Chennai, Sept 15 (BPNS)

Estranged leader of the AIADMK and former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, O. Panneerselvam has said that the party would go for an agitation against the state government if people’s consent is not taken for the construction of a new airport at Parandur.

In a statement on Thursday, the former Chief Minister said that if people are not willing to give their consent for construction of the airport at the designated site at Parandur, then the project can be shifted to an alternative place.

He also came out against the state government on the manner in which a public hearing was conducted on the project.

It may be noted that the Tamil Nadu government has offered 3.5 times the market value for taking over land in 13 villages near Parandur in Kancheepuram district.

The Tamil Nadu government has also said that the land would be acquired for the airport in ‘Public Interest’ under the legislation enacted in 2013. The government has also offered alternate land near the proposed airport to those whose land is acquired. Government employment will also be provided to people living in these 13 villages based on their educational qualifications.

The state PWD Minister, E.V. Velu has also said that the government would consult IIT- Madras regarding the water bodies in the villages.

The Tamil Nadu government has proposed a new airport citing reports that the present airport at Meenambakam would not be able to cater to the demands in 2029. Four sites were short listed, Parandur,Padalam, Pannur and Tiruporur. 

While Padalam and Tiruporur were dropped as they were close to nuclear establishments, Parandur was considered as the number of houses that would be lost while the airport is constructed would be less than at Pannur.