Chennai Greenfield Airport In Parandur Takes A Step Forward As TIDCO Gets Green Light

The Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation Limited (TIDCO) has received the Terms of Reference (ToR) from the Union Environment Ministry to carry out an Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) and Environment Management Plan (EMP) for the proposed Chennai Greenfield Airport at Parandur in Kancheepuram district.

This marks a key step in the airport's development process, as TIDCO will now be required to conduct a thorough environmental study and gather public input.

TIDCO has four years to complete and submit the final EIA and EMP to the ministry's Expert Appraisal Committee for environmental clearance. The project, which aims to ease the burden on the existing Chennai International Airport, has drawn attention from environmentalists due to its impact on local land and ecosystems. Out of the 2,173 hectares needed for the airport, a large portion consists of agricultural land and water bodies.

The state government has defended the project, citing projections that Chennai's current airport will reach its capacity of 35 million passengers annually by 2028-29. The new airport is seen as essential to meet growing travel demands in the region.

However, the project will have significant social and environmental implications. Over 1,000 families will be affected, and approximately 36,635 trees will be cut. As part of the ToR, TIDCO has been directed to address these concerns by conducting a comprehensive study on the social impact of relocating affected families, and to propose mitigation measures. Additionally, a detailed plan for tree cutting and reforestation, in consultation with the State Forest Department, is required.

The ToR also mandates a thorough hydrological assessment of the catchment areas surrounding the proposed airport site, given the presence of two water streams. Studies on the wetlands that will be affected, along with a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the State Wetland Authority, must also be included in the EIA. Furthermore, a sensitivity analysis of the site based on the ministry's criteria is required as part of the final report.

This project continues to attract scrutiny from environmental groups, but it is being positioned as crucial for Chennai's future air travel infrastructure.