Tamil Nadu's industrial development agency has taken a significant step forward in its ambitious airport project. The Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation Limited, known as Tidco, has constructed model houses for families facing relocation. These families currently live in thirteen villages within Kancheepuram district. Their move is necessary to clear land for the proposed greenfield airport at Parandur.
Families Can Choose Their Future Home Design
Tidco has built these demonstration homes near the primary health centre in Parandur. Each model showcases a 400 square foot layout, but they feature different architectural designs. Villagers are now invited to visit the site. They can inspect the houses and select the design they prefer for their new home.
Sandeep Nanduri, the Managing Director of Tidco, explained the initiative. "We have built model houses of similar sizes, but with different designs," he said. "Villagers can visit them and choose their preferred design."
Audio-Visual Presentation Details Amenities and Packages
The corporation has prepared a special audio-visual presentation for the model houses. This presentation will play inside the homes. It explains the various amenities available in the new integrated townships. These include schools and hospitals planned for the communities.
The presentation also outlines the comprehensive relief packages. These packages are for families who agree to give up their existing houses and agricultural land for the airport project. The master plan for this resettlement was developed with assistance from the global consultancy firm, Knight Frank.
Comprehensive Relief Package Offers Multiple Options
The state government first announced this relief package in June of last year. It is designed for farmers and residents of the thirteen affected villages. For agricultural land, the government is offering compensation ranging from 35 lakh to 60 lakh rupees per acre.
For housing, villagers have clear choices. They can receive an alternative housing site measuring between five and ten cents. On this new site, Tidco will construct a 400 square foot house for them. Alternatively, families can opt for a cash payment of 8 lakh rupees instead of the new house.
The relief package is extensive. It covers compensation for shops, promises job opportunities, and provides resettlement and subsistence allowances. Special loan facilities are also part of the package. Officials are currently conducting a social audit. This audit aims to review and potentially revise the package benefits to ensure they meet the community's needs.
Large-Scale Relocation to Make Way for Major Airport
In total, this project will relocate 1,005 families. They will move to new integrated townships. These townships are proposed on a total of 242 acres of land spread across four villages: Siruvallur, Maduramangalam, Mahadevi Mangalam, and Karai.
This relocation is necessary to free up land for the new airport. The Parandur airport will span approximately 5,000 acres. It will cover areas including the villages of Parandur, Ekanapuram, and Thandalam, among the thirteen total villages affected.
Land Acquisition Progresses Amidst Ongoing Opposition
Tidco, along with the Kancheepuram district administration, has made progress on land acquisition. They have already completed the acquisition of 1,500 acres of land for the project. Authorities have set a target to acquire an additional 1,000 acres by February.
However, not everyone is welcoming these developments. A protest group opposing the Parandur airport remains steadfast. G Subramaniyan, the head of the Parandur airport protest group, voiced strong opposition.
"We are not interested in visiting the model houses," Subramaniyan stated firmly. "We stand firm in our opposition. We have approached the court against the exploitation of water bodies for commercial reasons." The group's legal challenge highlights ongoing concerns about the project's environmental impact, particularly on local water resources.
