Chennai, March 7 (NationPress) The Tamil Nadu government's recent move to label the planned 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 organizations and local residents who have long opposed the initiative.

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

The comprehensive guidelines for executing the Act were announced on October 18, 2024. This law was designed to streamline land acquisition for substantial infrastructure endeavors when water bodies, including lakes, ponds, canals, and streams, are situated within the intended project area.

It permits the government to amalgamate adjacent land parcels of no less than 100 hectares containing these water bodies and designate them for commercial, industrial, or infrastructure projects classified as 'Special Projects'.

Upon receiving this classification, the government appoints a five-member expert panel comprised of four officials and one environmental expert appointed by the government.

This committee is responsible for conducting public consultations and formulating a draft land consolidation proposal. Following this, the government reviews the plan before granting final approval through a gazette notification.

Nevertheless, environmentalists and activists contend that the framework favors project endorsements and inadequately protects ecological systems.

The proposed Parandur Airport project encompasses over 2,172 hectares across 13 villages, including wetlands, agricultural fields, and various water bodies.

Environmental assessments highlighted by activists reveal that approximately 64% of the area consists of wet and dry agricultural lands, while nearly 27% comprises lakes, ponds, and pools.

The location is reported to house around 40 water sources with a total storage capacity of nearly nine million cubic feet, of which 34 are located within or adjacent to the proposed airport boundary.

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

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

The environmental organization Poovulagin Nanbargal has implored the State government to reconsider the initiative, citing threats from climate change and potential harm to water ecosystems.

Moreover, it has called for the repeal of the Land Consolidation Act. Residents from Parandur and nearby Ekanapuram have consistently protested against the initiative, warning that it might lead to the displacement of villages and the destruction of fertile agricultural land.

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