Chennai - Farmers in Tamil Nadu are gearing up for large-scale protests against the recently passed Tamil Nadu Land Consolidation (for Special Projects) Act, 2023. The Act, which aims to streamline land acquisition for large projects, has drawn sharp criticism from farmers' associations who view it as a threat to agriculture and a way for corporations to gain control of land and water resources.

Farmer leader P.R. Pandian, president of the All Farmers Organisation Coordination Committee, warned the DMK government of dire consequences if the Act is not repealed. "This legislation clears the way for corporates to gain control over lakes, ponds, and other water bodies," Pandian stated, adding that the Act will be the "death knell for Tamil Nadu’s farmers." He announced plans for large-scale protests to demand the law’s repeal and warned the DMK of facing the "people’s wrath" in the 2026 Assembly elections.

The Act, passed earlier this year, seeks to expedite the process of consolidating government lands for large projects. It also establishes procedures for land exchanges involving water bodies, emphasizing their protection. However, farmers are concerned about the lack of local consent required for land acquisition under the new Act. Unlike the 2013 Land Acquisition Act, which required the consent of 80% of the local population, the new Act allows land acquisition without local approval.

Mathivannan, a farmer leader from Tiruchi, echoed Pandian's concerns, calling the Act "draconian" and vowing to join forces with other farmers' organizations to oppose it until it is repealed.

The farmers' protests are gaining momentum against the backdrop of ongoing land acquisition protests for a new international airport at Parandur, near Chennai. Social activists estimate that the proposed airport project would impact more than 13 water resources. Residents of Nelvoy village, Kancheepuram district, recently protested against government officials conducting a socio-economic survey for the project, refusing to surrender their land or cooperate with the survey.

The Tamil Nadu Land Consolidation Act of 2023 enables private parties to acquire land parcels, including those with water bodies, with the responsibility to preserve these resources. However, Sami Natarajan, general secretary of the TNVS, affiliated with the CPM, criticized the Act for its impact on rural communities.

With over 80% of residents in Parandur opposed to the airport project, the new land acquisition law is further fueling resistance to the government's plans.