Farmers who gave land for Parandur airport face uncertainty

A few months ago, Murugan, a farmer and resident of Nagapattu, was under pressure to give away his agricultural land for the Parandur airport project. “I was absolutely against it. But I had to give away my agricultural land because it was for the development of the state and it would create jobs for thousands of people. I received compensation. But now it shocks me that nothing has happened. We are facing uncertainty, wondering why we gave away the land,” he says.

Many residents and farmers who gave away their agricultural land are worried about their future because they do not know whether the project will be successful or not.

The airport, which is planned to be built in four phases on an area of ​​2,172.72 hectares at an estimated cost of ₹ 27,400 crore, was announced in 2022. Demonstrations broke out soon after. Simultaneously, the government also pursued approval. Approval finally came in April 2025. Land acquisition began and continued until the State went into selection mode. So far, approximately 1,700 decares of land have been acquired in various villages.

“Frankly, none of us wanted to move from our hometown. But it has come to a point where we feel comfortable if a decision is taken as soon as possible. If they want to build an airport, let them build it as soon as possible and move us to another place. But we want to go to Karai as it is more suitable instead of Siruvallur, which has been designated for us. We also want more compensation,” adds Murugan.

Shanmugham, another resident of Nagapattu, points out some of the problems arising from this uncertainty. “If there is a sewage leak or a lighting problem in the village, this is not solved. The authorities say that we have already been shifted,” he adds.

Sivaprakasam from Nelvoy village, who gave 5 acres of land for the project, says he and his neighbors want to move to Karai. “Since we have to relocate anyway, it would be better if we go to Karai as our transportation will be better and it will be easier to find a job. But we need monthly assistance,” he adds.

Sangeetha, another resident, says her family wanted to build a house but could not get construction permission due to uncertainty.

Some residents who left their lands say they do not have any problems with the project, which promises employment. However, they want secure jobs for their children. Nagappan of Gunagarampakkam says: “The government claims that the airport will create lakhs of jobs. We need jobs for the youth and I want the government to provide a job for every affected family.”

Mr. Murugan says he is strongly opposed to any alternative to the airport, such as SIPCOT. “I offered to give my land for the airport project because everyone said that the State would develop significantly and lakhs of jobs would be created in Chennai. You cannot take my land by promising to use it for the airport and then reuse it for other projects,” he adds.

G. Archana from Nagapattu says she works 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 the airport comes, at least my children who are currently studying would get good jobs and the whole region would develop. But we all want better compensation,” he adds.