The reported rethink followed a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay after his return to Chennai on Thursday, where the growing resistance to the Rs 1,200-crore project was discussed.
The proposed complex was to come up on 25.55 acres at Pattinapakkam, with a built-up area of around 20 lakh sq ft. The government had granted in-principle approval for the project earlier this month and constituted three committees to select an architectural consultant and finalise the preliminary and detailed designs.
However, the selection of the coastal site in the heart of the city triggered sustained opposition from fishing communities, residents and political parties. Fishermen from several coastal hamlets warned of intensified agitation if the government did not withdraw the proposal, citing concerns over their livelihood, access to the sea and the impact on fishing activities.
The opposition to the proposal cut across party lines. The DMK, AIADMK, BJP, PMK and allies of the ruling TVK, including Left parties and VCK, questioned the choice of Pattinapakkam. Their demands ranged from shifting the project to another location to reconsidering the need for a new complex.
The government had justified the proposal by citing space constraints at the existing Secretariat in Fort St George and the need for a modern integrated administrative complex.
While sources said the government has decided to move away from Pattinapakkam and examine alternative sites along the East Coast, no formal order withdrawing the existing site selection had been issued till Friday. Further consultations are expected before the government takes a final call.
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