A legal challenge has been initiated by former Mylapore MLA and DMK member Dha Velu against the Tamil Nadu government’s proposal to construct a new Legislative Assembly and Secretariat complex at Foreshore Estate in Pattinapakkam, Chennai. The case was brought before the Madras High Court, with Velu seeking to nullify a Government Order dated September 8, which provisionally approved the establishment of the new complex.
Velu’s petition also requests an interim suspension of any further actions related to the September 8 order until the High Court delivers a verdict. The planned complex is envisaged to occupy approximately 25.55 acres with a built-up space nearing 20 lakh square feet. Announced by Chief Minister Vijay on September 3, the project comes with an estimated budget of ₹1,200 crore, as cited in the legal documents.
However, the state government has clarified that the Pattinapakkam site is yet to receive final approval. According to Minister Aadhav Arjuna, only a preliminary Government Order has been issued, with the Chief Minister set to make a final decision after reviewing a Detailed Project Report (DPR) assessing the proposal’s viability.
The petition argues that the decision to select the site and announce the project cost was made prior to the preparation of a DPR, cost estimates, or architectural designs. Velu asserts that the September 8 Government Order lacks any mention of essential assessments such as traffic impact studies, environmental assessments, or social impact analyses. It also omits consultation or clearances from pivotal authorities including the Environment Department, Tamil Nadu State Coastal Zone Management Authority, Fisheries Department, Chennai Traffic Police, or Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority.
A significant portion of the challenge addresses the potential traffic issues the new Secretariat might create along Marina Loop Road. This road, linking the Lighthouse area with Foreshore Estate, passes through numerous fishing hamlets. The petition notes that, in 2023, the High Court intervened regarding congestion along this road and mandated the regulation of fish stalls and parked vehicles. Following this, the Greater Chennai Corporation developed a ₹14.93 crore fish market with 360 stalls to alleviate the congestion.
Velu’s plea further highlights the potential impact on approximately 20,000 students attending nearby schools, who could be affected by increased traffic, official convoys, and security restrictions. Concerns are also raised about ambulance accessibility to local hospitals and health centers.
Moreover, the livelihood of local fishing communities is a major concern. The petition emphasizes that nine fishing villages are situated along the Loop Road, with over 1,500 families reliant on uninterrupted beach access for their daily activities, including boat launching, net repairs, and fish sales. Velu alleges that neither the fishing community nor local residents were consulted before selecting the project site.
Environmental objections are also raised, noting that the site is within 500 meters of the High Tide Line and that nearby beaches at Nochikuppam, Pattinapakkam, and Srinivasapuram serve as nesting grounds for Olive Ridley turtles.
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The legal action has been filed with representation from advocates M Sneha, MA Vimal Mohan, V Dinesh Raja, and NS Sri Hari.
