Of paddy fields and barbed wires, the story of a TN ‘airport’ village Parandur

Chennai:  The picturesque road to Parandur village is absolutely quiet but for the chirping and buzzing of winged creatures and the sound of some moving vehicles.
While the long winding road offers spectacular views of greenery and paddy fields, the presence of policemen, beginning midway, brings in the element of curiosity. Barricades, some looking like iron walls with barbed wires could really turn heads.
Right on the roadside, farmers are busy dumping paddy, which has some moisture, to dry. Glittering like sand dunes under a bright sun, cleaned and dried paddy is ready on one side for loading onto waiting for trucks while cows and buffaloes march towards the grassland.
Traders could be seen negotiating with farmers the price factor near a local seed bank. On a side of the road, police checkposts dot the landscape.
Unknown to the outside world till recent times, Parandur grabbed headlines first in August after the government said that the place is its choice for a greenfield airport.
Fearing displacement and loss of sustainable livelihood options, farmers are resentful over the proposed land acquisition to make way for the airport. Giving vent to their emotions, farmers started protesting against the move and have been holding demonstrations.