Chennai: DMK MP P Wilson has alleged that the Tamil Nadu government’s proposal to construct a new Assembly and Secretariat complex at Foreshore Estate violates an undertaking earlier given before the Madras High Court.
Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay had announced in the Assembly that an integrated Assembly and Secretariat complex would be constructed in Chennai at an estimated cost of Rs 1,200 crore. The proposed complex is expected to cover around 20 lakh sq ft and bring the Assembly and government departments under one roof.
The government has subsequently given in-principle approval for the project at Foreshore Estate and directed the Public Works Department to prepare a detailed project report, including cost estimates, within three months.
The DMK MP has now questioned the move, claiming that it amounts to a breach of an undertaking given before the High Court in connection with the use of the Foreshore Estate area. The MP has urged the government to clarify the legal position before proceeding with the project.
The proposed complex is part of the TVK government’s plans to modernise the State’s administrative infrastructure. According to the announcement, the facility is to include fire-safety systems, accessibility features, green-building standards, parking, conference halls and public-service centres.
The controversy is likely to intensify as the government moves towards preparing the detailed project report and examining the feasibility of constructing the new complex at Foreshore Estate.