Tamil Nadu: 30 Kilometre Marina-Kovalam Shoreline To Receive A Facelift With Investment Of Rs 100 Crore

A special purpose vehicle (SPV) has been created for the Chennai Shoreline Re-nourishment and Revitalization Project. The project aimed to rejuvenate a 30-kilometer stretch of coast between Kovalam and Marina.

The project was conceived for a variety of reasons. Despite Chennai's natural and long shoreline, access to it is fragmented and not continuous. The issue of conservation in terms of climate change also remains unaddressed.

According to the National Centre for Coastal Research report, a three-kilometer stretch of coast faces low erosion, while a seven-kilometer stretch faces low accretion.

The project is expected to connect the dispersed sections of the beaches as esplanades for utilising physical and social infrastructure and promoting art and culture. It will be developed in phases with the collaboration of all stakeholders.

Activities such as flora and fauna preservation, the installation of bio-fences to combat rising sea levels, and the creation of shoreline parks with salt-tolerant species will be undertaken following an assessment.

"Although the levels of erosion and accretion are low, it is time to start the environmental conservation and effective management of the coastline," said Hitesh Kumar Makwana, principal secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development in an order issued on Monday (25 July).

It is suggested that prominent nodes along the stretches be identified for development as public spaces with distinct themes and designs. In addition, the project will focus on eliminating sea waste discharged into the sea that may cause accretion.

"CMDA will prepare a plan to get 'blue beach' tag for 20 beaches. The aim is to connect the eight beaches from Marina to Kovalam and developed eco-friendly structures with trails cycling parts and livelihood activities for locals," said Makwana as per The Times of India report.

The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) plans to expand shoreline revitalization beyond Kovalam.

The chairperson of the SPV will be the principal secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The Chief Executive Officer will be the CMDA Member-Secretary. Besides these, there are members from 17 other departments, including Environment, CDMA, Coastal Zone Management, Corporation, and Tourism.

One of the members is S.A. Sannasiraj, a professor in the Department of Ocean Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology-Madras.