PUNE—The district administration has received letters from almost 50% of the farmers whose lands have been identified for the proposed Purandar airport a week after the process was initiated.

According to district collector Jitendra Dudi, the farmers who own about 1,450 acres of land out of the 3,000 acres (1,285 hectares) of the airport's altered area have given their permission to be acquired. "We have consent letters from nearly half the farmers of seven villages affected," said Dudi.

Pargaon farmers, in whose area most of the land is situated, had previously organized vigorous protests against the project.

District land acquisition authorities verified that over 1,000 farmers have deposited their consent letters with the Saswad office in the last week. The process will go on until sept 18.

The administration has provided a package of compensation offering not only financial gains but also 10% of the land acquired back to farmers as developed plots within the proposed Aerocity.