Concerns Rise Over Parandur Greenfield Airport Project in Tamil Nadu

The Tamil Nadu government's designation of the Parandur Greenfield Airport as a 'Special Project' has sparked significant opposition from environmental groups and local residents. Critics argue that the project threatens vital water ecosystems and could lead to the displacement of communities. With over 2,172 hectares of land involved, including wetlands and agricultural fields, activists are raising alarms about the ecological impact and calling for a reconsideration of the project. The ongoing protests highlight the community's determination to protect their land and water resources from potential destruction.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 7, 2026, 12:59 IST

Environmental Concerns Surround Parandur Airport Initiative

Chennai, March 7: The Tamil Nadu government's recent classification of the proposed Parandur Greenfield Airport in Kancheepuram district as a 'Special Project' under the Tamil Nadu Land Consolidation (for Special Projects) Act, 2023, has reignited worries among environmental activists and local residents who have long opposed the initiative.

This legislative measure was introduced in the State Assembly by Revenue Minister Sattur Ramachandran on April 21, 2023, and was swiftly passed via a voice vote without any debate.

On October 18, 2024, the detailed regulations for the Act were announced. This legislation aims to simplify land acquisition for extensive infrastructure projects that involve water bodies like lakes, ponds, canals, and streams within the designated area.

The Act permits the government to consolidate adjacent land parcels of at least 100 hectares that include such water bodies, designating them for commercial, industrial, or infrastructure projects labeled as 'Special Projects'.

Upon receiving this designation, a five-member expert committee is appointed by the government, comprising four officials and one environmental expert nominated by the government.

This committee is responsible for conducting public consultations and drafting a land consolidation plan, which is then reviewed by the government before final approval is granted through a gazette notification.

However, environmentalists and activists contend that the framework primarily facilitates project approvals and does not sufficiently protect ecological systems.

The Parandur Airport project is set to cover over 2,172 hectares across 13 villages, encompassing wetlands, agricultural land, and various water bodies.

According to environmental assessments referenced by activists, approximately 64% of the land consists of wet and dry agricultural areas, while nearly 27% is made up of lakes, ponds, and pools.

The site is reported to have around 40 water sources with a total storage capacity of about nine million cubic feet, with 34 of these located within or near the proposed airport boundaries.

Experts caution that extensive construction in this area could significantly disrupt natural drainage systems, groundwater recharge, and flood management.

The region also features a natural drainage channel that connects the Kesavaram dam to the Cooum River, along with a segment of the 42-kilometer Kamban Canal, which transports water from the Palar dam to Sriperumbudur Lake.

The environmental group Poovulagin Nanbargal has called on the State government to rethink the project, highlighting risks associated with climate change and potential harm to water ecosystems.

They have also requested the repeal of the Land Consolidation Act. Residents of Parandur and nearby Ekanapuram have been actively protesting against the project, expressing concerns that it could lead to the displacement of villages and the destruction of fertile farmland.

“This area serves as a flood buffer for Chennai. We will persist in opposing any actions that threaten our land and water resources,” stated a resident of Ekanapuram.