The Tamil Nadu government has authorized the acquisition of 3,774.01 acres of patta land in Parandur and 19 neighboring villages in Kancheepuram district for the construction of a new airport near Chennai. The decision has faced resistance from local residents, who, supported by environmental activists, protested at the Kancheepuram collectorate.
Additionally, the government has given approval for the use of 1,972.12 acres of government land in these villages for the airport project. The administrative and financial clearance for the special land acquisition has been granted through a Government Order.
Residents of villages, including Ekanapuram, have been protesting the land acquisition for over a year. The proposed airport, estimated to cost around Rs 20,000 crore, is planned to be established at Parandur under the Tamil Nadu Acquisition of Lands for Industrial Purposes Act, 1997, in collaboration with TIDCO.
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The total land required for the project is approximately 5,746.18 acres, comprising 3,774.01 acres of patta land and 1,972.17 acres of government land to be alienated. The state government justifies the new greenfield international airport as a crucial step to meet the increasing demands of air connectivity for passenger transportation and cargo movement.
The government order emphasizes the strategic importance of robust air connectivity for economic growth in various sectors, including industry, tourism, healthcare, logistics, and e-commerce. The projected air passenger traffic for the Chennai region is expected to reach 50 million by 2037, leading to the saturation of Chennai International Airport by 2028.
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The proposed Parandur site has been deemed suitable for the new airport based on a study by the Airport Authority of India, citing factors such as available airspace, fewer natural obstructions, and proximity to the upcoming Chennai-Bengaluru expressway. The order also highlights the minimal displacement of families compared to alternative sites.
Despite the government's rationale for the project, local opposition persists, with residents and activists advocating for the protection of their patta lands and expressing concerns about displacement. The proposed airport aims to enhance infrastructure, accommodate growing air traffic, and contribute to economic development, but it remains a contentious issue due to the impact on local communities.
