Parandur Airport Project Scrapped: What Happens to Acquired Land in Tamil Nadu?
The Tamil Nadu government has formally decided to scrap the proposed ₹27,400 crore greenfield airport project at Parandur in Kancheepuram district. Following Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay’s announcement, the focus has shifted to the status and future utilisation of private and public land acquired for the infrastructure initiative.
What Happened
The greenfield airport proposal at Parandur, located approximately 70 km from Chennai, was cleared by the Union Government in August 2022. The site faced sustained opposition from local residents and farmers concerned about displacement and ecological harm, particularly due to the presence of multiple waterbodies in the designated zone. In January 2025, Mr. Vijay visited the site to express solidarity with the protesting community during his tenure as leader of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam. Work on the project halted following his assumption of office as Chief Minister in May, culminating in an official decision to drop the project announced on August 24, 2026.
Addressing the state Legislative Assembly, Industries Minister S. Keerthana clarified that alternative development projects will be introduced using the land already secured. According to Law and Energy Resources Minister C.T.R. Nirmal Kumar, the overall project required 5,846 acres. This total comprised 1,972 acres of existing government land—including 1,558 acres covering waterbodies—and 3,874 acres of private patta land. Out of the private land requirement, 1,802 acres (just under 50%) were acquired under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013. While ownership was transferred to the State Industries Department, the government has not yet taken physical possession.
Key Highlights
- Project Status: The ₹27,400 crore greenfield airport project at Parandur has been officially cancelled by the state administration.
- Total Land Required: 5,846 acres, consisting of 1,972 acres of government land and 3,874 acres of private patta land.
- Acquired Extent: 1,802 acres of private land have been acquired under the 2013 Land Acquisition Act, but physical possession was never completed.
- Official Plan: Industries Minister S. Keerthana confirmed that alternative state initiatives will be implemented on the acquired land.
- Legal Framework: The Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition Act, 2013 contains provisions (Sections 93, 101, and 102) detailing withdrawal from acquisition, return of unutilised parcels, and disposal mechanisms.
Why This Matters
The shelving of the airport brings attention to statutory frameworks governing land acquisition reversals under the 2013 Act. Under Section 93, a government may withdraw from acquiring land if possession has not been taken and no award has been finalised, subject to paying damage compensation determined by the District Collector. Furthermore, Section 101 dictates that land remaining unutilised for five years from physical possession must revert to original owners, legal heirs, or the state Land Bank. Section 102 permits the sale of undeveloped acquired land, requiring that 40% of any appreciated value be distributed among the original landowners if sold within five years.
Tamil Nadu has handled analogous reversals in the past. In June 2022, the government dropped the 1,600-MW Jayankondam mining and power project, returning roughly 8,373 acres acquired in the 1990s without seeking reimbursement of previously paid compensation. Similarly, the Tamil Nadu Housing Board (TNHB) released around 2,500 acres between October and December 2024 where awards had not been passed, while managing another 5,706 acres where awards were passed but possession was not taken or land was encroached upon. A two-member panel of former IAS officials, which submitted its recommendations in June 2026, could provide administrative insights into addressing unutilised holdings.
What to Watch Next
The state government is expected to outline the exact nature of the alternative development projects planned by the Industries Department on the 1,802 acres of acquired land. Administrative decisions regarding whether to formally withdraw, re-convey, or deploy these holdings will depend on the final status of compensation awards and procedural reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the Parandur airport project cancelled?
The project faced prolonged protests from local farmers and residents who expressed concern over displacement and environmental impact, as the 5,846-acre site includes significant waterbodies. The project was officially dropped after Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay assumed office.
How much land had already been acquired?
Of the 3,874 acres of private patta land required, the state government acquired 1,802 acres under the 2013 Land Acquisition Act. However, physical possession of the parcels had not been taken.
Will the acquired land be returned to farmers?
Industries Minister S. Keerthana stated in the Assembly that the acquired land would be utilised for alternative projects. While the 2013 Act contains provisions for withdrawal and return under specific conditions, the state has indicated plans to repurpose the land.
Source: Based on reporting from The Hindu.