Chennai airport authorities fail to lift their hopes

Chennai: Though the construction of a parallel runway at Chennai airport was de-notified by state government two years ago, misleading statements from airport authorities have confused residents of Manapakkam. The director of the Chennai airport not giving a categorical statement  against the construction of a runway has been a cause of worry.  

According to residents, their land rates have taken a dip over the move and residents are living in constant worry. “Land rates in Manapakkam have drastically decreased after last year’s floods. Though many areas regained realty strength, Manapakkam failed to do so as prospective buyers are scared at the uncertainty,” said C.V. Panneerselvam, retired additional general manager of the new project, National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC).

Panneerselvam met the airport director last month, seeking a statement. The director who promised to send a confirmation reply in a day failed to do so. Panneerselvam said, “All we want is that authorities state that a parallel runway is not possible in the near future. We are worried that the proposal will be reconsidered,” he said, expressing his fears.

“As confusion prevails, many are hesitant to construct homes. There are just eight houses in another phase of Marvel river view county against 120 houses in the first phase,” said P. Natarajan. “The option of a parallel runway at Manapakkam should be completely ruled out,” he added.

Chennai airport director, Deepak Shastri told DC that a government order has been published on de-notification. “State government should remove it from the revenue maps,” he said.