A week after dropping the controversial Parandur Greenfield airport project citing farmers’ protests and ecological concerns, the C Joseph Vijay-led TVK government has issued a Gazette notification acquiring 8.3820 hectares of land in the same broad region for industrial purposes through the State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu (SIPCOT), prompting critics to question the government’s decision to reject the airport over concerns involving agricultural land and water bodies while proceeding with an industrial project in the area.
After dropping the Parandur Greenfield Airport project, the Tamil Nadu government has now begun efforts to set up a SIPCOT industrial park near the proposed airport site. The area is also likely to house a ₹175-crore semiconductor and electronics manufacturing park. pic.twitter.com/ZQoUV1gCTs
— Vignesh Theni (@Vignesh_twitz) September 11, 2026
The notification, issued by the Commissioner of Land Administration and dated September 1, invokes the Tamil Nadu Acquisition of Land for Industrial Purposes Act, 1997. It states that the Tamil Nadu government, having been satisfied that the lands specified in the notification were required for industrial purposes for “SIPCOT-SIPCOT Madhuramangalam Industrial Park”, had decided that the compensation for the lands would be paid from funds controlled or managed by the Managing Director, SIPCOT.
The Gazette notification states that, under subsection (1) of Section 3 of the Act, the Governor of Tamil Nadu acquires the lands specified in the schedule, measuring an extent of 8.3820 hectares, “a little more or less”, needed for industrial purposes for SIPCOT-SIPCOT Madhuramangalam Industrial Park.
It further states that the plan of the lands is kept at the office of the Special DROLA, Kancheepuram, and that the Special Tahsildar (LA), Unit Kancheepuram, may be inspected on any day during office hours.
With Parandur dropped, the Tamil Nadu government has now begun efforts to set up a SIPCOT industrial park near the proposed airport site which will house a semiconductor and electronics manufacturing park…🤷♂️ pic.twitter.com/nqC4asDS0A
— Chennai Updates (@UpdatesChennai) September 11, 2026
The lands are proposed to be acquired for a semiconductor and electronics manufacturing park. The government has announced a Rs 175-crore semiconductor and electronics manufacturing park at Madhramangalam, with plans involving more than 400 acres of patta land and government land.
The move has drawn criticism from sections of the public and political leaders, who have pointed to the proximity of Madhramangalam to the site where the now-abandoned Parandur Greenfield airport project had been proposed.
They have questioned the government’s decision to cite farmers’ protests and ecological concerns while dropping the airport project, but acquire land in the same region for an industrial park.
The criticism has also focused on whether agricultural land and small water bodies in the area would be affected by the proposed industrial development, and whether a semiconductor manufacturing park could create concerns over water consumption.
At the time of announcing the dropping of the Parandur airport project, Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay had said: “I stand firmly with the people who are protesting against the proposed airport in Parandur. I extend my support to the farmers who have been fighting against this project for a long time. Farmers are the backbone of the country, and these people are fighting to protect their agricultural land.”
It is also to be noted that Industries Minister S Keerthana had indicated in the Assembly that the government might use the land acquired by the previous DMK-led government in Parandur for other industrial projects.
The TVK Fact Check team, however, rejected the suggestion that the newly notified SIPCOT project was connected with the Parandur airport land acquisition.
In a post on X, the TVK Fact Check team said there was “no connection between the SIPCOT, announced in 2024 during the DMK regime and the lands acquired in Parandur.”
திமுக ஆட்சியில் 2024 ம் ஆண்டு அறிவிக்கப்பட்ட SIPCOT , இதற்கும் பரந்தூரில் கையகப்படுத்தப்பட்ட நிலங்களுக்கும் சம்பந்தமில்லை. https://t.co/QfRQ8vMkWV pic.twitter.com/ET9rnLFg8W
— TVK Fact Check (@TVKFactChecks) September 11, 2026
Another post said the layout of the proposed SIPCOT had been announced in 2024 by the then DMK government and that approvals had already been sought. It maintained that the project was not part of the Parandur project site, but questioned whether the same concerns over farmland, water bodies and water consumption would apply to the industrial park.
The post also argued that opposition to major infrastructure projects was inevitable and questioned whether the Parandur airport had been shelved for political reasons. It further raised questions as double standards in the government’s approach towards development projects.
Layout of the proposed Sipcot. Yes was announced in 2024 by then DMK Govt and even approvals have been sought. This isn't part of Parandur project site. But the question here is :
1. Aren't there farm lands & small water bodies here??? You can literally see them in the satellite… https://t.co/ngdZ2i55g3 pic.twitter.com/aQZkmWFgzf— Chennai Updates (@UpdatesChennai) September 11, 2026
Another X user, Sriram, criticised the government’s decision, arguing that halting the Parandur airport project while rezoning land for industrial development would amount to political hypocrisy. He also argued that arbitrary policy reversals could face judicial scrutiny and questioned the use of taxpayers’ money on projects that are subsequently abandoned.
Halting the Parandur airport under the guise of protecting farmland, only to rezone and build industries on that exact same land is pure political hypocrisy.
I am sure the Courts will strike it down. Arbitrary policy reversals without legal logic cannot survive judicial review.… https://t.co/KYBRx0kUvk
— Sriram (@SriramMadras) September 11, 2026
Another post highlighted the difference between the concerns surrounding the Parandur airport and other infrastructure projects, arguing that the government should address opposition to major projects rather than abandon them after years of studies and planning.
TVK needs to understand that opposition is inevitable with major infrastructure projects. The answer is to address concerns and find solutions, not abandon a project after years of studies and planning.
Parandur’s flood risk can be engineered and mitigated, while Pattinapakkam’s… https://t.co/CZr4j9Ije0 pic.twitter.com/RMYY4HsNhm
— Namma Chennai (@NammaChennai_) September 10, 2026
Meanwhile, in the wake of the cancellation of the Parandur airport project, the TVK government is reportedly considering Cheyyur and Manallur near Gummidipoondi as alternative sites for the airport, both of which are located away from Chennai city.
