The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) is taking a proactive approach to combatting beach pollution and illegal encroachments by deploying All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) on popular beaches in Chennai. Starting mid-August, beach marshals will be patrolling the sands of Besant Nagar beach, Marina beach, and Loop Road on three ‘Sportsman Touring 570’ ATVs, each costing 12 lakh rupees. This initiative is a direct response to the GCC’s intensive encroachment removal drive, which recently saw the removal of over 50 encroachments from Besant Nagar beach and 40 squatters from Pondy Bazaar roads.
The ATVs, already used by the city police and coast guard department, are being specifically procured for the purpose of ensuring that encroachments are not re-established and to enforce solid waste management regulations. The GCC plans to hire three marshals or utilize existing personnel who can operate the ATVs, deploying them on a three-shift basis. Currently, the vehicles are at a showroom near Sholinganallur and are expected to be deployed for beach patrols by mid-August.
“Not all officials have the physical stamina to monitor beaches on foot,” explained PV Srinivasan, the GCC’s Adyar zonal officer, speaking to TOI. “Using ATVs will help them patrol the sands.” Srinivasan was part of the team that removed encroachments on Elliots Beach on Sunday morning, where the GCC fenced off more than half of the shore and removed stalls that had encroached within a 25-meter boundary from the shoreline. The use of ATVs will allow the corporation to keep a watchful eye on the area to prevent further encroachments beyond the fence.
The marshals and officials will be issuing fines to those who violate regulations, but residents and activists are calling for stricter measures against littering. “Spot fines must be levied on people and vendors who litter the beach,” stated Sumathy N, a resident of Besant Nagar. The use of ATVs on Chennai’s beaches signifies a shift towards a more proactive approach to environmental protection and law enforcement, addressing concerns about waste management, encroachment, and public health. The initiative aims to not only ensure the cleanliness and accessibility of beaches but also to create a safer and more enjoyable environment for visitors and locals alike.
