Tamil Nadu CM scraps new airport plan in Parandur
What's the story
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has announced the scrapping of plans for a new airport in Parandur. The decision comes after protests over environmental concerns and the impact on agricultural land. The proposed site was located about 70km from Chennai and had faced opposition from locals who feared it would threaten multi-crop farmland.
Project abandonment
Agricultural land, livelihoods should not be disturbed: CM Vijay
CM Vijay announced the decision in the state assembly, stressing that agricultural land and livelihoods should not be disturbed.
He had earlier visited Eganapuram and nearby villages to hear local grievances against the proposed airport.
"I stand firmly with the people protesting against the airport to be established in Chennai's Parandur and 12 surrounding villages," he said in the Assembly.
Industrial growth
Find alternative site where agricultural land is minimally affected
While supporting industrial development and the role of airports in it, CM Vijay stressed that Parandur was not the right place for such a project.
He called for finding an alternative site where agricultural land would be minimally affected.
"The government must reconsider this project," he said, adding that detailed consultations with experts had been held before making this decision.
Agricultural support
Farmers are the backbone of the country: CM Vijay
CM Vijay reaffirmed his commitment to protecting agricultural land during his public meeting in Vikravandi in October 2024.
He said farmers are the backbone of the country and supported their protest against the airport project.
"However, this project should not be located in Parandur," he said, adding that an alternative location should be identified where minimum agricultural land is affected, and people's livelihoods are not disrupted.
Political showdown
DMK dares CM to open files
Meanwhile, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, led by former chief minister MK Stalin, sent a dare to Vijay to "open our files" instead of insinuating suspicion over the proposed airport project, which was initiated during the DMK's tenure.
"If the chief minister doesn't open our files, we will move a privilege motion against him in the assembly," DMK leader Duraimurugan told reporters.
Existing airport
Chennai airport to get 5th terminal
In related news, the government plans to expand Chennai airport by building a fifth terminal on the north-western side, expected to accommodate an additional 20 million passengers annually.
Chennai Airport currently handles approximately 30 million passengers annually. With the construction of Terminal 3, the airport's capacity is expected to increase to 34 million passengers per year, according to the Chief Minister.