Chennai: The Union Minister of Environment, Forest and climate change (MoDFCC) has approved the Tamil Nadu state government’s proposal to build the Kalaignar Pen Monument in Chennai’s Marina Beach under the coastal regulation zone (CRZ) regulation. For the maritime ecosystem and wildlife to be protected, certain conditions are attached to the clearance.

The DMK Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam government had planned to build the Pen Monument to tribute to the late chief minister and politician and Indian writer Muthuvel Karunanidhi for his legacy. The pen represents his talent and skills, which allowed him to achieve over Tamil heart and develop into a mass leader.

Also Read:Virgin Galactic Successfully Launches First Commercial Spaceflight, Paving the Way for Space Tourism

The monument would be placed 360 meters in the Marina and the state has asked the center for permission to build it. The design of the monument draws on the shape of the Veena( the traditional Carnatic musical instrument) as the inspiration. The height of the monument will be 30 meters and cover an area of about 8,551 sq.m.It will include a pen pedestal, a lattice bridge above the beach, and a land pedestrian pathway extending over the sea.

Chennai-based Hubert Enviro Care System has been appointed as the infrastructure and environmental consultant for the project. The Public Work Department will prepare detailed project reports based on the Minister’s approval.  

The Environment Ministry has highlighted 15 conditions that must be adhered to during the construction and maintenance of the Kalaignar Pen Monument. These conditions include obtaining No Objection Certification from the Naval office in Adyar, conducting erosion and accretion studies, and preventing the dumping of construction debris in water bodies or adjacent areas.

Also Read:Insta360 Go 3: The World's Smallest Action Camera Takes Filmmaking to New Heights

To ensure the TNSCZMA’s requirements are met the state government has been urged to form an expert committee. According to the letter, the clearance is also contingent upon cases and the National Green Tribunal’s (south zone).

The clearance assumes significance as the state government is holding year-long celebrations to mark the 100th birth anniversary of M Karunanidhi born on June 3, 1924.

Also Read:Pope acknowledges pain of family as parliamentary inquiry into 'Vatican Girl' mystery moves forward