Deccan Chronicle 21.12.2009

Marina ups beauty quotient

Dec. 20: If you love visiting the Marina beach for a morning walk or a late evening picnic just to enjoy the pleasant sea breeze, you can expect more hereafter. Chennai’s pride and the second longest beach in the world now boasts of picturesque viewing galleries, lawns, fountains and colourful lighting, with the city corporation unveiling its latest effort towards creating Singara Chennai on Sunday.

The civic body spent nearly Rs 26 crore to beautify the 3.10 km stretch of the beach between Napier Bridge and the Light House. On Sunday, chief minister M Karunanidhi officially invited the public to admire the Marina’s new look.

Among the various attractions of the face-lift are 14 viewing galleries, fountains, granite steps and a four-metre wide internal walkway lined with lush lawns and fancy fountains on either side.

The leaders’ statues have been fixed up with a high tech lighting system, making it a jazzy delight for families who lounge around there after dark. Apart from the frills, amenities like parking space, children’s play area and facilities for the physically challenged have also been taken care of. Apart from its trademark bajjis and sundal, the beach will offer the luxury of a food court.

The authorities have also banned cricket on the beach to avoid inconvenience to walkers and visitors. A blanket ban on the use of plastics has been levied, and the civic body has promised regular garbage clearance. With Chennaiites being a litter happy sort, it remains to be seen if the Marina manages to retain for long its newfound sheen.