The State Government of Tamil Nadu had earlier announced that a `PEN MEMORIAL` would be set up for the former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Karunanidhi.
Although objections were raised regarding this proposal, the Tamil Nadu state government proceeded to request permission for erecting this PEN MEMORIAL.
In this situation, the Central Government has permitted the setting up of the PEN MEMORIAL in the sea near Marina Beach.
The expert team from the central government has conducted a survey and study of this proposal. Based on the recommendations and reports submitted by this expert team on the environment, the central government has declared its decision that the PEN MEMORIAL may be set up in the sea.
The Tamil Nadu State Coastal Area Management Commission permitted the setting up of the memorial on the 5th of April.
Although it has been approved, it is mentioned that during the erection of the memorial, care must be taken to avoid setting up pillars, etc., that will hinder the movement of sea creatures. Furthermore, the commission insisted that the construction MUST NOT take place during the breeding season of the tortoises.
Amendments to the Acts
The location selected by the Tamil Nadu State Government for setting up this PEN MEMORIAL falls under the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification 2011, Section IV(A). According to this, no construction activity can be carried out within a 200-meter distance around this zone! However, an amendment to this regulation was made in 2015.
This amendment permitted the setting up of memorials in the IV(A) zones mentioned above. Following this amendment, the statue of Sivaji was set up in the Arabian Sea in Mumbai, Maharashtra.