The ambitious greenfield airport project at Parandur, envisioned as Chennai’s second major aviation hub, has reached a significant milestone with the initial acquisition of land parcels valued at approximately Rs 92 million. This transaction, involving 17.52 acres from 19 landowners across five villages, marks a crucial step forward for the large-scale infrastructure development, which aims to cater to the burgeoning air travel demand in the region and bolster economic growth. The compensation, disbursed directly into landowners’ bank accounts, follows negotiations chaired by the Kancheepuram District Collector, setting a precedent for future acquisitions.
The development of a new airport at Parandur is a strategic imperative for Tamil Nadu, as the existing Chennai International Airport is projected to reach its maximum capacity by 2028-29. This new facility is designed to enhance regional connectivity, attract further investment, and create substantial employment opportunities, thereby contributing to a more robust and equitable urban economy. Such large-scale infrastructure projects, when executed with careful planning, can be instrumental in fostering sustainable urban development by decentralising economic activity and reducing pressure on existing congested urban centres.
However, the path to realising this vision is not without its complexities. The total land requirement for the Parandur airport is substantial, encompassing 3,774.1 acres of private land and 1,972.17 acres of government land. While initial acquisitions have commenced, significant portions remain. The project has also faced considerable opposition from residents of 13 villages, particularly Ekanapuram, who express concerns over displacement and the potential loss of agricultural livelihoods. These social considerations underscore the critical need for transparent and equitable rehabilitation packages, including not just monetary compensation but also provisions for alternative housing and employment opportunities to ensure a gender-neutral and just transition for affected communities.
From an environmental perspective, the project necessitates careful mitigation strategies. The proposed site includes a significant percentage of irrigated agricultural land and water bodies, raising concerns among environmentalists. Authorities have been advised to conduct thorough hydrological assessments, social impact studies, and detailed plans for tree cutting and reforestation, given that two natural streams pass through the site and over 36,000 trees may be affected. The commitment to such environmental safeguards, including the development of compensatory green belts and the adoption of eco-friendly construction practices, will be paramount in ensuring that the Parandur airport contributes to a zero net carbon future and aligns with the broader goals of creating an eco-friendly and sustainable urban agglomeration around Chennai.
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