Deccan Chronicle 25.08.2009
Marina beautification is nearing completion
Chennai, Aug. 24: “The second phase of the Marina beach beautification is nearing completion and 90 per cent of the civil work is over,” Chennai mayor M. Subramanian, who inspected the beach beautification work underway from Napier Bridge to Light House, said on Monday.
Speaking to reporters after hearing grievances and suggestions from the morning walkers and the public, the mayor said the footpath would have granite stones and pillars on the sideways to provide an aesthetic look. Steel hand-grabs would be installed at different points to help the senior citizens and 14 bench-like structures in colourful granite would be erected facing the beach. So far 12 such structures have been completed and the other two would be erected soon, he said.
A lush green area has been created along the footpath. About 50 toilet facilities are also coming up as part of the scheme, he said. The civic body would spend about Rs 20 crore on the second phase of the project and this includes Rs 3.50 crore for installing decorative lights and street lamps.
Earlier, Mr Subramanian who arrived at the beach by 6.15 am, was annoyed when he noticed broken slabs and tiles on the new footpaths constructed under the beautification project. He asked the engineers concerned to conduct regular inspections and replace the worn out slabs and tiles. Corporation commissioner Rajesh Lakhoni, chief engineer P. Murugesan and superintending engineer Chandrasekaran accompanied the mayor during the inspection.
Meanwhile, top brass of the city corporation conducted an all-party meeting to discuss the issue of surrendering several posts in the Chennai corporation as part of administrative reforms.
The mayor, who chaired the meeting held at the Ripon Buildings, announced that a committee comprising civic officials and union representatives would be formed to settle the issue amicably.
