affected people, tirelessly working for over four years to ensure their rights are recognized. Shelke expressed his gratitude to the Mahayuti government on behalf of the local farmers and their families, who have endured years of uncertainty and hardship.

The meeting, which facilitated this decision, saw the presence of various stakeholders, including the president of the Pavana Dam Affected Joint Committee, Narayan Bodke, and other committee members. Patil emphasized the importance of addressing the concerns of all affected individuals, including those who have evidence of their claims but are not officially recognized as account holders. These individuals have been instructed to submit their complete proposals with all necessary documentation to the rehabilitation department within eight days.

Key decisions from the meeting include:

1. Land Allocation: Each of the 764 affected account holders will receive four acres of land.

2. Distribution of Land: Two acres will be within the dam area, and two acres will be in other parts of Pune district.

3. Phase-wise Allocation: In the first phase, 1,528 acres out of 1,839 acres will be allocated, with the remaining 311 acres reserved for infrastructure and environmental needs.

4. Inclusion of Non-Account Holders: Farmers with valid evidence but lacking official account holder status will also be considered for land allocation.

This decision marks a significant victory for the affected families and is a testament to the power of persistent advocacy and collective action. With this resolution, the long-standing issue of land rehabilitation for Pavana Dam victims finally comes to a close, offering hope and justice to those who have waited for over 50 years.