Pattinapakkam fishing community opposes new Tamil Nadu Secretariat

The Tamil Nadu government has proposed constructing a new Rs 1,200 crore Secretariat complex on a 25.55-acre plot in Pattinapakkam, a move that has met significant opposition from environmental activists and local fishing communities.

Fishermen from approximately 12 coastal hamlets have threatened massive protests, stating that the land was originally intended for housing them. They argue the project threatens their livelihoods by restricting access to the seashore and disrupting fishing activities. Environmental activists have also raised concerns regarding the site's vulnerability to climate change and rising sea levels.

Political opposition has also emerged, with various parties questioning the necessity of a new building when the existing facility at Fort St George could be utilized. Some critics have pointed to the proximity of the proposed site to residential areas used by political leadership.