Corporation citing turtle zone denies nod to hold frisbee tournament in Bessy

Sangeetha Manoharan, who is a part of the Chennai Ultimate Frisbee group and a psychologist, said this move will hamper the growth of this sport. “We wanted to host this tournament called Chennai Heat in our backyard, which is the Elliot’s beach, where we train and play every day. We have many youngsters from Urur-Olcott kuppam, who have represented the country on a global level. And the beach is an integral part of the sport. While we are trying to promote the sport among schools and colleges, denying permission to hold the event will hamper its progress,” rued this 24-year-old psychologist from the city. 

Sharadha Shankar, who runs the Save Chennai Beaches campaign, pointed out that the beach was a public space and should promote inclusive sports and activities. “Permission was denied because the tournament would interfere with the Olive Ridley sea turtle nesting season. However, the season only starts post November. The tournament was planned on the side of the beach closer to the road and not near the shoreline. We will take this up and approach the Commissioner, hoping that we will be granted permission, as it won’t violate any law. At the end of the day, city beaches are inclusive spaces,” she added. 

Mukesh Krishna, tournament director, revealed that the city has been hosting this tournament for eight years. “Last year too, we were denied permission and were asked to conduct it on a  hard ground. But to do so we need safety gear, which is expensive. We are still trying to get the permission and hope to host the tournament this year,” he said. 

A senior official from the south zone of city corporation said, “I am not aware of such a petition. When such application comes, we will forward it to the higher officials who will study the report and grant permission. This application may not have met the criteria.”