The Hindu (Tamil Nadu) ·
Fishermen urge Tamil Nadu government to drop plan to build new Secretariat at Pattinapakkam
“We are stakeholders and we were not consulted in any manner. This has left us with no choice but to stage massive Statewide protests against the project,” said K. Bharathi, a community leader.
It was a battle cry that was heard on the sands of the Marina Beach in Chennai on Tuesday (September 15, 2026) when representatives of fishermen panchayats issued an ultimatum for the Tamil Nadu government to give up the proposal for building the Secretariat-cum-Assembly complex at Pattinapakkam (Foreshore Estate).
“Having chosen the land, the government has issued the G.O. Even if there is a small movement in that direction [towards construction of the complex], we will not remain quiet. We are stakeholders and we were not consulted in any manner. This has left us with no choice but to stage massive Statewide protests against the project,” said K. Bharathi, a community leader.
‘Land belongs to locals’
Around 1,000 men and women gathered on the sands on a patch marked by black flags on the Marina. As all of them signed the register, they were given an opportunity to express themselves on the issue. Many said the community should not have waited so long as to retrieve the land rightfully belonging to the local residents.
“A vast portion of the land marked for the Secretariat belongs to the Srinivasapuram/Mullikuppam fishing hamlet. We had been waiting for the government to construct homes for fishermen there. If the government drops the proposal, well and good. We will give some time to Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay to return from his U.K. trip so that he can rethink the decision,” said V.R. Vijayan of Maylai Pagudhi Anaithu Meenava Grama Panchayat Sabhai.
Another community leader, ‘Kabaddi’ Maran, said the construction of the Secretariat complex would amount to murdering all the 1,500 fishermen families in one go. “Because of security reasons, our lives and livelihood will be reduced to nothing. We won’t be able to step out of our homes or go fishing. While we accept that there is a need for a new Secretariat, this definitely is not the location. The anger among the community, especially the youngsters and women, is palpable. They want immediate action, but we are telling them to be patient as Mr. Vijay has our interests at heart,” he said.
Published - September 15, 2026 10:21 pm IST