CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation Limited (Tidco) has developed model houses for families from 13 villages in Kancheepuram district, as part of the resettlement strategy for the proposed greenfield airport in Parandur.
Tidco MD Sandeep Nanduri stated, “We have created model homes of the same size (400 sqft) but with different designs near the primary health centre in Parandur. Villagers are encouraged to visit and select their preferred design.” An audio-visual presentation detailing available amenities such as schools and hospitals in the townships will be played in the houses, alongside information regarding relief packages for families relinquishing their homes and land for the airport. The master plan was developed in collaboration with consultancy firm Knight Frank.
Last June, the state’s government announced a relief package for farmers and residents from the 13 villages, offering between ₹35 lakh and ₹60 lakh per acre of agricultural land. In addition to compensation for the structural value of their homes, villagers will be allocated alternative housing sites of 5 to 10 cents, featuring a new 400 sqft home, or they may choose to receive ₹8 lakh in cash. The relief package also includes provisions for shops, jobs, resettlement, subsistence allowances, and loans, with a social audit currently ongoing to reassess package benefits. A total of 1,005 families are set to be relocated to integrated townships covering 242 acres within Siruvallur, Maduramangalam, Mahadevi Mangalam, and Karai villages to accommodate the airport, which spans 5,000 acres across 13 villages, including Parandur, Ekanapuram, and Thandalam. Tidco and the Kancheepuram district administration have completed the acquisition of 1,500 acres of land, with a goal to secure an additional 1,000 acres by February.
However, G Subramaniyan, leader of the Parandur airport protest group, expressed no interest in visiting the model houses. “We remain steadfast in our opposition. We have approached the court regarding the exploitation of water bodies for commercial interests,” he stated.
