A heated debate occurred in the Tamil Nadu Assembly on August 25 between members of the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) and the opposition Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) concerning the cancellation of the proposed Parandur airport project.
Law Minister Nirmal Kumar referred to “G Square Maapilai” while discussing those who benefited from the airport project. Public Works Department Minister Aadhav Arjuna accused realtors linked to a specific political party of purchasing large tracts of land before the release of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Parandur airport. He further claimed that a particular company acquired land near Parandur and was engaged in real estate activities.
DMK MLA Thangam Thennarasu criticized Nirmal Kumar’s remarks, asking, “For which Lottery son-in-law is the new airport project being developed,” and added, “We can also pay back in the same currency.” Responding to AIADMK MLA Edappadi Palaniswami’s query regarding land acquired for the project, Law Minister Nirmal Kumar stated that approximately 1,700 acres had been obtained for the Parandur airport, dismissing Thennarasu’s claim of 90% coverage as false.
The dispute arises amid political controversy following the Tamil Nadu government’s decision to abandon the proposed Greenfield International Airport at Parandur in Kancheepuram district. Chief Minister Joseph Vijay announced on August 24 under Assembly Rule 110 that the project would be terminated and an alternative site sought.
Vijay cited environmental concerns, effects on agricultural land, and potential loss of local livelihoods as reasons for relocating the project. He emphasized the necessity of a second airport to accommodate Chennai’s long-term passenger, industrial, and cargo demands, but stated, “the project should not come at the expense of local communities.” Vijay also expressed solidarity with residents protesting the airport in Parandur and 12 surrounding villages.
Earlier, on January 20, 2025, the Chief Minister visited Eganapuram and nearby villages to meet with protesters opposing the airport proposal.
The Tamil Nadu government plans to establish a new international airport near Chennai to address increasing passenger and cargo traffic. Potential locations will be identified with expert consultation, while the Airports Authority of India (AAI) will conduct feasibility studies on shortlisted sites.
The Civil Aviation Ministry granted in-principle approval for the Parandur Greenfield Airport in April 2025. However, the project’s cancellation has attracted criticism from the opposition, with DMK president and former Chief Minister MK Stalin describing it as an “irreversible setback” to Tamil Nadu’s growth.