Tamil Nadu CM Vijay Halts Parandur Airport Land Acquisition Process
Parandur Airport Land Acquisition
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay has reportedly ordered a “status quo” on the proposed greenfield international airport project at Parandur, temporarily stopping further land acquisition and development activities linked to the project.
The decision is being viewed as a major policy move by the new administration, which appears to be taking a cautious approach toward large infrastructure projects involving large-scale land acquisition and displacement of local communities.
According to reports in Tamil media, the Chief Minister issued the directive during a review meeting related to the industrial sector. Officials were reportedly instructed to monitor the current status of the airport proposal but were told not to proceed with any additional developmental work or land acquisition until a fresh review is completed.
The Parandur airport project was originally proposed by the previous DMK government as a long-term solution to increasing congestion at Chennai International Airport. The airport has been witnessing a rapid rise in passenger traffic and is expected to face capacity challenges in the coming years.
The proposed greenfield airport project covers nearly 5,746 acres of land spread across 13 villages in Kancheepuram and Sriperumbudur regions. The project had earlier received in-principle approval from the Union government and was considered one of Tamil Nadu’s biggest future infrastructure plans.
However, the proposal has faced strong opposition from local residents, farmers, environmental activists, and political groups since it was announced.
Many villagers, especially from Ekanapuram and nearby areas, fear displacement and loss of livelihood if the airport project moves forward. Reports suggest that more than 1,000 families could be affected by the land acquisition process.
Environmental groups have also raised concerns about the possible destruction of agricultural land, water bodies, and natural ecosystems in the region. Activists argue that the project could negatively impact farming activities and local environmental balance.
Interestingly, before becoming Chief Minister, Vijay had personally visited protest sites in January 2025 and expressed support for farmers opposing the project. His recent order is therefore being seen by many as consistent with the promises he made during that period.
Despite the current pause, the need for a second airport in Chennai remains an important issue. Experts say Chennai International Airport is already handling more than 2.2 crore passengers every year and could soon reach its operational limits as passenger traffic continues to grow.
For nearly three decades, different governments have explored several locations for a second airport around Chennai, including Tambaram, Sriperumbudur, and now Parandur. However, almost every proposal has faced challenges related to land acquisition, environmental concerns, and public opposition.
Officials say a dedicated review meeting for the Parandur airport project is expected soon. During this meeting, the government may decide whether the project should continue in its current form, be redesigned, shifted to another location, or completely cancelled.
At present, residents of the 13 affected villages remain uncertain about the future of the project. Many local farmers are closely watching the government’s next steps while hoping that their homes, lands, and livelihoods will be protected.
The situation highlights the difficult balance governments often face between infrastructure development and protecting local communities and the environment. While large airports can support economic growth, improve connectivity, and create jobs, they can also lead to displacement and environmental damage if not carefully planned.
For now, the Parandur airport project remains on hold as the Tamil Nadu government re-evaluates its future and searches for a solution that balances development with social and environmental concerns.
