Chennai's Marina Beach receives Blue Flag accreditation!
Chennai's Marina Beach Transforms with Blue Flag Project
Chennai's Marina Beach has undergone a significant transformation, with the inauguration of the Blue Flag project by Tamil Nadu's deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin. This project, part of a larger initiative to promote sustainable tourism and marine conservation in Tamil Nadu, has brought about numerous improvements to the beach.
In the initial phase, the Blue Flag project cost ₹7.31 crore and covered a 20-acre stretch. Visitors can now enjoy new restrooms and showers, 20 bamboo shade umbrellas, 40 reclining chairs, and 12 seating benches. The beach is also equipped with CCTV cameras for enhanced safety.
For the convenience of mothers, a separate breastfeeding room has been provided. To ensure high cleanliness standards, there are 24 dustbins and a dedicated cleaning crew. The beach is also wheelchair-friendly, with 12 wheelchairs for persons with disabilities and pathways made of porta-mats for easy access to the sand.
First-aid centres and water vending machines are available for the well-being of visitors. New additions include a meditation centre, a reading room, outdoor gym equipment, and children's play equipment, some designed for children with disabilities. Four new watchtowers have been installed for better surveillance.
The Blue Flag certification signifies that a beach meets a set of 33 strict criteria covering environmental education and information, water quality, environmental management, safety, and services. The Marina Beach in Chennai has received this prestigious certification.
The Greater Chennai Corporation has announced plans for a second phase of the Blue Flag project at Marina Beach, which will cover the stretch from the Mahatma Gandhi Statue to Nochi Nagar. This expansion aims to extend improvements and sustainable facilities further along the beach beyond the initial upgraded zone.
The goal is to maintain world-class environmental and safety standards while promoting inclusive and sustainable beach tourism. This phased approach is part of the Greater Chennai Corporation's broader plan to enhance Marina Beach as a model Blue Flag beach and promote similar sustainable tourism initiatives at other local beaches.
The Blue Flag certification is awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) based in Denmark. With these enhancements, Chennai's Marina Beach is poised to become a premier destination for sustainable and enjoyable beach experiences.
[1] Greater Chennai Corporation. (n.d.). Blue Flag Project for Marina Beach. Retrieved from https://www.greaterchennaicorporation.com/blue-flag-project-for-marina-beach [2] The Hindu. (2025, January 1). Marina Beach to get Blue Flag certification. Retrieved from https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/marina-beach-to-get-blue-flag-certification/article30914634.ece
- With the transformation of Chennai's Marina Beach into a sustainable and eco-friendly tourist spot, a subtle shift in lifestyle can be observed, promoting the concept of sustainable living among locals and visitors alike.
- With the implementation of environmental-science-based practices in managing the Marina Beach, such as waste management and pollution control, the project serves as a shining example for home-and-garden owners seeking to adopt a sustainable approach within their own communities.
- As part of the ongoing efforts to expand the Blue Flag project, the Greater Chennai Corporation aims to engage with the scientific community to incorporate cutting-edge technologies and best practices in ensuring the sustainability of the beach ecosystem, blending environmental conservation with the evolution of lifestyle standards.
