Chennai, Oct 22:
The proposed new Assembly and Secretariat complex in Tamil Nadu may get a new location, with around 80 acres of government land at Nandanam being suggested as an alternative to Pattinapakkam. The State government is yet to make a final decision on the site.
The government had initially selected Pattinapakkam for the project and issued an order approving the proposal. However, fishing communities opposed the plan, citing concerns over their livelihoods and access to the sea. The objections have prompted the search for alternative locations.
K.M. Sadanand, president of the Professional Town Planners Association, has written to Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay and senior Ministers recommending government land near the Government Estate at Nandanam. The property, measuring around 80 acres, is currently used by the Cosmopolitan Club and a golf course. The association has suggested that the government consider recovering the land, whose lease dates back to 1936.
The proposal also envisages access from Anna Salai and the possibility of a bridge across the Adyar River connecting the site with Kotturpuram. The feasibility of these suggestions would need detailed examination.
Pallavan House on Anna Salai was also considered as a possible site. However, concerns were raised over flooding, traffic congestion, proximity to the Cooum River and the need to relocate transport offices and bus depots operating there.
The proposed complex is intended to address space constraints at Fort St George, where the Assembly and Secretariat currently function. Chief Minister Vijay had announced a modern complex with a built-up area of around 20 lakh square feet at an estimated cost of Rs. 1,200 crore.
The Nandanam suggestion remains a recommendation and not a final government decision. The choice of site will require careful assessment of land availability, transport connectivity, environmental impact and the interests of local communities. The government is yet to announce whether it will proceed with Pattinapakkam, consider Nandanam or select another location.