Chennai: Chief Minister Vijay has decided to meet and hold talks with fishermen’s organisations in Pattinapakkam, Chennai, to seek their views on the proposed new Secretariat complex.
The Tamil Nadu government has announced plans to build a new Secretariat on Loop Road in Pattinapakkam at an estimated cost of Rs 1,200 crore, and has issued a government order for the project. For this, 25.5 acres of land belonging to the Housing and Revenue departments and the Greater Chennai Corporation has been identified for acquisition.
Several fishermen’s groups have opposed the proposal, saying the project could affect their livelihood. Opposition parties, along with the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) and its alliance partners, have also urged the government to drop the plan.
According to Secretariat sources, a team of ministers and officials is expected to invite representatives of the protesting fishermen’s organisations for talks within the next couple of days. The government’s next steps on whether the project will proceed or be withdrawn are expected to become clearer after consultations led by the Chief Minister.
