Will the blue flag shine on Marina beach or get washed away by waste?

Plastic garbage strewn on the sands of Marina Beach close to police barricades.
| Photo Credit: S. Harini

Vendors and visitors voice concerns over inconsistent clean up and enforcement of solid waste management norms, as the iconic Marina Beach is undergoing upgrade work for the Blue Flag certification project.

The project, soon expected to be inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, will have seating and shade umbrellas made of bamboo, watchtowers, signages, info boards and maps, according to GCC’s plan. A heritage walkway is also proposed by the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA).

The Blue Flag certification mandates clean beaches with no open dumping, sufficient waste bins that are regularly maintained, and proper segregation for recyclables. Unauthorised dumping, stray animals, and littering are strictly prohibited, as per standards.

For 25 years, Sasi’s bajji stall has operated near the shore, but now may face relocation as part of the project. “Officials plan to remove 140 shops lined up behind the Labour Statue to clear the stretch for Blue Flag certification. GCC said the shops obstruct the sea view. But for us, the shops are a matter of livelihood,” Mr. Sasi said, noting that while some vendors improperly dispose off waste, awareness — not elimination — is the solution.

Architect and regular Marina beachgoer Vamsi Krishna said open dumping is still rampant. “There are broken glass bottles in the sands near fishing areas. The beach cleaning machines are unable to clear those. The younger generation do prefer bringing their own food to the beach, and some try to discard waste responsibly. Yet, open dumping of plastic and food waste persists.

More than 75 tonnes of waste is collected from the beach in a day, more during weekends or holidays, according to Chennai Corporation officials.

Selvi, a palm reader, said stray animals are attracted to the open dumping spots and spread the waste, which is a menace.

Mr. Shankar said: Getting rid of stray dogs is not possible and inhumae as well. “A few years ago, an individual had collared the animals based on their nature – red for aggressive, orange for calm, green for friendly – and so on, at the Besant Nagar Beach. This can be done here as well,” he added.

Mr. Sasi refuted this saying there is lesser open dumping off late. “GCC provided bins in 2020, but they are broken now. We bought our own. If new bins are distributed, that would help in controlling open dumping,” he said.

Kumar, another food vendor on the beach for two decades, said enforcement is selective. “GCC officials do inspect regularly and fine vendors for using single-use plastic. But, many have political affiliations and just ask GCC officers to go easy on them. These vendors usually get away without paying.”

Retired professor T.A Munawardeen of Exnora International suggested, “Proper colour-coded waste bins and regulated vending zones are needed to curb waste dumping.”

Zone Ward Committee Chairman S. Madhan Mohan said the project is being taken up by Special Projects department of the GCC, who have assured to address the issues.