Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin on Sunday inaugurated the eco-restoration infrastructure developed at Marina Beach under the Blue Flag Certification programme.

The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) completed the upgradation works over a 20-acre area on the beach at a cost of ₹7.31 crore.

“Our iconic Marina Beach is now ready for its Blue Flag Beach Initiative,” the GCC said in a post on X.

It also thanked over 500 volunteers from the National Service Scheme, along with other Tamil Nadu volunteers and citizens, for removing waste during a mass beach clean-up on Saturday, and said that such drives would be conducted regularly.

The additions include bamboo shelters, seating arrangements, meditation centre, reading room, selfie spots, watch towers, play and fitness equipment, sanitation facilities, CCTV surveillance, drinking water stations, and a first-aid room. A total of 20 shade umbrellas, 40 recliners, and 12 benches have been installed.

Additionally, disability-accessible sports and play equipment, and mother’s nursing rooms have been set up.

“The Blue Flag initiative is an international certification programme operated by the Foundation for Environmental Education, a Denmark-based firm. Marina is the latest addition to Tamil Nadu’s list of beaches being upgraded for Blue Flag recognition, following the certification of Kovalam beach in Chengalpattu,” a release said

The initiative is part of the Tamil Nadu government’s plan to increase the number of Blue Flag-certified beaches in districts such as Chennai, Cuddalore, Ramanathapuram and Thoothukudi. This is expected to boost tourism, support local fisheries-dependent communities, and promote sustainable coastal management, the release added.