CHENNAI: The Madras High Court has directed the Greater Chennai Corporation to permit not more than 300 shops on Marina Beach.

During Thursday’s hearing, the Chennai Corporation submitted redrafted maps and other details relating to the allotment of shops at Marina. The advocate general, PS Raman, appearing on behalf of the GCC, said there were originally 1,417 shops at Marina, but in the re-drafted plan, the count has been brought down to 1,006 shops in perpendicular rows on the entire stretch of Marina.

The judges then ordered that, as per the earlier directions issued, permission should be granted for only 300 shops, selling food, fancy items, and toys. Of these, the corporation may earmark 120 shops for eatables and 60 to 70 shops for fancy goods. The total number of shops must not exceed 300.

The court had directed a re-examination of the plan to set up 1,417 shops at the beach during the hearing of a petition filed by S Devi, a resident of Triplicane, seeking allotment of a shop at Marina Beach. The bench of Justices R Suresh Kumar and AD Jagadish Chandira had then conducted a spot inspection at Marina, and subsequently, directed a re-examination of the plan.

On Thursday, the court also suggested that the 100 acres near the arch of the Parthasarathi temple could be included in the Blue Flag area, making it a bigger Blue Flag area.

The court said that if the area is made into a larger Blue Flag area, it would be more helpful to beautify the beach and thousands of people can freely move around and enjoy the beach atmosphere.

They further directed that the re-drafted plan, reflecting the reduced number of shops and the three Blue Flag areas, shall be filed before the court on the next hearing date for verification and approval.

The Corporation must also submit a report including the revised maps and allotment details. The matter has been posted to January 20 for filing the revised plan.