The proposed Parandur greenfield airport has become a live example of the conflict between infrastructure expansion and local livelihoods in Tamil Nadu. The Tamil Nadu government has paused the project, which has brought relief to Ekanapuram village, but the wider project zone still faces uncertainty over land acquisition, compensation, and relocation.

The Parandur proposal matters because it is not only an aviation project. It is also a land-use, environmental, and governance issue that affects villages, wetlands, drainage channels, and flood management in the Chennai region.

What is happening now

Residents in Ekanapuram, which lies in the path of both planned airport runways, say the pause gives them relief. Farmers and villagers have opposed the project since 2022, arguing that the airport would take over agricultural land and affect wetlands and water channels.

People in nearby villages say land acquisition had already begun in some places. Those residents now face uncertainty over whether compensation, relocation promises, or project continuation will follow. The Tamil Nadu government’s position was not accompanied by an official order or notification at the time of reporting.

Background and earlier position

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