Chennai, Sep 24 Clarifying reports regarding the cancellation of the proposed new Secretariat project at Pattinapakkam here, Tamil Nadu Law Minister CTR Nirmal Kumar on Thursday stated that the proposal is currently in its preliminary study phase and no final decision has been taken.
Responding to media queries, the Minister assured that the government would not implement any project that went against the interests of the public or the fishing community.
“The demand for a new Secretariat has been pending for the last 20 to 40 years”, he said adding “since all major government offices are currently located within the city, it is practical to explore suitable locations nearby rather than moving to the outskirts.”
Addressing concerns over accessibility, Nirmal Kumar noted that shifting the administrative hub 40 kilometers outside the city would pose significant commuting challenges for the public.
Consequently, authorities are surveying multiple potential sites within city limits to identify the most viable option, he added.
Nirmal Kumar said that the concerned departmental minister would make an official announcement once a concrete resolution is reached.
Meanwhile, VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan reiterated his opposition to moving forward with the proposed new Secretariat complex near Pattinapakkam without prior public consultation, saying he believed that the Tamil Nadu government would not act against the people’s mandate.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, the VCK leader emphasised that he has consistently raised concerns over the site selection since the project was initially announced.
He stressed that issuing a government order alone should not pave the way for physical construction until the views and concerns of the public are thoroughly gathered and addressed.
“Even today, I emphasize the same. I believe that the Tamil Nadu government will not take a stand contrary to the public’s opinion, and there is no chance that it will,” he added.
(PTI News)
