Tamil Nadu Declares Parandur Airport a 'Special Project', Raising Environmental Concerns

The Tamil Nadu government has designated the proposed Parandur Greenfield Airport in Kancheepuram district as a 'Special Project' under the Tamil Nadu Land Consolidation (for Special Projects) Act, 2023. This status facilitates land acquisition, including areas with water bodies, for large infrastructure projects. While the government has established a committee for public consultations and environmental review, environmental groups and residents express concerns that the framework prioritizes project approval over ecological protection. The airport project covers over 2,172 hectares across 13 villages, including wetlands and agricultural land.