Parandur Greenfield Airport: Minister Keerthana Breaks Silence on Land Acquisition and Farmer Welfare

In a significant move to address mounting concerns over the proposed second airport for Chennai, Minister Keerthana has provided a comprehensive update regarding the status of land acquired in the Parandur region. The multi-billion dollar Greenfield Airport project, which has been the subject of intense debate and local protests for months, is now entering a critical phase of administrative and social transition. The Minister’s statement aims to clear the air regarding the fate of the thousands of acres earmarked for the project and the future of the families residing in the affected villages.

The Strategic Necessity of Parandur

For years, Chennai’s existing airport at Meenambakkam has been nearing its saturation point. With limited space for expansion and a rapidly growing number of domestic and international travelers, the Tamil Nadu government identified Parandur in Kanchipuram district as the ideal site for a state-of-the-art aviation hub. Minister Keerthana emphasized that the Parandur Greenfield Airport is not merely a transport project but a cornerstone of the state’s ambition to become a $1 trillion economy by 2030.

“We are looking at a facility that will eventually handle over 100 million passengers annually,” the Minister stated during the press briefing. “To achieve this, the acquisition of land is a necessary step, but it is one we are taking with the utmost sensitivity toward the local population.”

What Happens to the Acquired Land?

One of the primary questions raised by activists and local landowners is the specific utilization of the 4,791 acres of land identified for the project. Minister Keerthana clarified that the land would be divided into several functional zones. Beyond the runways and terminal buildings, a significant portion of the acquired land will be dedicated to an 'Aviation Ecosystem' which includes cargo hubs, maintenance and repair facilities (MRO), and ancillary industries that will generate thousands of local jobs.

Addressing the concerns of farmers who fear their fertile lands will be wasted or left idle for years, the Minister assured that the construction schedule is being streamlined. “The land will not sit vacant. As soon as the acquisition process for a block is completed, preliminary ground-leveling and boundary marking will commence. We are also ensuring that water bodies within the acquired area are not destroyed but rather integrated into a sustainable drainage and harvesting system for the airport,” she added.

Compensation and the ‘3.5 Times’ Promise

The most contentious issue remains the compensation for the 13 villages impacted by the project. Minister Keerthana reiterated the government’s commitment to providing a compensation package that is significantly higher than the prevailing market rates. Under the current framework, the government has proposed a payout that is 3.5 times the market value of the land in rural areas.

“We understand that land is not just an asset but a livelihood for our farmers,” Keerthana said. “In addition to the monetary compensation, the government is finalizing a comprehensive Rehabilitation and Resettlement (R&R) package. This includes alternative housing sites, a guaranteed job for one member of each displaced family, and the establishment of skill development centers specifically for the youth of Parandur and neighboring villages.”

Addressing Environmental and Social Concerns

Environmentalists have raised red flags regarding the impact on the local ecosystem, particularly the wetlands and the Kamban Canal. Minister Keerthana addressed these points by highlighting that a specialized committee of environmental experts is working alongside the airport planners. The goal is to create a ‘Green Airport’ that minimizes its carbon footprint and maintains the hydrological balance of the Kanchipuram district.

Socially, the displacement of families who have lived in the region for generations is a sensitive political issue. The Minister noted that the government is in constant dialogue with village heads and community leaders. “Our doors are always open for negotiation. We are not here to snatch land; we are here to build a future where the residents of Parandur are the primary beneficiaries of the development that follows this airport,” she remarked.

Political Implications and the Road Ahead

The Parandur project has become a focal point for political maneuvering, with opposition parties siding with the protesting farmers. Minister Keerthana’s detailed response is seen as a strategic move to regain the narrative and demonstrate the government’s transparency. By providing clear answers on land usage and compensation, the ruling party hopes to mitigate the intensity of the protests and prevent further delays in the project’s timeline.

Industry experts suggest that the successful execution of the Parandur Airport will significantly boost real estate and industrial growth in the Kanchipuram-Sriperumbudur belt, often referred to as the 'Detroit of South Asia.' The Minister concluded her address by appealing to the public for cooperation, framing the airport as a collective pride for the people of Tamil Nadu.

Conclusion

As the administrative machinery moves forward with the land acquisition process, the eyes of the nation remain on Parandur. Minister Keerthana’s assurances provide a roadmap for how the government intends to balance industrial progress with social justice. Whether these promises will be enough to satisfy the aggrieved farmers remains to be seen, but the government’s stance is clear: the Parandur Greenfield Airport is a non-negotiable pillar of Tamil Nadu’s future, and every effort will be made to ensure the transition is as smooth as possible for those on the ground.