Chennai, Jan 20 (NationPress) Tamil cinema icon and founder-president of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), Vijay, is scheduled to engage with the demonstrators opposing the proposed Greenfield Airport Project in Parandur on Monday.

Vijay departed from his Neelankarai home this morning to connect with the protesters, who have been voicing their concerns against the airport initiative for over 900 days.

The gathering is set to occur at a wedding venue in Ekanapuram from noon to 1 p.m.

N. Anand, the general secretary of TVK, informed the press that Vijay’s primary aim is to meet with the affected residents in Ekanapuram. Although the meeting was originally intended to take place at Ambedkar Thidal, it was relocated due to overnight rainfall and restrictions imposed by the Kancheepuram police.

The planned greenfield airport at Parandur has sparked significant debate, as local inhabitants and farmers fear the project's potential environmental and social consequences.

The local community argues that the initiative, which will necessitate the acquisition of 5,746 acres across 20 villages, will obliterate fertile agricultural land and eco-sensitive water bodies, jeopardizing their livelihoods.

Residents of Ekanapuram, one of the most affected areas, have been at the forefront of the protests. They have boycotted gram sabha meetings and elections, even passing resolutions demanding the cancellation of the project. The Union government identified Parandur as the airport site in August 2022, with expectations for completion by 2028. Nevertheless, opposition to the airport continues to escalate.

Despite assurances from the Tamil Nadu Revenue Department that land acquisition will only proceed after discussions with the impacted communities, the villagers remain steadfast in their resistance. On Pongal day, two TVK state office-bearers, Jagannathan and Ayyanathan, visited Ekanapuram and pinpointed five acres of land for organizing the meeting.

Vijay’s intended visit is perceived as an attempt to support the villagers and amplify their grievances. Police have routinely restricted access to the protesting areas, erecting barricades and inspecting vehicles to deter outsiders.

Protest marches organized by groups such as the BJP, PMK, Puthiya Thamizhagam, and the anti-corruption group Arappor Iyakkam have faced either denial or cancellation.

Vijay’s visit is anticipated to garner substantial media coverage and enhance TVK’s public visibility. Additionally, it could influence the political discourse surrounding the issue. For the villagers, his presence may serve as a morale booster in their ongoing resistance to the project.