- Union Environment Ministry granted Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) approval to the Tamil Nadu government’s proposal to build the Muthmiz Arignar Dr Kalaignar Pen Monument in the Bay of Bengal, off Marina beach in Chennai, with 15 conditions.
- In its letter to the Public Works Department (PWD) dated 19 June 2023, the Union ministry said the approval was given based on the recommendations of the Expert Appraisal Committee (CRZ) and the Tamil Nadu Coastal Zone Management Authority.
Dr. Kalaignar Pain Monument
- The Dr. Kalaignar Pain Monument is a proposed offshore memorial and is dedicated to Late M. Karunanidhi, former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.
- Karunanidhi was a prolific writer, poet and orator, known as Kalaignar (artist).
- He wrote over 100 books including novels, short stories, biographies, essays and memoirs.
- The memorial will symbolize his contribution to Tamil literature, culture and his political legacy.
- The project was announced in 2022.