CHENNAI: Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) president Anbumani Ramadoss on Sunday warned of legal action and public protests if the Tamil Nadu government does not revoke the permission granted for the resumption of private helicopter tourism at Kovalam, citing environmental damage and public safety concerns.
In a statement, Anbumani objected to the service restarting from January 12, nearly a year after it was suspended on safety grounds. He alleged violations of norms and possible corruption behind the decision, accusing the DMK government of ignoring passenger safety and ecological risks.
The service, operated by Cambodia-based Aerodan Chopper, was launched in November 2023 to offer aerial tours over Chennai, Kovalam, Mahabalipuram and coastal areas. PMK had opposed the project, citing severe noise pollution during take-off and low-altitude flights. Following protests, the government banned the service in January 2025 and sealed the company’s Kovalam office.
Anbumani warned that helicopter noise could permanently drive away migratory birds from ecologically sensitive regions such as Muttukadu, Kelambakkam backwaters and Pallikaranai marshland. He questioned the urgency of reviving the service without new safeguards and demanded a corruption probe, stating that the PMK would approach the Madras High Court and launch agitations if the decision is not reversed.
Meanwhile, Pasumai Thaayagam president Sowmiya Anbumani criticised the government’s reliance on liquor revenue, alleging it recovered nearly Rs 850 crore through Tasmac sales after distributing Pongal assistance.
Addressing a campaign in Krishnagiri, she said the state had failed to build infrastructure for flower, coconut and mango farmers, and warned that alcohol abuse was harming youth and women’s safety.