Chennai: Former AIADMK minister D Jayakumar on Tuesday criticised the state govt’s plan to construct a new secretariat complex at Foreshore Estate at Rs 1,200 crore, warning that the facility could eventually be converted into a super specialty hospital.Jayakumar drew a parallel with the secretariat complex built at Omandurar Govt Estate by the DMK govt led by M Karunanidhi. After the AIADMK, under J Jayalalithaa, returned to power in 2011, the complex was converted into a super specialty hospital. He said the proposed project at Foreshore Estate would adversely affect the livelihood of fishermen and urged the govt to identify an alternative location, citing concerns over traffic congestion.“Chief minister C Joseph Vijay should have considered the fishermen, the floating population, students, school zones, beachgoers and judges who use the stretch,” Jayakumar said. He warned that the proposal would face strong opposition from various sections.Jayakumar also criticised the govt over frequent power outages across the state, accusing it of failing to ensure uninterrupted supply and address consumers’ concerns.EOM//
