Tamil Nadu moves ahead with Rs 1,200 crore Secretariat project
The government is proceeding with the construction of a new Assembly complex despite opposition from fishermen and environmentalists.
The Tamil Nadu government is proceeding with plans to build a Secretariat-cum-Assembly complex on a 25-acre land parcel at Foreshore Estate, according to the Deccan Herald. The project, conceived by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, is estimated to cost Rs 1,200 crore.
The Tamil Nadu Housing Board (TNHB) floated bids on Monday to demolish dilapidated residential buildings on the site. While the Information Integrity Desk (IID), a fact-check unit of the state government, stated that these tenders were issued to raze buildings following a court order, fishermen associations have opposed the demolition.
Fishermen from nine hamlets near Marina Beach have expressed concerns that the new facility will create a high-security zone that restricts their movement and fishing activities. They also cited disaster risks, noting that the 2004 tsunami reached 1 km inland.
Environmentalists and political parties, including the Left, have also raised objections. They allege the proposed 15-storey complex violates the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification, 2011, as the site falls under CRZ-Zone 2.
Fishermen associations announced on Monday that they would not attend a consultative meeting held at the Chennai Collectorate on Tuesday. They claimed the government was selective and secretive in inviting participants to the meeting.
The new facility will cover 2 million square feet. Until the move is complete, the Chief Minister plans to relocate his office to a 5,000 square foot conference hall in the Namakkal Kavignar Maaligai.