Chennai, Aug 26:
VCK president Thol Thirumavalavan has said Tamil Nadu undoubtedly needs a new airport to meet its future growth requirements, but stressed that the project should be implemented at a location where local people face minimal displacement and environmental damage.
His remarks came after Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay announced that the proposed Parandur greenfield airport project would be officially dropped and alternative locations would be examined.
Thirumavalavan said there was no difference of opinion over the need for a new airport for Tamil Nadu’s development. However, he said the government must consult people living in areas being considered before finalising a new site.
He noted that large infrastructure projects could result in environmental consequences, including the destruction of forests or disturbance to water bodies. At the same time, he said the expansion of transport and infrastructure facilities, including airports, ports and railway stations, was essential for the economic development of the State and the country.
“The new airport should be established with the consent of the people and in a manner that does not cause major hardship to them,” he said.
The Chief Minister had announced that alternative sites with lower impact on agricultural land and residential areas had been identified. Detailed technical feasibility studies will be carried out before a final location is selected.
Meanwhile, Chennai airport is also set for further expansion. The ongoing Terminal 3 project is expected to increase the airport’s annual handling capacity to 35 million passengers. A proposed Terminal 5 on the north-western side could add capacity for another 20 million passengers, taking the total annual capacity to about 55 million passengers.
Thirumavalavan urged the government to expedite the selection of a suitable alternative site and move ahead with the new airport project while protecting the interests of local communities.