Chennai, Aug 25 (IANS) The Tamil Nadu government is examining alternative industrial uses for 1,700 acres acquired for the proposed Parandur greenfield airport after abandoning the project, even as it searches for another site for Chennai’s second airport.
Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay announced the decision in the Assembly on Monday, citing the project’s impact on farmland, water resources and livelihoods of residents.
He said, however, that Chennai required an additional airport and promised a location would be identified with minimal disruption to agriculture and settlements. The existing Chennai airport would also be expanded.
Government sources said there was no proposal to return the acquired land or reverse compensation paid to landowners. Since the parcels were acquired under the Tamil Nadu Acquisition of Land for Industrial Purposes Act, they can be used for projects other than an airport.
The Industries Department will prepare a utilisation plan in consultation with departments. Agro-processing units, agriculture-linked ventures and non-hazardous industries are among the options under examination. Establishing a SIPCOT industrial estate is also being considered.
The government is likely to announce a roadmap after completing consultations.
Meanwhile, officials are reviewing possible locations for the new airport, though no site has been finalised. The Chief Minister has held discussions on the issue, sources said.
The Parandur project, announced in August 2022 after surveys began in 2021, was planned across 5,300 acres in 13 villages. It was intended to address Chennai’s long-term aviation needs and was targeted for completion by 2028.
The proposal, however, faced sustained opposition from villagers who feared the destruction of agricultural land, water bodies and established settlements. Eganapuram residents held night protests for more than 1,100 days, passed 16 panchayat resolutions against the airport and boycotted seven village sabha meetings.
Families also kept children away from government schools as part of the agitation.
Despite the protests, the previous government proceeded with land acquisition and prepared rehabilitation plans, including model houses for displaced families.
Vijay, then heading the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam in opposition, visited Eganapuram in January 2025 and promised to cancel the project if elected. Work slowed after his government assumed office. Monday’s Assembly announcement formally ended the Parandur plan while keeping alive the proposal for a second airport at another location.
–IANS
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