Farmers who have given land for Parandur airport are facing uncertainty
In limbo: So far, nearly 1,700 acres of land in various villages have been acquired for the project. File | Photo credit: The Hindu
A few months ago, Murugan, a farmer and resident of Nagapattu, was under pressure to give his agricultural land for the Parandur airport project. “I was absolutely against it. But I had to give my agricultural land because it was for the development of the state and it would create thousands of jobs. I was compensated. But now I am shocked that nothing is happening. We are staring at uncertainty and wondering why we gave the land,” he says.
Many residents and farmers who donated their farmland are worried about their future because they don’t know if the project will take off.
The airport, to be built at an estimated cost of ₹27,400 crore in four phases on an area of 2,172.72 hectares, was announced in 2022. Demonstrations broke out soon after. At the same time, the government sought approval. In April 2025, approval finally came. Land acquisition began and continued until the state went into electoral mode. So far, nearly 1,700 acres have been acquired in various villages.
“Of course, none of us wanted to move out of our hometown. But there was a point where we would be comfortable if a decision was taken soon. If they want to build an airport, let them do it soon and relocate us. But instead of Siruvallur, which was identified for us, we want to go to Karai because it is more convenient. We also want more compensation,” adds Mr. Murugan.
Shanmugham, another resident of Nagapattu, highlights some of the problems that have arisen from this insecurity. “If there’s a sewage leak or a lighting problem in the village, it won’t be solved. The authorities say they’re moving us anyway,” he adds.
Sivaprakasam of Nelvoy village, who gave five acres for the project, says he and his neighbors want to move to Karai. “Since we have to move anyway, we might as well go to Karai because we will have better transportation and it will be easier to get a job. But we need monthly assistance,” he adds.
Sangeetha, another resident, says her family wanted to build a house but cannot get planning permission due to insecurity.
Some residents who parted with their land say they have no problem with the project because it promises employment. But they want to have a secure job for their children. Nagappan from Gunagarampakkam says, “The government says the airport will create thousands of jobs. We need jobs for the youth and I want the government to provide one to every affected family.”
Mr. Murugan says he is strongly against any other airport alternative like SIPCOT. “I offered to provide my land for the airport project only because everyone said that the state will develop significantly and thousands of jobs will be created in Chennai. You cannot take my land and promise to use it for an airport and then use it for other projects,” he adds.
G. Archana from Nagapattu says she used to work in a small firm near the Bengaluru airport. “If there was something like this in this village, I would work and support my family. There is nothing here. If an airport is built, at least my children, who are studying now, will get a good job and the whole area will develop. But we all want better compensation,” she adds.
Published – 02 Jun 2026 21:46 IST