Amidst fervent protests from local residents, the Tamil Nadu government has issued orders to acquire 3,774.01 acres of privately-owned patta land and 1,972.12 acres of government land in Parandur and 19 other villages in Kancheepuram district for the construction of a greenfield airport near Chennai.
The move, estimated to cost around Rs 20,000 crore, aims to address the escalating air connectivity needs of the region. However, villagers, supported by environmental activists, have been protesting the land acquisition for over a year, emphasising the potential displacement and environmental impact.
The state government justifies the initiative, citing the projected air passenger traffic growth and the need for expanded cargo-handling facilities. The proposed airport is expected to ease congestion at Chennai International Airport and foster economic development through improved transportation infrastructure.
