Latest news with #UdhayanidhiStalin
Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
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. You Can Also Check: Chennai AQI | Weather in Chennai | Bank Holidays in Chennai | Public Holidays in Chennai 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. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Don't Pay Full Price for 2025's Top Games! Shop Now Undo 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.
New Indian Express
5 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin unveils completed works in Chepauk constituency
CHENNAI: Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin on Monday inaugurated works completed at a total cost of Rs 8.13 crore and laid the foundation for new works to be carried out at an estimated cost of Rs 9.68 crore in his Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni constituency. The completed works include a roadside sewage pumping station with an H2S gas control system of 6.25 MLD capacity (Rs 3.01 crore) on First Street, CIT Colony, which will benefit 50,000 residents living across 113 streets. At Dr Besant Road in Ward 116 of the Thenampet Zone, he laid the foundation stone for a 50-bed Urban Community Health Centre building to be constructed at Rs 9.68 crore. Minister KN Nehru, Chennai Mayor R Priya, and senior officials were present. ens
New Indian Express
5 days ago
- Automotive
- New Indian Express
Civic body floats tenders for already-built parking shed in Chennai?
CHENNAI: The city corporation has floated tenders allegedly for an already-constructed parking shed for battery-operated shuttle service vehicles at the Marina beach. The service was recently inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin. As per the tender notice accessed by TNIE, tenders have been floated for the construction of a parking shed for two 11-seater battery-operated vehicles (BOVs) deployed on the Marina service road, at a cost of Rs 8.3 lakh. The tenders were floated on June 20 with the last date for submissions of applications fixed on June 23. The bids were scheduled to be reviewed on June 24. However, a field visit by TNIE showed the parking shed has already been constructed. As per sources, they were constructed at least 10 days ago. The construction of the shed even before the completion of the tender process raises concerns of allowing a contractor of the officials' choosing for the work. TNIE's visit to the spot also confirmed that the shed, created as a parking zone for the BOVs at Marina service road near to Marina swimming pool, fitted with turbine vents to remove heat, smoke, and humidity. The tenders were floated by the zonal level authorities of the Teynampet zone (zone 9) of the city corporation, undersigned by the Teynampet zonal officer and the zone's executive engineer, dated June 16. Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, on June 11, flagged off the two BOVs from Ripon Building. These vehicles were intended to operate along the Marina stretch between Anna Square and the Lighthouse, offering better access for elderly and differently-abled visitors.
The Hindu
20-06-2025
- Sport
- The Hindu
50% of hockey ground construction completed in Coimbatore
Construction of an international-standard hockey ground in Coimbatore has reached the halfway mark, with several key facilities nearing completion. Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin laid the foundation for the facility on April 27, 2025. It is being developed on a 7.02-acre site at the Corporation Higher Secondary School ground in R.S. Puram at an estimated cost of ₹9.67 crore. International specifications According to the Coimbatore Corporation, the ground is designed to meet international specifications. It will feature International Hockey Federation (FIH)-certified synthetic turf laid over 6,500 square metres, a dressing room spanning 147 square metres, six stadium mast lights, and a six-unit pop-up sprinkler system. A project official said, 'The initial phase of work includes installation of the turf, lighting, fencing, sprinkler system, and supporting infrastructure. The six pop-up sprinkler units have been installed and tested. Milling of the turf area is complete, and bituminous (BT) surfacing is under way, over which the synthetic turf will be laid. Fencing is in progress around the turf area, covering a length of 350 metres.' Two dugouts are also being constructed as part of the initial phase. Each of the six stadium mast light poles will stand 17 metres tall and will be fitted with 20 LED lights of 500 watts each. Construction of the dressing room, toilets, and a water tank is ongoing and is expected to be completed within a month, the official added. Future proposals include a spectator gallery with a seating capacity of 1,700, a conference hall, dining facility for players, a gymnasium, rest rooms, office spaces, and parking facilities for 114 cars and 208 two-wheelers.
New Indian Express
19-06-2025
- Sport
- New Indian Express
HI & TN govt sign MoU for FIH Men's Jr WC, Pakistan also part of plans for marquee event
CHENNAI: Hockey fans in Tamil Nadu are in for a treat as Hockey India (HI) and the Tamil Nadu Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for hosting the FIH Hockey Men's Junior World Cup 2025 to be held in the state. The official logo for the said event was also unveiled during the event that was held on Thursday. Moreover, the HI officials also confirmed that Pakistan will be one of the participating nations. India and Pakistan's relationship has been at its lowest point ever since the Pahalgam terror attack earlier in April. That had also extended in the sporting arena with doubts regarding Pakistan's participation across various events. Pakistan had made the cut for the World Cup after finishing runners-up in the 2024 Junior Asia Cup. HI treasurer, Sekar J Manoharan, said that they have taken steps to ensure their participation. He confirmed that all the clearances have been sought from the central government to allow Pakistan to participate in the aforementioned event. The marquee event is scheduled to be held in Chennai and Madurai from November 28 to December 10. The number of participating teams has gone up from 16 to 24 teams. Each city will host 12 teams during the initial phase of the tournament before it shifts to the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium for the semifinal and the final. Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister, Udhayanidhi Stalin, announced that the state government has sanctioned Rs 65 crore for the conduct of the tournament. "Chennai and Madurai will be the proud hosts for this grand event, showcasing our hockey legacy and rich infrastructure. Tamil Nadu has a proven track record of hosting major hockey events, dating back to the first edition of the Men's Champions Trophy in 1996," said Udhayanidhi. "The sanctioned amount will be spent not only for the event but also for infrastructure development, including a new world-class synthetic turf in Madurai," he added. HI secretary general, Bhola Nath Singh, praised the TN government for the initiative. "Hosting the FIH Hockey Men's Junior World Cup for the fourth time is both a privilege and a testament to India's growing reputation as a dependable and passionate host of major sporting events. This tournament is a celebration of youth, talent, and the global hockey community. The inclusion of 24 teams in this edition speaks volumes about the sport's expanding reach, and we are excited to welcome the best junior talent from every continent. We sincerely thank the Government of Tamil Nadu for its proactive support. The MoU signed today is more than just a formality-it is a shared promise to deliver an unforgettable tournament that inspires generations to come," said Bhola Nath. Manoharan lauded the decision to host the event in Madurai, providing people from the southern parts of the state with an opportunity to witness top-class hockey in their backyard. "The southern zone in Tamil Nadu is a hockey hub. Building a stadium there and hosting an event will be a huge success. The decision to build a viewing gallery along with the new pitch in Madurai will allow many people to come and watch the games and get inspired," said Manoharan, who's also the president of the Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu. "Our junior team has been doing well, and we hope to see the side finish on the podium in front of the home crowd," he added.
