Karunanidhi allays fears over airport expansion project

Special Correspondent

``Decision will be taken only after consulting all parties''



CHENNAI: The State Government will not acquire any land on the outskirts of Chennai, which is largely inhabited by the poor, for the airport expansion project, Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi said on Sunday.

In his usual question-answer statement, Mr. Karunanidhi made it clear that his Government had not come to any conclusion on the project. Be it expansion or development of the airport, only places, which would not cause much hardship to the poor, would be identified.

As he had repeatedly given assurance on this count, there was no need for anyone to entertain any doubt.

"Even if there is a delay in the airport expansion project, the Government will not take any unilateral decision. We will take the decision only after consulting leaders of all political parties," Mr. Karunanidhi said.

Responding to reports about Member of Parliament R. Prabhu's appeal to the Union Civil Aviation Minister for the modernisation of the Coimbatore, Madurai, Tiruchi and Tuticorin airports and his emphasis on Coimbatore, the Chief Minister said the Union Civil Aviation Ministry should take it up for immediate consideration.

The State Government would extend full cooperation.

Job opportunities


On projects of airport expansion, Mr. Karunanidhi said they would facilitate establishment of industrial units, which, in turn, would generate job opportunities, improve trade and economy.

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