New Secretariat may shift from Pattinapakkam to Pallavan Illam

The Tamil Nadu Government is reportedly considering shifting the proposed new Secretariat from Pattinapakkam to Pallavan Illam in Chennai following continued opposition from fishermen.
Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay had announced that a new Secretariat would be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs.1,200 crore. Pattinapakkam was selected as the proposed site, covering about 25.55 acres and nearly 20 lakh square feet.
Nine fishing villages are located around the proposed site, with more than 1,500 fishing families living in the area. Fishermen have opposed the proposal, citing their dependence on access to the coast for launching and parking boats, repairing fishing nets and selling their catch.
The DMK has also challenged the government’s decision in the Madras High Court, seeking cancellation of the Government Order issued for constructing the new Secretariat at Pattinapakkam.
Amid the continuing opposition, the government is reportedly considering an alternative site at Pallavan Illam, spread over nearly 20 acres. Officials are examining the possibility of constructing administrative buildings there while allowing the Legislative Assembly to continue functioning at Fort St. George.
The Pallavan Illam premises currently house workshops of the Metropolitan Transport Corporation and the State Express Transport Corporation.
The government is reportedly examining alternative locations for these workshops as part of the proposal.