Green cover from the coastal areas from Palavakkam to Neelankarai has been cleared, under the Beach beautification program by the GCC. It has been done over the past few months gradually and it did surprise the residents one morning when 500 metres at Palavakkam and 75 metres at Neelankarai beach till the Blue Beach Road, looked barren.
Ipomoea, a coastal green cover, is a natural barrier along the coast which prevents erosion of the coastal areas. These beaches are also breeding grounds for turtles.
Beach beautification and laying of cycle tracks are being expedited, with the CMDA officials conducting site visits. Most welcome. But the talk of placing concrete benches along the beach stretch is nothing short of a killer of the scenic beaches, feels a resident from Panaiyur. The park benches which are filled with bird poop, and not used by people, should be a precedent to the officials. Also, the benches would be the first to be uprooted during high tide. It is a risk when concrete structures are carried to and fro by the tides, says another resident.
