Parandur airport: Over 1,500 acres acquired, audit on social impact almost complete

Chennai: As resistance simmers on the ground, Tamil Nadu industrial development corporation (TIDCO) is close to completing the social audit for the proposed greenfield airport at Parandur in Kancheepuram district. This is a step towards reshaping compensation packages based on specific needs of villagers, claim officials.The social impact assessment (SIA) was carried out from Aug last year in 13 villages. As of date, only two villages, Ekanapuram and Thandalam, are left to be covered. Based on the output of the survey, the compensation plan for the villagers who forgo the land for the airport will be revised to ensure maximum support to the farmers in every possible way, according to officials. "So far, we announced compensation for the land and an initial resettlement plan. But the assessment will cover every aspect of the impact on the farmers and ascertain the specific needs of the villagers to comprehensively revise the compensation. From availing big loans to starting a new business, the state govt will be with the villagers. This is the first time such a comprehensive social impact study is carried out with a genuine concern for the livelihood of people to be relocated," said an official.TIDCO officials said, following the SIA, an environmental impact assessment (EIA) and environmental management plan (EMP) will also be done in the coming months. About 5,000 acres from 13 villages in Kancheepuram district is being acquired for the greenfield airport in Parandur, and some villages such as Ekanapuram and Thandalam continued to resist the plan and approached the Madras high court for remedy.The Parandur airport protest group said villagers are arm-twisted to give away land. "The govt first registered the land of those who invested here and, using the same, they indirectly threatened the villagers that their compensation would be cut down if they protest, forcing them to register land. Our public interest litigation on waterbody encroachment is scheduled for hearing on Jan 5. We will raise our arguments before the court," said the protest group president G Subramanian.