The Tamil Nadu Congress has expressed its support for Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay’s decision to cancel the Parandur airport project, emphasizing the importance of environmental sustainability and the rights of local farmers. Congress MP Manickam Tagore stated that the party’s stance is founded on documented evidence and a commitment to safeguarding agricultural livelihoods, rather than political motivations. His remarks came after Chief Minister Vijay announced the cancellation on August 22.

Tagore highlighted the struggles of farmers in Ekanapuram and surrounding areas, who he claimed have long fought to preserve their land and livelihoods. He stated, “This was not resistance to development; it was a community defendng its land, water, and livelihoods.” His focus was on ensuring that developmental projects do not compromise environmental integrity and community rights.

He referred to a feasibility report published in March 2022 by the Airports Authority of India, which noted that the Parandur site is surrounded by significant water bodies, including an irrigation tank that constitutes over a quarter of the land earmarked for the airport. Additionally, a large man-made lake lies only 1.4 km from the project boundary, further complicating the site’s viability for construction.

Questions Raised Regarding Site Selection Process

Tagore scrutinised the decision-making process that led to choosing Parandur as the site for the new airport, comparing it to Pannur, another potential location located just 27.6 km from Chennai. He indicated that Parandur is approximately 62 km away from the city, which raises questions about site suitability based on distance. He also cited estimates claiming that the Parandur project would require the displacement of around 1,005 families, significantly higher than the estimated 250 families at Pannur.

The Congress MP further elaborated that the earthwork required for the Parandur project would be nearly double that needed for Pannur. He challenged the rationale for selecting Parandur, suggesting that since the 2022 report already highlighted these drawbacks, timely action should have been undertaken to reconsider the site. Tagore characterised the technical grounds cited for the cancellation as being established long before the current decision.

Concerns were also raised about the legislative tools used for land acquisition, particularly the Tamil Nadu Land Consolidation for Special Projects Act, 2023. Tagore alleged the act was passed hurriedly in the Assembly without substantial debate, granting excessive authority to a five-member committee while undermining the mandatory consent processes for those affected.

Call for Swift Identification of Alternative Site

Tagore insisted that the recent cancellation should prompt immediate action towards enhancing Chennai’s aviation capacity. He called for the Tamil Nadu government to set a timeline for identifying a suitable site and conducting necessary studies without further delay. “Addressing one flawed decision must not lead to indefinite delays, particularly when the existing airport in Chennai is nearing its capacity limit,” he said.

Additionally, he requested clarity regarding the future of land already acquired in Nelvoy, Nagapattu, Thandalam, Podavur, Valathur, and Akkammapuram, arguing for prompt resolution on compensation and the restoration of basic amenities in the affected localities. He reiterated that while Chennai does require improved aviation facilities, such development must not be at the expense of local communities’ rights and dignity.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Vijay acknowledged to the Assembly that agricultural land and residential communities would be adversely affected by the Parandur project. He asserted that it is essential to find an alternative site that minimizes disruptions. Expressing awareness of the pressing need for a second airport to accommodate growing passenger demand, he supported the community’s efforts to preserve their livelihoods while seeking a balanced approach to development.

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