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Chennai's Marina Beach Blue Flag Project Nears Finish, Phase 2 Opens Soon

The second phase of the Blue Flag Beach development at Chennai's Marina Beach is nearly 90% complete and is scheduled to open to the public by the end of February. This phase, developed near Vivekananda House at a cost of Rs 7 crore, adds eco-friendly amenities like bamboo seating, observation towers, and inclusive toilet blocks. The project is part of a four-phase initiative by the Greater Chennai Corporation to meet international environmental and safety standards for the prestigious Blue Flag certification. Tamil Nadu currently has only one Blue Flag beach at Kovalam but is actively pursuing certification for Marina and several other coastal sites.

Key Points: Marina Beach Blue Flag Phase 2 Nears Completion in Chennai

  • Phase 2 to open by month-end
  • Includes bamboo seating & safety towers
  • Focus on inclusivity and sanitation
  • Aims for global Blue Flag certification
2 min read

Chennai's Marina beach blue flag project nears finish, 2nd phase set to open to public

Chennai's Marina Beach Blue Flag project is 90% complete. Phase 2, featuring eco-friendly amenities, is set to open to the public this month.

"nearly 90 per cent of the project has been finished - Civic Authorities"

Chennai, Feb 10

Work on the second phase of the prestigious Blue Flag Beach development at Chennai's iconic Marina Beach is nearing completion, with civic authorities confirming that nearly 90 per cent of the project has been finished.

The upgraded stretch is expected to be opened to the public by the end of this month, marking another step in Tamil Nadu's efforts to secure international recognition for its coastline.

The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC), which is spearheading the initiative, is implementing the Marina Blue Flag project in four phases to meet the stringent environmental, safety, and cleanliness standards required for Blue Flag certification -- a globally recognised eco-label awarded to sustainable and well-managed beaches.

The first phase, developed near the Marina swimming pool for Rs 7.31 crore, has already been completed and thrown open to visitors. Officials report that the stretch has become a major attraction, drawing more than 60,000 people daily since its inauguration.

Encouraged by the response, the GCC launched the second phase last month opposite the historic Vivekananda House. Executed at an estimated cost of Rs 7 crore, this phase focuses on enhancing both aesthetics and public amenities while maintaining environmental sustainability.

Several eco-friendly facilities have been added, including 60 bamboo seating units and 30 bamboo umbrellas to provide shaded resting spaces. Four observation towers have been erected for safety and surveillance. Children's play areas have been set up at four locations, along with two quiet study zones and designated selfie points to improve the overall visitor experience.

Civic officials said special attention has been given to inclusivity and sanitation. Separate toilet blocks have been constructed for men, women, transgender persons, and persons with disabilities. Bamboo garbage bins have been placed across the stretch to curb littering, and machines discouraging the use of plastic bags will soon be installed to promote sustainable practices.

Authorities expect all remaining works to be completed by February 17, after which the revamped beachfront will be opened to the public.

Currently, Kovalam Beach remains the only Blue Flag-certified beach in Tamil Nadu.

However, the state government is actively pursuing certification for Marina, as well as beaches in Cuddalore, Ramanathapuram, and Thoothukudi, aiming to elevate Tamil Nadu's coastline to global standards.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh Q
Good initiative, but I hope the maintenance matches the investment. We've seen many projects start well and then fall into disrepair. The bamboo furniture is a nice eco-touch, but will it last our monsoon season? The authorities need a solid upkeep plan.
A
Aditya G
As a regular evening walker at Marina, the first phase near the swimming pool is already a huge upgrade. Cleaner, more organized. If the second phase is similar, it will be a great boon for Chennai families. The study zones are a thoughtful addition for students.
S
Sarah B
Visiting from the US, I'm impressed! This is exactly the kind of sustainable tourism development India needs. The Blue Flag certification is a globally respected benchmark. Kudos to Tamil Nadu for aiming high. The focus on reducing plastic is crucial.
K
Karthik V
60,000 people daily is a massive number! While the amenities are great, I hope crowd management and safety are top priorities, especially with so many children's play areas. The observation towers are a good step. Overall, a positive move for the city's image.
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Nisha Z
Finally, some good news for Chennai's coastline. The beach is a free space for everyone, and these upgrades will make it more enjoyable and hygienic. Hope the 'quiet study zones' actually remain quiet! 😅 Well done GCC. Waiting for the grand opening.

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