Public consultation for new Tamil Nadu secretariat postponed in Chennai
The Chennai Collectorate rescheduled the meeting after residents of 13 coastal villages called for a boycott of the process.
The Chennai Collectorate has postponed the public consultation for the construction of a new secretariat and legislative Assembly at Foreshore Estate (Pattinapakkam), according to The Hindu. The meeting, originally scheduled for Tuesday, November 3, 2026, has been rescheduled for Thursday, November 5.
The postponement follows a boycott call from residents of 13 fishing villages spanning from Triplicane to Foreshore Estate. Chennai District Collector S. Malathi Helen met with senior state government officials on Monday evening before the decision was made.
Fisherfolk have expressed opposition to the proposal by hoisting black flags. They are demanding that the government return lands belonging to Srinivasapuram, build new houses for 15,000 fishermen along the Marina Loop Road, and hold discussions with them.
A resident of Mullikuppam stated that the construction could affect their livelihood, expressing fear that police might restrict fishing activities for security reasons once the complex is built. Residents of the 13 villages from Mullikuppam to Matankuppam intend to boycott the meeting, according to a letter signed by representatives of Mayilai Paguthi Anaithu Meenava Grama Panchayat Sabha.
Political leaders, including PMK leader Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss and AMMK chief T.T.V. Dhinakaran, have criticised the state government's move.
Meanwhile, the Tamil Nadu Housing Board (TNHB) has invited tenders to demolish 96 houses in the Foreshore Estate Scheme, which officials said are dilapidated structures.