CHENNAI: On Sunday, at the fabled Marina Beach, nine-year-old Akash was glad to get a clean granite parapet to keep his book and do his homework. On past occasions, when he and his parents sat out on the sands everytime they came to the beach from their congested neighbourhood in Mandaiveli, he had to perch the book on his lap.
"We are glad that the government thought of providing granite-paved open spaces and lush meadows along the stretch. These are ideal for children to either run around or skate," said Akash's father K Ramanathan even as the lad strapped on his skates after finishing his homework.
Ramanathan and his wife are among the several thousands of families who flock to the Marina almost every weekend because the neighbourhoods they live in have become too congested and cramped for their children to play or for people to enjoy a peaceful stroll.
Regulars have been watching the beautification works progressing every day, but on Sunday, the
tourists and occasional visitors were wonderstruck on seeing the granite-paved promenade gleaming in the lights.
"I was surprised to see the paved walkway lined with granite parapets and also the granite and tiles-paved open spaces for people to sit," said Jyothish Kumar, a resident of Delhi.
"The artistic installations along the stretch are ideal spots to lounge and also to take photos. I am going to take some pictures to fool my
friends back home that I have been abroad. The whole place has been transformed in such a way that it will be difficult to for anybody to tell this is Marina by looking at photographs,"Jyothish Kumar adds.
Kuppusamy, a senior citizen and a regular for the last
couple of decades, says that the "Marina has improved over the years. There are a lot of place to sit and relax which is good for senior citizens."
Anandaraju and Kumuda, who come to the Marina once or twice a month, are happy that the beach has become a nice and beautiful place.
"We do not have to worry about sand getting sprinkled on us with every breeze," said Kumuda, who has come from Valasaravakkam.
"It is good that the government banned beach cricket. Now, they should crack down on the youth who race on motorcycles along the inner service lane parallel to the sands. There should be more police personnel to ensure security and waste bins to keep the place clean. Hope the government will maintain this very well," said Anandaraju.
"The government should lay a couple of cement pathways from the promenade to the sea. This will be helpful for the people to rush back to the road in case of a calamity like tsunami because it is difficult to walk or run in the deep sand," he said.
