Tamil Nadu government to drop Pattinapakkam Secretariat complex plan?
The Tamil Nadu government is reportedly reconsidering Pattinapakkam as the location for its proposed Secretariat-cum-Assembly complex and is examining possible alternatives along the East Coast Road.
The reported move comes after a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay following his return to Chennai on Thursday. The proposed Rs 1,200-crore project and the opposition it has generated were among the issues discussed, according to reports.
The original proposal envisaged the complex on 25.55 acres at Pattinapakkam, with approximately 20 lakh square feet of built-up space. Earlier this month, the government had given in-principle approval and set up three committees to handle the appointment of an architectural consultant and work on the preliminary and detailed designs.
The coastal location, however, drew objections from fishing communities, local residents and political parties. Fisherfolk from several nearby hamlets have warned of further protests, raising concerns about access to the sea, fishing activity and their livelihoods.
The objections have extended across the political spectrum. The DMK, AIADMK, BJP, PMK and parties allied with the ruling TVK, including the Left parties and VCK, have questioned the proposed location. Their positions have included calls to shift the project as well as demands to reconsider whether a new complex is necessary.
The government had earlier cited limited space at Fort St George and the requirement for a modern, integrated administrative facility as reasons for proposing the new complex.
Reports said the government has now decided to examine locations away from Pattinapakkam, particularly along the East Coast Road. However, no formal government order cancelling the Pattinapakkam proposal had been issued as of Friday, and consultations are expected to continue before a final decision is announced.