TN: Actor and Politician Vijay to Lead Protest Against Parandur Airport on January 20
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Synopsis
On January 20, renowned Tamil actor Vijay will head a protest in Eganapuram village against the proposed greenfield airport intended to become Chennai's second airport. Local residents have opposed the project due to concerns about environmental damage and agricultural land loss.
Key Takeaways
- Vijay leads the protest on January 20.
- Residents from 20 villages oppose the airport project.
- Protests have been ongoing since 2022.
- Concerns include ecological damage and loss of farmland.
- The project aims to acquire 5,746 acres of land.
Chennai, Jan 18 (NationPress) The renowned Tamil actor and head of Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK), Vijay, is set to spearhead a protest march on January 20 at Eganapuram village against the proposed greenfield airport, which is intended to serve as Chennai's second airport.
Vijay has requested permission to visit Eganapuram in the Kanchipuram district, where the airport project is slated to take place.
The primary goal of the protest is to draw attention to the ongoing resistance from residents of around 20 villages who have been opposing this initiative since 2022.
Vijay sought authorization to conduct the gathering on January 19 or 20, and the Kanchipuram Police granted approval for the 20th.
Preparations for the event by TVK officials are already underway, with engagement from leaders of the protest committee. On Pongal day, two office-bearers from TVK, Jagannathan and another associate, visited Eganapuram and identified five acres of land for the gathering.
On Friday, TVK's General Secretary N. Anand supervised the leveling of a vacant area near the Ambedkar statue in Eganapuram village, where Vijay is expected to deliver a speech to the public.
Since the Union government declared Parandur as the location for the greenfield airport in August 2022, residents have staged intense protests, highlighting fears regarding ecological harm and the loss of agricultural land. The undertaking demands the acquisition of 5,746 acres across 20 villages, with aspirations to finalize the airport by 2028.
Locals, particularly from Eganapuram - one of the most significantly impacted villages - contend that the project will devastate fertile agricultural land and sensitive water bodies, endangering their livelihoods and local ecosystems.
Protests, including nighttime demonstrations, recently marked their 900th day on January 10. Villagers have also boycotted grama sabha meetings and elections, passing resolutions urging the cancellation of the project.
The police have frequently limited access to the protesting villages, setting up barricades and inspecting vehicles to hinder outsiders from entering. Permissions for protest marches organized by groups such as BJP, PMK, Puthiya Thamizhagam, and the anti-corruption collective Arappor Iyakkam have either been denied or revoked.
The Tamil Nadu Revenue Department has asserted that land acquisition will only advance post consultations with the affected communities and discussions at the gram sabha level. Nevertheless, villagers continue to stand firm in their opposition.
