Chennai, 24 July (H.S.): The proposed greenfield airport project in Parandur, Tamil Nadu, has been met with intense protests from local communities, who have been vehemently opposing the acquisition of their land and homes for the construction of the airport. Despite the state government's claims of progress with initial land acquisitions, tensions remain high, especially with Ekanapuram villagers excluded from key negotiations. The protests, now exceeding 922 days, show no signs of abating, with villagers and farmers uniting against the project .

The Parandur protest group has alleged that the state government is using outsiders to register lands for the greenfield airport project, ignoring genuine villagers' concerns. Environmentalist G Sundarrajan explains that the project faces resistance due to environmental concerns and the potential social impacts on the local population. The villagers argue that the project will not only displace them but also affect the region's ecosystem.

The protests have been ongoing since August 2022, when the Union government announced the site comprising 13 villages, including Parandur, for the construction of the airport. Despite completing over 900 days of protest, the villagers have failed to evoke a response from the authorities, leading some to consider migrating to Andhra Pradesh. The TVK leader, Vijay, is expected to meet with the villagers protesting against the Parandur airport project, interacting with residents who have been staging protests against the proposed project.

The Parandur airport project has become a contentious issue, with demonstrations continuing for over 900 days. The villagers are adamant about protecting their land and livelihood, while the government pushes forward with the project. As the protests approach their 1000th day, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Dr. R. B. Chaudhary