Now Reading: Tamil Nadu scraps Parandur airport, seeks alternative site
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Tamil Nadu scraps Parandur airport, seeks alternative site
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay's government has abandoned the proposed greenfield airport at Parandur in Kancheepuram district, citing threats to agricultural land, water bodies and local livelihoods. The government says…
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay's government has abandoned the proposed greenfield airport at Parandur in Kancheepuram district, citing threats to agricultural land, water bodies and local livelihoods. The government says only 48 per cent of the required 5,846 acres was acquired, no environmental clearance was obtained, and an environmental impact assessment was not conducted. Alternative locations will be identified, and the Airports Authority of India will assess feasibility.
The decision has sparked political clashes in the Assembly. The DMK, which approved the project under the previous government, called it an irreversible setback to the state's growth. Law Minister CTR Nirmal Kumar alleged the project was linked to a real estate scam, referencing a 'G Square son-in-law'. DMK's Thangam Thennarasu retorted by asking which 'lottery son-in-law' a new airport would be built for. The government plans to expand Chennai's Meenambakkam airport in the interim.
Indian Opinion Analysis
TVK ministers led with allegations of a real estate scam and black-money investment around Parandur, framing the cancellation as a farmers-first decision. DMK and AIADMK framed the scrap as an economic setback that will cost eight to 10 years in delays. Both sides overstate: the government cites incomplete acquisition and no clearance, but the DMK notes 11 of 13 villages had agreed and 90 per cent of landowners were compensated. The core dispute is whether Parandur was a viable project or a land grab, and the feasibility of any alternative site will be the deciding test.
The tribunal hears the appeal on 12 September.
Coverage: 3 sources, 2 neutral, 1 sensationalist
Sources (3): livemint.com (neutral report), freepressjournal.in (neutral report), thefederal.com (sensationalist)
This story was synthesised by AI from the 3 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 3 sources.
