Tamil Nadu fisherfolk demand clarity on Secretariat complex plan

The Mylai Area All Fishing Village Panchayat Sabha has formally approached Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay with a petition challenging plans for a proposed Secretariat complex at Pattinapakkam. The fishing community groups have called for withdrawal of the Government Order authorizing the project, citing concerns over land use and livelihood impacts.

In place of the administrative facility, the petitioners have sought allocation of the land for long-term fisher housing. The request reflects growing pressure from coastal communities in Chennai to secure affordable residential accommodation for economically vulnerable populations dependent on marine resources.

The petition underscores tensions between infrastructure development priorities and the housing needs of traditional fishing settlements in the metropolitan region. Pattinapakkam, located in the Mylai area of Chennai, has historically been home to fishing communities whose livelihoods depend on proximity to coastal resources.

The state government has not yet publicly responded to the petition. The proposal comes as Tamil Nadu continues to grapple with balancing urban development projects with the welfare of marginalized communities in expanding city boundaries.