If you’ve been keeping up with news about infrastructure in South India, you’ve probably heard about Parandur Airport. Chennai’s second airport is making headlines, but not for the right reasons. Instead of excitement, the project is facing strong opposition from villagers, farmers, and environmental activists. But why? Let’s break it down.
Why Does Chennai Need a Second Airport?
Chennai’s current airport is overcrowded, handling more than 20 million passengers every year. The government believes that a new airport at Parandur, located about 60 km from the city, is necessary to meet future demand. The proposed airport will cost ₹20,000 crore and cover 4,791 acres. However, while some see this as progress, others see it as a disaster.
Why Are Villagers Protesting?
If you visit Parandur’s villages, you’ll see banners, protests, and meetings discussing one thing—stopping the airport. The project will take away farmland, homes, and water sources from over 13 villages. Farmers here grow crops like rice and sugarcane, depending on the fertile land and nearby water bodies. One farmer put it simply: “They are taking away our land to build an airport we will never use.”
Environmental Concerns
Apart from the loss of land, environmentalists warn that the project could cause serious damage to nature. The Parandur region has:
- Wetlands that help prevent floods
- Water bodies that support farming
- Bird habitats along migration routes
Experts fear that building an airport here could lead to water shortages, loss of biodiversity, and increased flooding. The 2015 Chennai floods were a result of poor drainage—removing more wetlands could make future disasters worse.
What Is the Government Saying?
The government has promised fair compensation, jobs, and better infrastructure. Officials also claim the airport will follow strict environmental rules and bring economic growth. However, many locals remain doubtful. They question why Parandur was chosen instead of expanding Chennai’s current airport or considering other locations like Sriperumbudur.
Development vs Sustainability
This debate is about more than just an airport—it’s about how India balances growth with environmental protection. Can Chennai afford to lose more wetlands? Is there a way to develop without destroying nature and people’s livelihoods?
For now, the protests continue, and tensions are high. The big question remains—will this airport take off, or will the voices of Parandur keep it grounded?
Conclusion
The Parandur Airport project represents a classic conflict between development and sustainability. While the government sees it as a necessary step to improve Chennai’s air connectivity and economic growth, locals and environmentalists view it as a threat to their land, livelihoods, and natural ecosystems. The concerns about displacement, water scarcity, and ecological damage cannot be ignored.
For the project to move forward smoothly, authorities must address these issues with transparency, fair compensation, and sustainable planning. Alternative solutions, such as expanding the existing airport or choosing a less ecologically sensitive site, should also be explored. The outcome of this debate will not only determine the fate of Parandur but also set a precedent for how India approaches large-scale infrastructure projects in the future.
