Smart city work in Thirumazhisai

Revenue officials began taking measurements for acquiring more land at Kuthampakkam even as farmers in the area complained to officials that the project would usurp a majority of agricultural land in the region and make them jobless.

Following the state government decision to build a Smart City in Tirumalisai, lands for the project were identified across Tirumalisai, Kuthampakkam, Vellaivedu and Sembarapakkam measuring a total of 446 acres. Out of this, around 146 acres have already been taken by the government.

Selvaraj, a farmer said that total of 146 acres acquired were agriculture land. “While we welcome the Smart City project, it should not be at the expense of agricultural land which is crucial for food production. The government should make use non-arable lands for executing such projects,” Selvaraj said. A section of farmers is also planning to approach the courts for opposing the government’s move.