Chennai: In a blatant disregard for a series of Madras High Court orders and years of beach restoration work, a large number of street vendors have returned to occupy a 3km-long stretch of Loop Road along Marina Beach on Friday. The weekend ahead is expected to see more shops returning, while the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) and city police have shown no interest in stopping the takeover.
Background of the Issue
Since 2024, GCC has been partially enforcing court orders to remove stalls from the beaches and accommodate over 300 vendors in the newly built multi-crore fish market at Nochikuppam. However, over the past week, more than 100 vendors have returned, occupying the sands with stalls, ice boxes, and boards. The barricades and booths erected to keep encroachers off were deserted on Friday.
Official Statements
Deputy Mayor Mahesh Kumar stated that they had stringently enforced the orders and moved the stalls. “We had plans to keep the beaches suited for public use and promote tourism. Now, it has all been reversed. GCC officials must retain the original plans and abide by orders,” he said.
While about 1km of the 3km stretch was encroached only recently, the remaining 2km already had stalls. These vendors were to be shifted to a fish market built at Srinivasapuram. However, the fate of the project hangs in the balance after the change of government.
Activist Concerns
R Ramesh, a civic activist from Mylapore, expressed concern: “The Loop Road is completely encroached. The situation is no better inside the market. Chaos prevails there as vendors have encroached the parking area inside the premises. GCC and police have turned a blind eye to the menace. Only courts can pull up these authorities.”
GCC Response
GCC officials said they are reviewing ongoing projects one by one and will enforce the existing system. “We are getting to the projects. This too will be reviewed and action will be taken,” an official said.
The return of vendors highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing commercial activities with public space preservation along Chennai's iconic Marina Beach.
