CMDA green light for Jayalalithaa memorial plan

CMDA sources said the officials had on March 20 issued planning permission for constructing the memorial after approving the file. 

The officials had faced land acquisition issue, as it falls under the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ). Earlier, the CRZ officials had denied permission for land, over failure to adhere to norms. “One of the main regulations is that any construction work should not be undertaken along the beaches and we communicated to the Public Works Department (Construction and Building Maintenance) for preparing the blueprint carefully,” said a CMDA official of CMDA, preferring anonymity. Later, the CRZ approved the location, added the official. 

According to PWD officials, the government had sanctioned funds of Rs 50.08 crore for the memorial behind former CM MGR’s memorial. “We recently floated tender in this respect and handed over the work to construction firm Krishnamurthy and Co for Rs 43.63 crore. Construction will soon begin once the agreement is finalised,” said a PWD official. 

“Though 13 bidders were in the fray, the bidding price of Krishnamurthy and Co was lower than others. The company had sought the tender worth Rs 43.63 crore for constructing only the memorial,” added the official. Remaining works such as lighting and others will be undertaken by the PWD at a cost of Rs 6.45 crore. 

The official said it will take a year to complete the construction.