Stories
Chennai Fishermen Protest ₹1,200-Crore Secretariat Project, Fearing Displacement
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CNBC TV18•29-09-2026, 14:05
Chennai Fishermen Protest ₹1,200-Crore Secretariat Project, Fearing Displacement
- •Fishermen from Ennore to Kovalam protested the proposed ₹1,200-crore Secretariat-Assembly complex at Pattinapakkam.
- •The community fears widespread displacement and destruction of traditional fishing grounds due to the 24-acre project.
- •Hundreds of fishermen, including women, protested at Srinivasapuram Beach, while others held a black flag procession.
- •Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay's government announced the plan to shift the power center from Fort St George to Pattinapakkam, issuing a GO on September 8, 2026.
- •Protesters demand the government formally rescind the GO, warning of indefinite protests if their demands for livelihood protection and land titles are not met.
Key Questions Answered
Fishermen across Chennai are protesting because they fear the ₹1,200-crore Secretariat-Assembly complex will cause widespread displacement, destroy traditional fishing grounds, and cut off public access to the sea, threatening their traditional livelihoods.
The Tamil Nadu government issued the government order granting in-principle approval for the new Secretariat-Assembly complex at Foreshore Estate on September 8, 2026.
In addition to demanding the withdrawal of the project order, the villagers want their coastal stretch declared as a traditional residential area for fishermen, alongside receiving promised housing and land titles (pattas).
