Beach beautification plan takes shape.

A turtle information centre at Neelankarai, sewage treatment plants for five fishing settlements and facilities to use the treated water for conservation of local vegetation are the key changes suggested for the beach beautification project from Thiruvanmiyur to Neelankarai.

Environment experts and marine biologists met Chennai Corporation officials to incorporate the changes in the draft detailed project report for beautification of Kottivakkam, Palavakkam and Neelankarai beaches.

The design of the turtle information centre will also include facilities to conduct workshops for students without violating Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms.

'We will also shift the streetlight fittings from the beach side of the road in a number of spots. The project has been redesigned without affecting any of the five fishing settlements,' said an official.

'Existing beach vegetation will have to be preserved to prevent soil erosion. The treated sewage for residential areas will be used to water the vegetation,' he added.

Lighting facilities proposed near the sculpture art gallery, a 4.1-km jogging track, cricket pitch, football ground and volleyball court will be reviewed to identify challenges to turtle nesting.

Hindu