'TN's growth cannot be sabotaged for petty political considerations' DMK slams TVK
DMK president M K Stalin on Monday criticised Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay for scrapping the proposed Parandur greenfield airport project, arguing that the decision could set the state’s development back by several years.
Reacting to Vijay’s announcement in the Assembly, Stalin said abandoning the project after substantial preparatory work and near-completion of land acquisition was a major disappointment. He argued that Tamil Nadu’s interests should not be compromised for what he described as “petty political considerations”.
Stalin said the airport was planned to meet the state’s rapidly growing aviation and economic needs and claimed that the proposed site had been selected after examining several alternatives. He also said the previous DMK government had made significant investments towards land acquisition, compensation and rehabilitation.
Questioning Vijay’s decision to make the announcement under Rule 110, which does not allow a discussion, Stalin said the lack of debate was concerning. He warned that identifying a new location and restarting the entire process could delay the project and affect Tamil Nadu’s growth trajectory.
Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin also criticised the government, saying the earlier administration had pursued the project after securing approvals from the Airports Authority of India and the Union Civil Aviation Ministry. He warned that abandoning it after the expenditure already incurred could result in significant financial losses.
However, residents of Ekanapuram, one of the villages that would have been affected by the airport project, welcomed the decision and thanked Vijay.
Vijay said the government had decided to abandon the Parandur site after considering concerns raised by local communities. He pointed out that nearly 55% of the proposed land consisted of waterbodies and wetlands, which he said could create safety and flooding concerns.
The Chief Minister maintained that the government was not opposed to development and would instead identify an alternative location for Chennai’s second airport through detailed technical and feasibility studies, while ensuring minimal public opposition.
with inpts from PTI