Marina, Elliot’s beaches to become permanently accessible for diff-abled

“The path will be hard surface using a material like wood, which will not violate the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification 2011. Crack-resistant sports mat will be stuck on the surface and a cushioning mat with lining will be provided. Four mechanised wheelchairs with balloon tyres will be provided in each of the two beaches, which can be accessed through an approach ramp, connecting the service road to the pathway. In Marina beach, the pathways will be behind Kannagi Statue and Gandhi Statue, while work is going on to ascertain the suitable locations at Elliot’s beach,” a senior Corporation official said. 

As a part of this project, facilities such as drinking water kiosks, waste bins, toilet facilities, solar LED lamps, digital scroll systems, information signage, sea view seating, first-aid kiosks, outdoor fitness parks, children’s play area, and auto boom barrier to regulate traffic. The Schmidt Memorial on Elliot’s Beach will also be illuminated. 

This infrastructure will be set up at an approximate budget of Rs 8.81 crores for Marina Beach and Rs. 6.12 crores at Elliot’s Beach. 

For the development of the ‘coastal circuit’ in Tamil Nadu under Swadesh Darshan scheme, Rs 99.92 crores has been sanctioned to spruce up facilities at Mamallapuram, Rameswaram, Manapadu, Kanyakumari, Therkuruchi and Manakudy. The differently-abled community in the city has been demanding to make the beaches accessible to all. While ramps provided access to the promenade, the dream of dipping their feet into the waters of the Bay of Bengal remained a dream for most wheel-chair users. Once a year, to commemorate the World Disability Day on December 3, a temporary pathway to the waterfront is set up. 

Smitha Sadasivan, a member of the Disability Legislation Unit of Vidya Sagar, an organisation working with persons with disability, said there was great excitement about this upcoming project. “The students of Vidya Sagar are thrilled and are eagerly waiting to use the pathway. Our only concern is that this pathway should be accessible for all persons with disability. For example, the pathway should have a colour contrast for persons with low vision. The project should include our representation, as we have researched and created designs that are compliant and can be used by all and be truly inclusive,” concluded the disability rights activist.