The Hindu 13.06.2013
Seven high-mast lamps to keep antisocials from Marina
Soon, night-time beachgoers at Marina can feel safer, as there will be fewer dim-lit spots.
This
week, the Chennai Corporation will commission additional lights on the
sands of the Marina, at a cost of Rs. 60 lakh. One high-mast lamp each
will be installed at Ayothikuppam, the Kannagi statue, Nadukuppam
service road, Nochikuppam and the Foreshore Estate area. Two high-mast
lamps will be installed on the sands near the swimming pool.
The
additional lighting is expected to prevent congregation of antisocial
elements. The 3.1-km stretch of the Marina from the Triumph of Labour
statue to the lighthouse has 24 high-mast lamps which were found to be
inadequate. A number of beachgoers, put to hardship due to the
inadequate illumination, had made representations, Corporation officials
said.
Following requests from councillors, work on installing additional high-mast lamps had commenced recently.
The
move to illuminate the sands is the latest in a series of initiatives
to significantly improve the condition of the beach sands.
A
writ petition pertaining to Marina beach a few months ago stated that
the beach was in a pathetic and shabby condition. Also, foreign tourists
were afraid of visiting the beach. Following a proposal to frame a
scheme for hawkers and beach-users on the Marina that was mooted last
year, the Corporation council also approved an estimate of Rs. 4.84
crore for the works that included installation of high mast lamps and
police watch towers.
The makeover of Marina beach has
been planned to prevent any adverse impact on the environment as well
as on local hygiene and sanitation, said an official of the Corporation.
However,
NGOS such as Students’ Sea Turtle Conservation Network have expressed
concern over additional high mast lights on the sands.
“Marina
is already full of mast lights. Every single hatchling will be
attracted towards the light. During nesting of turtles the lights are
normally switched off in many areas,” said Akila, a volunteer with
Students’ Sea Turtle Conservation Network.
No progress in removing shops
The
Corporation, to facilitate the restoration of the beach, also made a
public announcement last year asking vendors on the sands to remove all
illegal structures. But it has been unable to find a solution so far.
The civic body will submit its proposals for improving the condition of the beach to the Madras High Court this week.