Archive · 24 Jan 2026
GCC Evicts 120 Shops for Marina Beach Blue Flag Push
The Greater Chennai Corporation has removed 120 shops from Marina Beach as part of a project to make the beach a Blue Flag beach.
Blue Flag beaches have special rules to protect the environment and keep people safe.
The corporation is following orders from a court to mark boundaries and decide which shops can stay.
They are also surveying all the shops along the beach.
The next phase of the project will involve removing more shops and building new things for people to enjoy, like meditation halls and reading rooms.
The goal is to make Marina Beach a clean and fun place for everyone, following international standards.
GCC has evicted 120 shops from Marina Beach as part of the Blue Flag project.
Phase III preparations are underway, with boundary marking and identification of shops to be removed.
The Madras High Court has directed that only 300 shops can operate within the Blue Flag zone.
GCC is surveying all 1,417 shops along Marina Beach to finalise allotments as per court directives.
Phase II redevelopment, including meditation halls and reading rooms, is ongoing at an estimated cost of Rs 6 crore.
- Who
- Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC)
- What
- Eviction of 120 shops and preparation for Phase III of Marina Beach Blue Flag project
- When
- Over the past month, with Phase III preparations beginning now
- Where
- Marina Beach, Chennai
- Why
- To comply with Blue Flag norms and Madras High Court directives for environmental protection and regulated commercial activity
- Shops Evicted
- 120
- Total Shops Surveyed
- 1,417
- Permitted Shops in Blue Flag Zone
- 300
- Phase III Project Area
- 23 acres
- Phase II Project Cost
- Rs 6 crore