The brazen encroachment of shops on Besant Nagar beach in Chennai has triggered a half-hearted response from the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC). While the corporation issued notices to some encroachers, their efforts seem inadequate in the face of the growing problem. Lawyers and activists question the effectiveness of issuing notices to recent encroachers, highlighting the need for a more robust approach.
The GCC issued eviction notices to 44 encroachers, mainly eateries and amusement rides, claiming their stalls fall within the 25-meter radius of the shoreline. However, hundreds of other shops remain untouched, prompting concerns about selective enforcement. Some encroachers remain defiant, even demanding alternative locations on the beach.
Assistant executive engineer Ashok stated that the encroachers will have until Friday afternoon to remove their stalls. The GCC will take action if they fail to comply. Meanwhile, the regional deputy commissioner (South), M P Amith, highlighted the need for a policy decision regarding the 620 original stallholders who possess licenses. The focus currently remains on protecting the 25-meter perimeter from waves and ensuring clean, usable sand.
Activists deem the GCC’s action as superficial. Suresh Subramanian, an activist, criticized the cyclical nature of the encroachment, where encroachers return within days of removal. He urged the chief secretary to intervene and take decisive action. Another activist, R Ramesh, suggested direct removal of the bunks, as they do not constitute housing and the encroachers do not reside there.
In 2016, former AIADMK MP J Jayavardhan pointed out that Elliot’s Beach was renovated under the 74.5-crore Swadesh Dharshan scheme, with the addition of pavements, play areas, toilets, and other amenities. He lamented the lack of maintenance and the damage to public utilities.
Deputy mayor Mahesh Kumar outlined plans to remodel the beach, drawing inspiration from beaches in Goa or Kochi. He mentioned a previous attempt at Marina beach to establish T-row shops with modern carts, but the vendors did not cooperate. Now, with ongoing metro work in the area, the corporation intends to introduce similar modernization plans for Besant Nagar beach, aiming to restrict stalls and reduce their vending space.
The deputy mayor urged the vending committee to expedite the enumeration process and review the IDs of hawkers. GCC officials announced their intention to enhance CCTV surveillance and patrolling.
These efforts come against the backdrop of organized gangs supporting the encroachment, with local strongmen allegedly playing a role. The GCC is planning systematic night-time clean-ups to combat the issue and remove the numerous stalls crowding the beachfront. The situation at Besant Nagar beach highlights the challenge of balancing tourism development and local livelihoods while preserving the integrity of public spaces.
