Archive · 22 Sep 2026
Stalin Backs Fishermen Against Proposed Chennai Secretariat Complex
The TVK government wants to build a new Secretariat and Assembly complex near Chennai’s Marina Beach.
M.K. Stalin and fishermen’s groups oppose the plan.
They say it could harm fishermen’s homes, neighborhoods and ways of earning a living.
Stalin also says the building could create traffic problems near schools.
He says a Secretariat should be used for the Chief Minister to work, not to look at the sea.
He promised that the DMK would support the fishermen’s protests.
He asked the government to cancel the plan and build houses for fishermen instead.
The CPI (M) also protested because it said the project could hurt fishermen and the coastal environment.
M.K. Stalin opposed the TVK government’s proposed Secretariat-Assembly complex at Pattinapakkam near Marina Beach.
He said the project could damage fishermen’s habitats, livelihoods, homes and surrounding neighborhoods.
Stalin identified 12 residential areas within one kilometre as potentially affected by the project.
He warned that traffic congestion could inconvenience the public and students near surrounding schools.
Stalin urged the government to withdraw its order, abandon the plan and build fishermen’s houses instead.
- Who
- M.K. Stalin and the DMK, fishermen’s associations, the TVK government, and the CPI (M).
- What
- Opposition has grown against a proposed Secretariat-Assembly complex in Pattinapakkam.
- When
- One report describes Stalin’s statement as being made on Monday; another describes his meeting with fishermen’s representatives on Wednesday.
- Where
- Pattinapakkam and Foreshore Estate near Marina Beach in Chennai.
- Why
- Critics say the project could harm fishermen’s livelihoods and neighborhoods, create traffic congestion near schools, and affect a vulnerable coastal environment.
Project opponents
Government proposal
Whether the complex should be built
Project opponents
Stalin and fishermen’s representatives say the plan should be abandoned because it could damage fishermen’s habitat, livelihoods and neighborhood.
Government proposal
The TVK government has proposed constructing a new Secretariat-Assembly complex at Pattinapakkam/Foreshore Estate; the articles do not report its response to the objections.
Effects on residents and traffic
Project opponents
Stalin says the project could affect 12 nearby residential areas and cause congestion that inconveniences the public and students near schools.
Government proposal
The articles provide no government response to the concerns about traffic or affected residential areas.
Environmental impact
Project opponents
The CPI (M) says the coastal area is environmentally vulnerable and that the project could seriously affect fishermen and the environment.
Government proposal
The articles do not state the government’s position on the environmental concerns.
- Proposed project
- A new Secretariat-Assembly complex
- Proposed location
- Pattinapakkam/Foreshore Estate near Marina Beach, Chennai
- Main opponent
- M.K. Stalin, DMK president and former Chief Minister
- Potentially affected areas
- Twelve residential areas within one kilometre, including Mullikuppam, Srinivasapuram, Rajiv Gandhi Nagar, Bhavani Kuppam, Uridyapuram, Selvaraj Puram, Doomil Kuppam, Nochchi Nagar and Nochchikuppam
- Stalin’s demand
- The government should withdraw its order and abandon the Pattinapakkam plan
- Alternative proposal
- Stalin said houses for fishermen should be built at Pattinapakkam
- Additional opposition
- The CPI (M), which supports the government from outside, protested over effects on fishermen and the coastal environment
