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Chennai: The land acquisition process for Chennai’s proposed greenfield airport at Parandur in Kanchipuram district has gained significant momentum, with officials saying around 1,000 acres of land has already been taken for the project.
So far, compensation worth Rs 400 crore has been distributed among the land owners.
Officials said the drive to acquire the remaining pieces of land is being carried out in a phased and time bound manner to pave the way for the development work of the airport.
The ambitious Parandur airport, which is the most important, and Chenai’s existing, Menambakkam facility require a total of 5,183 acres spread across Akkapuram and Valathoor.
The project site falls under Sriperumbudur and Kundrathur taluks of Kanchipuram district.
District officials said the process has gained momentum in recent months.
By September, 441 landowners from 12 villages had voluntarily surrendered about 566 acres of land, while the first batch of 19 landowners from five villages formally surrendered their shares in early July.
“The land transfer process has now entered the accelerated phase and all necessary steps are being taken to complete it smoothly,” a senior revenue official said.
However, the project is facing opposition from a section of residents who have raised concerns over displacement, environmental impact and loss of traditional livelihoods.
Villagers from Ekanapuram and nearby settlements have protested and demanded an alternative location or increased compensation package.
Several political parties, including actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK), have extended support to the protesters demanding a review of the project alignment.
Despite the resistance, officials have reiterated that the airport project will proceed as planned, citing its importance for the state’s long-term infrastructure development and economic growth.
Once completed, Parandur Airport is expected to handle 100 million passengers annually and serve as a major aviation hub for South India.
Officials said preliminary ground work for boundary demarcation and initial layout planning will begin once land acquisition reaches the required extent.
–IANS