Tamil Nadu government should abandon Secretariat plan at Pattinapakkam, says CPI

The Communist Party of India has called on the Tamil Nadu government to scrap its proposal to build a new Secretariat complex at Pattinapakkam (Foreshore Estate) in Chennai, warning that the project would displace fishing communities, damage the marine ecosystem and expose critical administrative infrastructure to climate-related hazards.

CPI State secretary M. Veerapandian made the demand, urging the government to immediately abandon the plan over concerns spanning the livelihood rights of fishermen, the marine environment, climate change, public access to the beach and the security of government administration.

Nine fishing hamlets face displacement

In a statement, Mr. Veerapandian said nine fisher hamlets are located around the proposed Secretariat site, including Srinivasapuram, Rajiv Gandhi Nagar, Bhavani Kuppam, Selvarajapuram, Duming Kuppam, Notchi Nagar and Notchi Kuppam. "The people in these hamlets depend on the sea not just for habitation. The sea is the fount of their livelihood, general wealth, fishing, movement of boats, unloading of fish, drying of fishing nets and fish, and storage," he said.

The party leader, whose organisation provides outside support to the government, said the creation of such a mammoth administrative complex, along with roads, parking spaces and security infrastructure, would affect the seashore, which was already facing a space crunch. "Around 1,500 families will be forced to relocate and their livelihood will be at stake," he pointed out.

Security zone would restrict beach access

Mr. Veerapandian said the proposed new Secretariat-Assembly complex, with high-security arrangements, movement of vehicles carrying VIPs and deployment of police personnel, would soon turn the area into a controlled zone dominated by security and administrative infrastructure.

Climate vulnerability of coastal site

"Moreover, it is dangerous to create a Secretariat when the globe is facing a climate change emergency. Chennai's seashores are being affected by storms, floods, high tides and rising sea levels. The government should opt for a safe place," he said.

The CPI leader also said the proposed site was a nesting ground for Olive Ridley turtles. "Just naming it a green complex will not make it safe for the environment," he stated.

Source: The Hindu