Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin on Sunday unveiled a series of eco-friendly upgrades worth Rs 7.31 crore at Marina Beach, as part of the Blue Flag certification project aimed at promoting sustainable tourism and marine conservation. Spread across 20 acres, the revamped section now includes 20 bamboo sunshades, 40 bamboo recliner benches, 12 regular benches, four watchtowers, 24 garbage bins, an entry arch, a meditation centre, a reading room, and two selfie spots.
To ensure inclusivity and accessibility, Marina Beach is now equipped with 12 wheelchairs for persons with disabilities (PwDs), children’s play areas, adaptive play and exercise equipment, a breastfeeding room, a first aid room, CCTV cameras, and a waiting room. Separate restrooms for men and women, as well as drinking water through automated dispensers, have also been installed. A dedicated team supported by mechanical cleaning machines will maintain cleanliness along the stretch.
The Blue Flag certification is an international recognition granted to beaches that meet strict environmental, safety, and accessibility standards. Kovalam beach in Chengalpattu was the first in Tamil Nadu to earn this status. Following this, Chief Minister Stalin directed similar eco-friendly initiatives for beaches in Chennai, Cuddalore, Ramanathapuram, and Thoothukudi to enhance their appeal and attract foreign tourists.
Chennai’s Thiruvanmiyur, Palavakkam, and Uthandi beaches are next in line for eco-friendly development under the Blue Flag certification initiative. Meanwhile, the Greater Chennai Corporation is preparing to launch Phase II of the Marina Beach enhancement project, which will cover the stretch from the Mahatma Gandhi statue to Nochi Nagar, near Karaneeswarar Koil Street.
According to reports, following the launch of the Blue Flag project at Marina Beach on Sunday, Mayor R. Priya announced that 30 acres along Loop Road have been earmarked for the next phase. A Detailed Project Report is being prepared, and tenders are expected to be finalised soon. The proposed works will be funded under the Tamil Nadu: Strengthening Coastal Resilience and the Economy Project, supported by the World Bank.
The development plan includes the installation of new toilets, changing rooms, solar-powered lighting, waste bins, lifeguard stations, and grey water treatment systems. Wheelchair-accessible pathways and dedicated access points for persons with disabilities will be created to enhance inclusivity.
Seating areas and informational signboards meeting Blue Flag standards are also part of the upgrade, according to the Greater Chennai Corporation. As per officials, Rs 6.02 crore has been allocated for each beach. The construction is expected to take seven months, after which the same private contractor will handle maintenance for an additional year.
