Chennai: Elliot’s Beach in Besant Nagar, a popular seaside destination, has been grappling with the issue of illegal stalls and pollution. In an effort to address this, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has erected wooden barricades aimed at keeping vendors away from the shore. These barriers have been placed 25 metres from the shore along a 500-metre stretch of the beach, resulting in a narrow strip of space for visitors.
Despite the presence of these barricades, several stalls and entertainment structures such as merry-go-rounds and giant wheels remain on the sands. An official from the GCC stated that the barricades are an initial measure to prevent further encroachments. He noted that more than a dozen stalls have already been removed, and additional efforts are underway to clear any remaining illegal structures. “If there are more stalls inside, we will remove them on Wednesday. We will survey the area and remove all encroachers,” the official said.
The problem of encroachment on Elliot’s Beach is not new. In 2013, the civic body permitted 130 stalls on the beach. However, current GCC records indicate that the beach, promenades, and interior roads of Besant Nagar are not designated vending zones. Despite this, there are now more than 2,000 stalls, including 1,000 on the beach itself. Of these, only 600 have obtained the necessary vendor licences. Resistance from local residents has added to the challenge of managing the beach. Last weekend, residents of Urur and Olcott Kuppam refused to remove their stalls and resisted the installation of barricades. “These barricades are not working. Vendors still push their carts through gaps. Unless they book a few vendors and seize their stalls, the encroachments will continue to grow,” said K Ashok, a regular visitor to the beach. He also pointed out the issue of garbage, noting that the lack of a proper bin system has led to pollution, particularly around the fish market and roller-skating area.
Another official, mentioned that the GCC plans to conduct further encroachment removal drives on the promenades and interior streets soon. The GCC’s efforts to manage the encroachments and pollution on Elliot’s Beach are ongoing, with a focus on balancing the needs of vendors, residents, and visitors while preserving the cleanliness and accessibility of the beach. The situation at Elliot’s Beach underscores the broader challenges faced by urban areas in managing public spaces and balancing commercial activities with environmental sustainability. Effective enforcement of regulations, coupled with community cooperation, will be crucial in ensuring that the beach remains a clean and enjoyable space for all.