CHENNAI: The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has launched Phase 2 of the Marina Blue Flag project opposite Vivekananda House near the dedicated ramp facility for persons with disabilities (PwD), at a cost of Rs 6 crore. Corporation officials said similar initiatives would be taken up at Tiruvanmiyur, Uthandi and Palavakkam beaches.

“Due to the monsoon, Phase 2 of the project was delayed but the stone-laying ceremony took place a few weeks ago. We’ve begun installing roofs, recliners and other facilities near the swimming pool. We plan to complete the project at 3 other beaches within the next few months,” a Corporation official told DT Next.

A supervisor at the Marina Blue Flag beach said that the project, spanning over 25 acres, includes 48 dustbins, 40 recliners, 20 umbrellas, four watchtowers, three play areas, separate toilets for men, women and third genders, a reading zone, a selfie point and 350 metres of fencing on either side to demarcate the boundaries. Similar facilities will be created under Phase 2.

“The project will cover between 10 and 20 acres on each of the beaches. The selection of the project area will be done by TN Sustainably Harnessing Ocean Resources and Blue Economy (TN-SHORE) and the Department of Environment and Climate Change, in adherence to Coastal Regulation Zone norms,” the official added.

However, the initiative has drawn opposition from fishermen’s groups. K Bharathi, president of Neithal Makkal Katchi, said, “The Corporation project will affect the densely populated fishermen settlements and their livelihoods. We strongly oppose the project. If the court’s judgment on January 12 favours the Blue Flag beach development, fishermen will protest in strength.”