The proposed Chennai Greenfield Airport at Parandur, a ₹30,000-crore initiative aimed at bolstering Tamil Nadu’s aviation infrastructure, is under increasing scrutiny due to environmental concerns and the government’s reluctance to release a critical hydrogeological report.
Environmental groups and local communities are raising alarms about potential ecological impacts and the lack of transparency surrounding the project’s planning. Environmental advocacy group Poovulagin Nanbargal has been at the forefront of the opposition, demanding the public release of the hydrogeological study conducted over a year ago. The group asserts that the report’s findings may highlight significant environmental risks, including threats to local water bodies and agricultural lands, which could be exacerbated by the airport’s construction. They argue that withholding the report prevents informed public discourse and undermines environmental governance.
The Airports Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA) has also expressed reservations about the project’s scale. According to meeting minutes, AERA suggested that the proposed terminal’s capacity of 20 million passengers annually might be excessive, potentially leading to underutilization and financial inefficiencies. This critique adds to the growing concerns about the project’s feasibility and sustainability. Local communities in Parandur and surrounding villages have voiced strong opposition, citing potential displacement and loss of livelihoods. The proposed site encompasses over 5,000 acres, including fertile agricultural land and numerous water bodies vital for irrigation and local ecosystems. Residents fear that the airport’s development could lead to flooding, water scarcity, and long-term ecological degradation.
Environmentalists highlight that the area is rich in biodiversity, with several lakes and wetlands that support various species. The construction would necessitate the felling of over 36,000 trees and could disrupt the natural drainage patterns, leading to increased flood risks in the region. Such ecological disruptions could have cascading effects on the local climate and agriculture. Critics also question the necessity of a new airport, pointing out that the existing Chennai International Airport operates below its full capacity. They suggest that upgrading the current facility or utilizing underused airstrips in other parts of Tamil Nadu could be more sustainable alternatives. This approach could minimize environmental impact while still meeting the state’s aviation needs.
The Tamil Nadu government’s silence on the hydrogeological report has led to increased calls for transparency. Activists argue that public access to the report is essential for assessing the project’s environmental implications and for ensuring that development does not come at the cost of ecological integrity and community well-being. As the debate continues, the Parandur airport project stands at a crossroads, with its future contingent on balancing infrastructural ambitions with environmental stewardship and social responsibility.
Also Read : Goa FLY91 Launches Direct Flights to Solapur
