Parandur Greenfield Airport: Social Audit Nears Completion as Compensation Framework Set for Revision

The proposed greenfield airport at Parandur in Kancheepuram district has entered a decisive phase, with the Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation approaching the final stages of its social audit. The exercise, initiated to assess the social and livelihood impact of land acquisition, is expected to play a key role in revising compensation and rehabilitation packages for villagers affected by the project.

According to officials, the social impact assessment began in August last year and covered 13 villages identified for land acquisition. At present, surveys in most villages have been completed, with only Ekanapuram and Thandalam remaining. The findings from the assessment will be used to redesign compensation frameworks to better reflect the specific needs of farmers and landowners who are required to part with their land.

Officials said the revised compensation plan will go beyond land value and initial resettlement measures. It will factor in livelihood concerns, access to credit, business opportunities, and long-term income security. The intent, they said, is to ensure that families affected by the airport project are supported through a structured and need-based approach rather than a uniform compensation model.

The Parandur airport project involves the acquisition of around 5,000 acres across 13 villages in Kancheepuram district. While the government maintains that the airport is critical for meeting Tamil Nadu’s long-term aviation and economic growth needs, resistance has persisted in certain villages. Farmer groups and residents from Ekanapuram and Thandalam have continued to oppose the project, citing concerns over land loss, water bodies, and agricultural livelihoods.

Following the completion of the social audit, authorities plan to initiate an environmental impact assessment and prepare an environmental management plan in the coming months. These studies are expected to address ecological concerns and lay out mitigation measures for sustainable development.

Meanwhile, protest groups have approached the Chennai High Court seeking legal remedies. They have alleged pressure tactics during land registration and raised concerns about the impact on water resources. With court proceedings underway and compensation plans set for revision, the Parandur airport project stands at a critical juncture, balancing infrastructure ambitions with social and environmental responsibilities.