Date:03/01/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/01/03/stories/2009010360180900.htm

Tamil Nadu

Demonstration against airport expansion

Special Correspondent

CHENNAI: State governments and the Airports Authority of India should take the public view into account before implementing any development projects that required land acquisition, said Medha Patkar, founder of Narmadha Bachao Andholan and National Alliance of People’s Movements here on Friday.

Ms. Patkar, who participated in a demonstration organised by the United People’s Forum for Survival against airport expansion project at the junction of Manappakkam – Ramapuram on Mount Poonamallee Road, said expansion projects did not help people and it was done without their consent. She said this was against the principles of development and there should be no displacement in the name of development. Members of the Forum urged the government to reconsider the decision.