Protest against construction of airport in Parandur continues

CHENNAI: For 50 consecutive days, Parandur villagers have been holding peaceful protest in their villages at night against the construction of Chennai’s second airport there.

They also held a one-day hunger strike today, while waving black flags and raising slogans.

Residents of twelve villages, including Parandur and Ekanapuram, conducted a symbolic one-day hunger strike today against the proposed airport. Several people, including men and women, participated in the protest. Farmers' association head BR Pandian travelled from Mannargudi by car to join the strike.

Police apprehended Pandian at the Thozhupedu checkpoint and escorted him to the Perunagar police station and detained him.

The Central and State governments have announced that Parandur area of the Kancheepuram district will serve as the site of Chennai's second airport. The new airport will be built on approximately 4,700 acres of agricultural land in 12 villages, including Parandur and Ekanapuram.

Following a consultation meeting, the villagers have asked that the district administration organise such meetings in each of the 12 villages separately.

As the entry of public welfare organisations are prohibited, police have set up camps in these villages and are monitoring movements.