The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has now initiated measures to upgrade Thiruvanmiyur, Palavakkam, Uthandi, and Marina Beach into Blue Flag Beaches. ‘Blue Flag certification’ is an international tag given to clean, safe, and eco-friendly beaches. The city currently has one official Blue Flag Beach, Kovalam Beach, which is known for its clean and well-maintained surroundings.
Chennai To Get 4 New Blue Flag Beaches
Tamil Nadu is known for Kovalam Beach, that has been recognised as Blue Flag Beach, a certification for upholding strict environmental, safety, and access-related criteria. The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has now initiated measures to upgrade Thiruvanmiyur, Palavakkam, Uthandi, and Marina Beach and add them to its list of Blue Flag-certified beaches.
A civic official shared with DT Next that the work to upgrade Marina Beach near the swimming pool into a Blue Flag Beach is nearing completion. New facilities at the beach will be inaugurated before the end of this month. The initiative has also received a positive response from the public. It has encouraged the authorities to implement the project at other beaches as well. The progress on the ongoing work at Marina Beach was also shared by IAS officer, Supriya Sahu, on her official X account.
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New Facilities To Follow CRZ Norms
As per a report by DT Next, the project will cover an extent of 10 to 20 acres on each of the beaches. Moreover, the area for development will be selected jointly by Tamil Nadu’s Sustainably Harnessing Ocean Resources, Blue Economy (TN-SHORE) and the Department of Environment and Climate Change. In addition, the entire project will follow the standards and norms of the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ).
Reportedly, the civic body has already developed eco-friendly infrastructure on a 30-acre space around the Marina Beach swimming pool. This includes 40 bamboo recliners with 20 umbrellas, 4 watchtowers, and 4 play areas for children. It also has 24 pairs of eco-friendly bamboo dustbins. The area also features 20 surveillance cameras, open gym equipment, a meditation space (30ft x 30ft), and a reading space (16ft x 16ft). The authorities have also equipped the area with 30 beach wheelchairs and toilets.
Though the upgraded beaches may serve as great public spaces, K. Bharathi, President of the South Indian Fishermen Welfare Association, expressed discontent over the Blue Flag Beach projects. He shared with DT Next that for more than three decades, they have opposed projects like these. According to him, these projects pose a threat to their livelihood. He added that rainwater stagnates behind the Marina swimming pool every year, which continues to be a problem for many.
Also Read: NCCR Rates These 3 Chennai Beaches Out Of 75 As Clean And Comparatively Plastic And Pollution Free!
The civic body, Greater Chennai Corporation, has floated a bid to carry out the development work at these 4 beaches. The total estimated cost for the project is ₹24.80 crore.
Cover Image Courtesy: Marina Beach, Wikipedia/SlowPhoton
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