Parandur Airport: When & How Much Money Will Farmers Are Expected To Get As Compensation?

The Tamil Nadu government has issued a detailed clarification on the Parandur greenfield airport project, addressing concerns over its impact on local communities. While emphasizing the necessity of the project, officials have assured that measures are being taken to promptly compensate and rehabilitate affected families.

Parandur Airport: When Will Farmers Receive Compensation?

The compensation process for affected farmers is set to begin in March 2025, with the disbursal expected to conclude by May 2025, according to a report in DTNext. This timeline aims to provide financial relief and support to families who have been impacted by the land acquisition for the proposed airport.

How Much Compensation Will Farmers Get?

Farmers will be compensated at three times the prevailing guideline value of their land, a substantial enhancement to ensure fairness, as per a report in the IANS.

• The guideline value in the Parandur region varies widely, ranging from ₹2 lakh per acre in some areas to as much as ₹35 lakh per acre in others.
• The exact compensation amount will depend on the specific location and value of the land being acquired.

Additional Rehabilitation Measures

Beyond monetary compensation, the government has initiated several measures to support affected families:

• Resettlement Plans: Tenders have been floated to provide alternative housing and essential amenities.
• Employment Opportunities: Government jobs and other forms of economic support will be extended to those impacted.

The villagers of Ekanapuram, located in the proposed airport area, have been protesting for 912 days, demanding justice for the disruption caused by the project. The protest has gained widespread attention, with political leaders, including Tamil superstar Vijay, visiting the site to express solidarity with the aggrieved community.

Why Parandur Was Chosen

The Parandur site was shortlisted over Pannur in 2020 due to its logistical advantages, including proximity to the proposed Chennai-Bengaluru expressway. Officials have highlighted that Parandur involves fewer affected families (1,005 compared to 1,546 in Pannur) and avoids complications like high-tension towers and dense industrial zones present in Pannur.

The Tamil Nadu government has reiterated its commitment to balancing the region's infrastructure development needs with the welfare of the affected communities. A senior official told IANS: "The government is committed to fulfilling its promises and ensuring that the affected families are adequately compensated and rehabilitated. We will make sure their welfare and livelihoods are not compromised."

As the March timeline for compensation approaches, all eyes remain on how effectively the government fulfills its promises to the farmers and communities impacted by this ambitious project.