Villagers protest against Madurai Airport expansion, climb water tank in standoff

In Tamil Nadu’s Madurai district, a growing protest against the proposed expansion of Madurai airport has intensified, with villagers climbing atop a water tank on Sunday, November 17, and threatening to jump if the government does not offer them alternative land for resettlement. The protesters are opposed to the land acquisition process that would displace them from their homes.

The protest began when the district administration announced plans to acquire land for the expansion project, which the villagers fear will force them out without proper compensation or relocation options. The situation escalated dramatically when 16 villagers, including both men and women, climbed the water tank, making a dramatic plea for their demands to be heard.

Despite efforts by district officials to negotiate and calm the situation, the protestors remained steadfast, with many refusing to back down. They have set up makeshift tents in open fields and vowed to continue their protest until their demands are addressed.

During the standoff, three women collapsed from exhaustion and had to be rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. Their condition sparked further outrage among the protestors, intensifying the pressure on local authorities to take immediate action.

In response to the protests, the district administration has set a deadline for the villagers to vacate the area by Saturday, November 23. However, the villagers have remained firm in their stance, insisting on alternative land and compensation before they will agree to leave.

While some of the protesters have agreed to temporarily halt their protest after initial talks with officials, the majority continue to resist. The situation remains tense, with police and government officials closely monitoring developments in the area.