MK Stalin, President of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) took a swipe at Tamil Nadu Chief Minister (CM) C Joseph Vijay, while concurrently opposing the government’s proposal to build a new Secretariat-cum Assembly complex at Pattinapakkam near Chennai’s Marina Beach. He warned that his party would join fishermen’s protests if the TVK government went ahead with the plan.

Stalin said the proposed project could affect the livelihoods and homes of fishing communities in the coastal area, adding that the DMK would stand in solidarity with the fishermen’s organisations in their opposition and take part in the agitation if the government did not withdraw the order.

Notably, the proposed project has already faced opposition from fishing communities and various political parties. Fishermen from more than 10 coastal hamlets had set a deadline for the government for September 21 to roll back the proposal.

Stalin raises questions over need for new secretariat

DMK supremo Stalin also questioned the need to lay a new administrative complex at a congested coastal location when alternative sites were available. He pointed to the Omandurar Government Estate, where a new Secretariat complex was constructed during DMK’s tenure. The veteran political leader suggested that the existing premises could potentially be used again for Secretariat purposes if required.

He also slammed reports that Pattinapakkam was selected as the astrologers had advised that the CM’s office should face the sea. Stalin remarked, “Such a complex is for the Chief Minister to work and not to gaze at the sea.”

Pattinapakkam near Chennai’s Marina Beach, the proposed site for construction

The proposed site to lay the new Secretariat building covers about 25.55 acres, and is estimated at around Rs 1,200 crore. However, the project has drawn objections from fishing communities, environmental groups and political parties over its potential impact on livelihoods and the coastal environment.

What are the concerns?

Stalin said numerous schools fell in the vicinity of the proposed location, and that the area already reels under loads of traffic congestion. He argued that constructing a major government complex there could add to the woes faced by commuters, residents and students.

He urged CM Vijay to clarify the government’s position and address the concerns raised by fishermen living near the proposed site.

The DMK chief also accused the TVK government of taking a unilateral decision despite opposition from parties that support it from outside. The CPI(M), which has extended outside support to the TVK government, has also opposed the Pattinapakkam proposal and has voiced demands for an all-party meeting.

Govt says no decision finalised yet

Meanwhile, the state’s PwD Minister Aadhav Arjuna said that the government has not finalised any decision on constructing the Secretariat at Pattanipakkam. He added that only a government order had been issued and that a Detailed Project Report (DPR) would be prepared before CM Vijay takes a final call.

Arjuna went on to say that if a choice arises between constructing the Secretariat and safeguarding the fishermen’s livelihoods, the CM would stand with the fishing community.

Meanwhile, local media reports claimed that the government is considering alternative locations along the East Coast Road (ECR) amid the opposition to Pattinapakkam. However, no formal order has been issued with regard to withdrawing the proposed site at the time of those reports.