TN to review Parandur airport site over green loss: 'Development must be sustainable'
A comprehensive review of the proposed project was underway to explore alternative locations and protect the environment, said a TVK minister
Chennai, Jun 18 (PTI) The Tamil Nadu government will review the site earmarked for the proposed greenfield airport project at Parandur near Chennai to address environmental concerns and protect multi-crop agricultural lands, state minister C T R Nirmal Kumar said on Thursday.
A comprehensive review of the proposed project was underway to explore alternative locations and protect the local waterbodies and fertile lands, he said.
"We are not against development, but development must be sustainable and should not destroy lakes, water resources or local communities. We will explore alternative sites for the project," Kumar told reporters here.
He noted that TVK founder Vijay's first political protest was launched against the Parandur airport expansion project, reflecting the party's stand on people-centric and environmentally responsible development.
Officials and experts were currently conducting studies to explore alternative locations, and a final decision will be made after review and with the chief minister's approval, he added.
On Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin's charge, Kumar sought to turn the tables against him and said it was actually the DMK that had a secret pact with the BJP to safeguard its leaders from Enforcement Directorate raids.
On playing the Tamil Thaai Vazhthu in the Assembly, he said the Tamil Anthem will be rendered first during state functions, followed by the National Anthem. PTI