Chennai, Jan 24 (NationPress) The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has successfully cleared about 120 shops from Marina Beach in the past month as part of its extensive Blue Flag beach development program, as reported by officials.

With the completion of Phases I and II on the horizon, municipal authorities have commenced preparatory actions for Phase III, which includes marking boundaries behind the Anna Memorial—a clear sign that the next phase of evictions is on the way.

Civic officials have indicated that this ongoing initiative is designed to align Marina Beach with Blue Flag standards, which prioritize environmental preservation, safety, and controlled commercial activities along the coast. Shops encroaching upon the designated Blue Flag area will be identified for removal in the near future.

GCC Executive Engineer Muthaiah stated that the boundary-marking efforts are being executed meticulously in accordance with directives from the Madras High Court. “We are defining the boundaries as per the court’s directives. In the last month, at least 120 shops were relocated from the beachfront as part of Phases I and II of the Blue Flag initiative,” he explained.

He further mentioned that the court has explicitly mandated that commercial establishments are prohibited from operating within the Blue Flag beach zone, allowing only 300 shops in the designated area.

Simultaneously, the GCC’s revenue department has launched a thorough survey to gather information on all 1,417 shops presently situated along Marina Beach. This information will be presented to the High Court, after which shop allocations within the Blue Flag zone will be determined.

Officials have indicated that the allocation process will be conducted in four phases, ensuring compliance with court orders while accommodating eligible vendors. Once the boundary marking is finalized, officials will identify shops located within the Phase III project area. An additional 50 shops are expected to be removed shortly.

Phase III of the redevelopment is projected to encompass approximately 23 acres, although the overall project cost has yet to be determined.

In the meantime, redevelopment efforts for Phase II are advancing opposite Vivekananda House, estimated to cost Rs 6 crore. Phase I introduced various public-friendly amenities, such as recliner chairs, children’s play areas, and designated selfie points.

Phase II further expanded these offerings with the addition of meditation halls and reading rooms, aimed at enhancing the beach’s recreational and cultural allure.

Civic officials assert that this phased redevelopment approach will achieve a balance between environmental stewardship and public access, ultimately transforming Marina Beach into a globally recognized Blue Flag beach.