In-principal nod for Parandur airport in 2 weeks, says Union Aviation Minister
Amid people’s opposition, Aviation Min says site-related disputes State’s problem, AAI only checks project feasibility
Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, Union Minister of Civil Aviation
CHENNAI: A special meeting will be held in New Delhi in the next two weeks to decide on the ‘in principle approval’ sought by the Tamil Nadu government for the Parandur airport, set to serve as the second airport for the Chennai city, Union Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu said on Thursday.
The villagers and farmers of Parandur and neighbouring villages have been opposing the greenfield airport project, citing it would take away their places including fertile lands.
Speaking to reporters after inaugurating the Udan Yatri Cafe at Chennai Airport, the Civil Aviation minister, without going much into details, said the ‘site’ for the airport was identified by the state government and the Central government developed the project as it was keen on having more airports in the country.
The Parandur airport project, he said, has been in discussion for quite some time. The site clearance was applied first and the central government had granted the approval for the site clearance. The state government has now sought the ‘in principle approval.’
"The in-principle approval is under consideration, and we are following the due process," Ram Mohan said, adding a special meeting will be held within the next week or two to discuss and finalise the in-principle approval. Once this step is completed, the project will move forward, he noted.
On the proposed airports in the region (like Hosur airport to cater to the growing industrial development in the region), the Union minister clarified the role of the Tamil Nadu government in the selection of the sites and development process.
"The state government is responsible for identifying sites for new airports and sending them to us (the Airports Authority of India) for clearance. We do not dictate where airports should be located. Once the state submits a proposal, we assess the feasibility, including technical, operational, and navigational aspects. So any issue related to land lies with the state government,” the minister said.
During the feasibility study for the Parandur airport, the presence of airports around and how the airspace could be utilised by the defence and civil sectors were taken into account. Accordingly, clearance was obtained from all the operators before giving the site approval, he added.
