The Tamil Nadu government has assured that the second airport for Chennai, to be built in Parandur, will be developed in a way that minimizes the impact on local residents. The announcement comes amidst protests from villagers and political parties opposing land acquisition for the project.In an official statement, the government emphasized its commitment to ensuring that the livelihoods and well-being of the affected families are protected. The new airport, a critical step towards economic growth, is expected to bolster job opportunities and development in the region.
Why Parandur Was Chosen
The decision to establish the airport in Parandur over other proposed locations like Pannur is based on a detailed feasibility study conducted by the Airports Authority of India (AAI). Several factors made Parandur the ideal choice:
Proximity to Major Infrastructure
Parandur is located near the upcoming Chennai-Bengaluru Expressway, providing easy road and rail connectivity.
Lower Displacement Impact: While Pannur would displace 1,546 families, Parandur impacts only 1,005 families.
Future Expansion Possibilities: Parandur has large tracts of vacant land for future development, unlike Pannur, which is surrounded by industrial and residential areas.
Cost Efficiency
Land acquisition costs in Parandur are lower compared to Pannur due to the region’s relatively undeveloped state.
Addressing Residentsā Concerns
The government has pledged to address concerns raised by the local population and political parties supporting the protests, such as Naam Tamilar Katchi and VCK. A high-level committee has been formed to study the impact on water bodies and recommend mitigation measures. The government is open to receiving inputs from political leaders who visit Parandur to understand the grievances of the residents.
Economic Significance
The Parandur airport is envisioned as a cornerstone for Tamil Nadu’s economic transformation, similar to how IT parks like TIDEL Park laid the foundation for the stateās growth in the tech sector. The new airport is expected to generate significant employment and contribute to the region’s overall development.
Currently, Chennaiās existing airport spans just 1,000 acres, compared to Delhi’s 5,106 acres and Hyderabad’s 5,500 acres. Despite its size, Chennaiās airport handles 20 million passengers annually, a number projected to exceed 30 million in the next few years. The second airport will help accommodate this growing demand, with estimates suggesting it will eventually handle 80 million passengers annually.
Chief Ministerās Vision
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has reiterated that growth must not come at the cost of peopleās livelihoods. The government aims to balance the stateās economic progress with protecting the welfare of its citizens.
By ensuring a thoughtful approach to land acquisition and considering the concerns of all stakeholders, the Tamil Nadu government seeks to make the Parandur airport a symbol of inclusive development.