Chennai’s Marina Beach Set to Achieve Blue Flag Status with New Upgrades

Families relaxed on shell-shaped chairs, children played under bamboo umbrellas, and couples posed at heart-shaped selfie spots as the sea breeze swept through, enjoying the refreshed appearance of Chennai’s iconic Marina Beach on Sunday evening. This follows the inauguration of upgraded facilities by Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, aimed at achieving Blue Flag certification for the beach.

The project spans 20 acres along the Marina stretch in the Teynampet zone and was completed at a cost of Rs 7.31 crore. The revamped infrastructure features 20 bamboo shade umbrellas, 40 reclining chairs, 12 benches, four watchtowers, 24 dustbins, a main archway, a meditation centre, a reading room, and two selfie points. Additional amenities include 12 wheelchairs for persons with disabilities, children’s play equipment at four locations, outdoor gym gear, and disability-friendly sports facilities.

Facilities for mothers include a dedicated breastfeeding room, CCTV surveillance, a first aid centre, restrooms, and separate toilets and showers for men, women, and people with disabilities. A water vending machine supplies clean drinking water, managed by the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board.

To ensure cleanliness, 82 sanitation workers operate in shifts from 6 am to 10 pm, supported by nine cleaning machines. Ongoing upkeep will be managed by a private contractor. “The Blue Flag certification must be approved by a jury under the Ministry of Environment as part of the BEAMS programme,” explained GCC Commissioner J Kumaragurubaran. “It could take up to three months for GCC to receive the certification, but we have met all the necessary requirements,” he added.

The wooden planks used for pathways have been replaced with porta mats, a more sustainable alternative, he noted. Once certified, Marina will serve as a model for sustainable beach tourism across India, aligning with GCC’s broader vision to develop similar Blue Flag beaches in Thiruvanmiyur, Palavakkam, and Uthandi.