Marina Beach Transformed with Stunning Blue Flag Upgrade

Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin inaugurated the revamped Marina Beach behind the Marina swimming pool on Sunday, a Rs 7.31 crore project under the Blue Flag beach certificate programme. Spanning 20 acres, the upgraded beach, developed through the Tamil Nadu Sustainably Harnessing Ocean Resources and Blue Economy (TN-SHORE) initiative, features 20 bamboo shade huts, 40 recliner chairs, 12 wheelchairs for the disabled, four children’s play areas, and specialized equipment for differently-abled children.

Additional amenities include a meditation centre, reading space, two selfie spots, five pear-shaped chairs, 24 dustbins, four watchtowers, nursing rooms, CCTV, a first aid room, and accessible toilets, including one for the differently-abled. Clean drinking water is available via a water ATM.

Stalin visited the play area for special children, interacting with them during the launch. The project, completed in seven months with a 12-month maintenance contract, aims to make Marina a global model for coastal resilience and sustainable tourism. GCC Commissioner J Kumara Gurubaran announced plans for a similar 25-acre Blue Flag setup opposite Vivekananda House, with maintenance transitioning to the Greater Chennai Corporation after the initial year.

Inspired by Kovalam’s Blue Flag success, Tamil Nadu is upgrading beaches in Cuddalore, Ramanathapuram, and Thoothukudi, with Thiruvanmiyur, Palavakkam, and Uthandi beaches next in Chennai. The Blue Flag programme, initiated by the Foundation for Environmental Education in 1985, promotes environmental quality and sustainability, managed in India under the Ministry of Climate Change’s Coastal Environment and Aesthetic Management Services. Ministers KN Nehru, Ma Subramanian, PK Sekarbabu, MP Dayanidhi Maran, Mayor R Priya, and senior officials attended the event.

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