GCC Halts Illegal Beach Construction

Chennai: The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has halted an illicit construction attempt on Besant Nagar beach in Kalakshetra Colony, adjacent to the Arupadai Veedu Murugan Temple, following a report on the blatant encroachment. The civic authorities intervened, bringing earthmovers to level the trenches dug for building foundations, sealing a borewell, and removing a compound wall. Additionally, a police complaint has been lodged against the encroachers.

The swift action came after earthmovers, cement, bricks, and blue metal were spotted at the work site, a mere 30 metres from the shoreline, in clear violation of the Coastal Regulation Zone-I (CRZ-I) rule, which prohibits development within 200 metres of the shoreline. Despite the intervention, some structures, including houses and four huts with metal sheet walls and thatched roofs, remain standing.

An official from the GCC who inspected the site explained, “A few members of the local fishing community were involved in the illegal construction. They have the right to engage in fishing activities but cannot build houses on the sand.” The civic body has taken legal steps, filing a police complaint against the violators, and a CSR copy has been issued. The investigating officer confirmed that investigations are underway and an FIR will be filed.

To prevent further encroachment, the GCC has begun installing bollards to block access to two temporary roads created by dumping debris in the fishing hamlet. These roads had been used by encroachers to bring in earthmovers for the construction work. “Now, larger vehicles cannot enter,” stated the GCC’s Adyar executive engineer.

However, the GCC’s efforts remain incomplete, with approximately 30 brick houses and four huts still standing on the beach. Addressing the issue of these remaining encroachments, the official stated, “We will collaborate with the state coastal zone management authority to remove these structures. Further construction will be prevented.”

The action by the GCC underscores the ongoing struggle to protect coastal areas from illegal development, highlighting the necessity of stringent enforcement of coastal regulations to preserve Chennai’s beaches.