Chennai's Marina Beach Undergoes Major Transformation for Blue Flag Certification
The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has taken significant steps toward transforming Marina Beach into a world-class destination by clearing 120 shops from the seashore area within just one month. This ambitious initiative forms part of the comprehensive Blue Flag beach development programme, which aims to elevate Chennai's iconic coastline to international standards.
Phase III Evictions Begin with Boundary Marking
Authorities have now commenced the third phase of this extensive project by marking boundaries behind the Anna Memorial, signaling the beginning of another round of evictions along the beachfront. Civic officials have confirmed that additional shops encroaching upon the seashore will be systematically identified and dismantled in the coming days to ensure full compliance with the stringent Blue Flag norms.
"We are marking boundaries as per the Madras High Court's directions. The work is currently underway," stated GCC executive engineer Muthaiah. "In the past month alone, we have successfully relocated at least 120 shops from the seashore under Phases I and II of the Blue Flag project."
Court-Mandated Shop Regulations
The engineer emphasized that "as per the court order, these shops cannot be located within the Blue Flag beach area." The Madras High Court has permitted only 300 shops to operate within the designated Blue Flag zone, prompting the GCC's revenue department to compile detailed information about all 1,417 shops currently situated along Marina Beach.
Another GCC official explained: "The complete details will be submitted to the court, and based on this comprehensive data, shop allotments will be made for the Blue Flag area across four distinct phases." Following the boundary marking process, the civic body will specifically identify shops falling within the Phase III project area, with at least 50 more establishments expected to be removed in the immediate future.
Project Scope and Development Phases
The Phase III development is proposed to span approximately 23 acres, though the exact project cost remains to be estimated. Meanwhile, the second phase of redevelopment is actively progressing opposite Vivekananda House with an estimated budget of 6 crore rupees.
Previous phases have already introduced numerous amenities to enhance the beach experience:
- Phase I established several facilities including comfortable recliner chairs, dedicated play areas for children, and popular selfie points
- Phase II introduced additional amenities such as peaceful meditation rooms and quiet reading spaces
This systematic approach to beach development represents Chennai's commitment to creating a sustainable, clean, and accessible coastal environment that meets global Blue Flag certification standards while balancing commercial activities with environmental preservation.
