CHENNAI: Soon, walk along Marina Beach under the shade of creepers. The 2.5km-long walkway between the pedestrian footpath and the service lane is set to get a revamp.
“Work has begun and two fountains have been set up. We plan to complete the project in a month,” said a senior Greater Chennai Corporation official. The Rs 23.5 lakh project involves six sun shades with creepers and five fountains. One fountain has been installed behind the Gandhi statue. The revamp, undertaken by road contractors, isn’t just for aesthetics, an official said as these installations will help boost the area’s micro climate, especially for walkers.
It all began when the corporation commissioner questioned officials over the wilting flowers and nearly dead plants on the lawns. On inspection, the civic body found hundreds of rats had made these lawns their home and were destroying the plants.
There are 12 lawns and statues installed at four located opposite lanes 1, 4, 7 and 11 along Kamarajar Salai.
“Apart from beautifying the lawns, fountains will be set up on five. Lights will be affixed to the fountains and statues so the place won’t be a dark spot,” said an official.
The fountains will have steel grids to prevent vandalism and sun shades will be placed for a length of 50m at every 500m. The creepers would be maintained regularly just like the lawn. The fountains will be refilled whenever required and the lawns will be maintained using existing sprinklers and with water from the wells near the reserve bank subway.
