HYDERABAD: The interim secretariat complex at Velagapudi in Amaravati has run into Vaastu roadblock with experts suggesting changes to the design to ensure a 'higher pedestal' for the chief minister's office.According to the Vaastu Sastra, the structure in which the `ruler' sits should be taller than the other buildings in the vicinity . Based on the advice, officials have drawn up a blueprint keeping the building housing the chief minister's office (CMO) taller than the other structures in the secretariat complex.But the problem cropped up after the government proposed to increase the number of floors to accommodate more number of employees, who will be shifted to the new capital region from Hyderabad by June-end. As per the original plan, each of the six blocks, including the CMO, in the interim secretariat complex will have two floors to accommodate about 6,500 employees.There are about 20,000 employees working in various government offices, including commissionerates in Hyderabad. If they too shift to Amaravati, the government will have to create more office space.This can be achieved only by adding more floors to the six blocks. However, due to the `Vaastu constraints', officials cannot increase the height of other buildings as they will become taller than the structure that will house the CMO.According to sources, AP Capital Region Development Authority officials are virtually caught between Vaastu and space constraint. They are now waiting for the final nod from the government to clear the uncertainty . Sources said, in fact, officials were advised to ensure that the CMO building should be on an `elevated level' right from the basement. A senior official admitted that strict instructions were issued to maintain the height of the CMO building even in case of any change in the plan.Vaastu expert Danturi Pandarinath said the head of a family or the ruler of a state should occupy the elevated place in the southwest corner.“The elevated position will accord authority to the ruler and ensure peaceful governance,“ he added.Apart from the Vaastu considerations, officials are also worried about the cost escalation if additional floors are to be added. The total cost will go up to Rs 500 crore as against the present Rs 200 crore. The CRDA is said to have written to the state government seeking clarification. “We are still awaiting response. Funds could be a problem,“ said a top official.However, with chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu keen on shifting employees to Amaravati, the CRDA instructed the contractors, L &T and Shapoorji and Pallonji, to complete at least two buildings by June-end.When contacted, CRDA commissioner N Srikanth told STOI that the state government has to take the final call on additional floors.