The decision on returning land acquired from farmers for the Parandur airport project, which has now been scrapped, will be taken only after consulting legal experts, School Education and Tamil Development Minister Rajmohan said.
Rajmohan made the remarks after paying floral tributes to the portrait of Tamil scholar Thiru. Vi. Kalyanasundaranar on his 143rd birth anniversary at the Tamil Development Directorate in Egmore.
Speaking to reporters, Rajmohan said taking land away from farmers was like separating a mother from her child. He said Tamil Nadu needs both agriculture and an airport and that consultations with all sections of society are necessary before taking a decision.
He said compensation for land acquired for the Parandur airport project had been paid to some farmers, while some others were yet to receive it.
Rajmohan said farmers had protested for more than 1,000 days against the proposed airport. The government would consult legal experts on whether the acquired land could be returned, he said, adding that a decision could not be announced in haste as a case was pending before the court.
He said the government would act in the interests of farmers and take a favourable decision after consulting all concerned.
Rajmohan also highlighted the historical and environmental importance of Parandur, stating that the Kamban canal, believed to be more than 1,000 years old, supplies water to downstream tanks and supports the breeding of thousands of birds.
On the World Tamil Conference, Rajmohan said there was no delay in the government’s decision to organise the event. Chief Minister Vijay had decided to hold the conference and a committee would be formed for the purpose.
