CHENNAI: The Greater Chennai Corporation plans to construct separate pathways for the physically challenged on the sands of Marina and Elliot's beaches that will lead up to the sea line. “Physically challenged persons have been facing an uphill task to move (their wheelchairs) on the beach sand. This prevents them to enjoy the sea and watch the tides closely” a Chennai Corporation official said.
The official also added that the civic body has been planning to construct pathways on the sands of Marina and Elliot's beaches from shore to sea line. It is learnt that funds will be tapped from the Union government’s Swadesh Darshan scheme. “Both the beaches will be upgraded and retrofitted under the scheme. New toilets, extra seating arrangements for beachgoers will be developed with the funds. The two pathways will be constructed at a cost of ' 80 lakh each,” a senior Chennai Corporation official said. He also added that Chennai will be the first city in the country to boast of disabled-friendly pathways at beaches.
Meanwhile, the civic body has commenced the process to set up a Model Sensor Park and Children's Traffic Park in the city. “Both parks will be constructed under the smart city mission. We have identified the land pocket to set up the parks and inspected it. Works will commence soon,” the official added.
It may be recalled that the union government has allotted '100 crore for developing infrastructures related to tourism in Tamil Nadu, in which nearly half the amount will be spent on the state beaches.
The civic official also said that, in addition to beach renovation and rejuvenation under the Swadesh Darshan scheme, the civic body also has a separate proposal for developing a new park near Marina beach at a cost of '19 crore.
“The Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC) has agreed to give funds to build a new park. The proposal also includes renovation of facilities that were damaged during the jallikattu riot,” the official added.
