Marina Blue Flag Beach spruced up ahead of launch
Chennai: Recliners, shaded seating, walking paths, and eco-friendly bathing and toilet facilities are among the new features being readied along a 50-acre stretch of Marina Beach under the Blue Flag initiative.
The revamped zone, expected to be launched next week, includes bamboo-and-thatch entry arches, cement pathways, wooden benches, and watchtowers aimed at enhancing the visitor experience. An open gym, children's play area, and bathing zone are being set up near the revamped swimming pool, while bamboo recliners and benches made from natural wood are being installed at intervals along the walking paths. Trials are also under way for high density polyurethane (HDP) platforms to improve accessibility for wheelchair users across the sandy terrain.
Environment secretary Supriya Sahu inspected the ongoing works earlier this week, while Deputy chief minister Udhayanidhi Stalin is likely to formally inaugurate the beach zone soon.
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Though the upgrades are being welcomed by tourists, some vendors working along the beach have raised concerns about the durability of the newly installed structures.
"These designs may work in Goa, but Marina faces stronger winds and higher tides.
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The materials used don't look like they'll hold up long," said a vendor.
While the zone is under CCTV surveillance and is being fast-tracked to meet the 33-point criteria for Blue Flag certification by the Foundation for Environmental Education, Denmark, concerns about long-term maintenance and security remain.
Kovalam, near Chennai, is currently the only beach in Tamil Nadu with a Blue Flag certification.
It received the tag in 2020 for meeting international standards. Despite its Blue Flag status, Kovalam Beach's certification covers just a 400-metre stretch, while the remaining 3km of shoreline has plastic pollution, sewage, dead turtles, and stray dogs.
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