Sun shelters to make afternoons by the sea pleasant

According to a Corporation official, the white structures with stone benches are being built at more than 10 spots. “We have now completed two or three sun shelters and work on the rest is under way,” the official added.

Explaining the source of funds, the official said that the sun shelters are being  constructed with Central government funds under the ‘Swadesh Darshan Scheme’ which envisages the upkeep of spiritual cities in the country. “The Union government has allocated Rs 100 crore for Tamil Nadu. Of the total allocated fund, Marina and Elliot’s beaches have received Rs 14.60 crore for a makeover,” the official said.

Beautification and infrastructural work on Marina beach would be carried out at Rs 8.60 crore, whereas, Elliot’s beach will get Rs 5.97 crore for the makeover.

“At present, visitors on Marina have been finding it difficult to find shelters to protect them from the sun and enjoy the view of the sea, hence we thought of the shelters. This is bound to attract tourists as well,” the official explained.

A few sun shelters are being used at a few spots and visitors are enjoying the sea breeze during afternoon hours. “Sitting under the shade and enjoying the view of the sea during summer is a new experience. Earlier, before the advent of sun shelters, we never visited beaches during afternoons. The corporation should also take steps to build sun shelters at Elliot’s beach,” M Manoj Kumar, a resident of Virugambakkam said.

Meanwhile, the Corporation has also planned to lay disabled friendly pathways from service roads leading to the sea. “Pathways will be constructed soon under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme,” a Corporation official said.

The civic body also has a separate proposal for developing a new park near Marina beach funded by Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC) at a cost of Rs 19 crore.