Residents’ association opposes T.N. govt’s move to permit ‘beach weddings’

Residents' association opposes Tamil Nadu's beach wedding proposal, citing environmental concerns and public access to coastal spaces.

The Alliance of Resident Welfare Associations has opposed the Tamil Nadu government’s proposal to allow “beach weddings” on public beaches, saying the move could lead to environmental damage and restrict public access to coastal spaces.

According to the association, the State government recently permitted beach wedding events on select beaches along the coast, reportedly for a fee of ₹10,000.

In a statement, association president D. Neelakannan said beaches are public spaces meant for environmental protection, the livelihood of fishermen and the use of the general public. Converting them into venues for private celebrations is unacceptable, he said.

Allowing such events could result in pollution of beaches, an increase in plastic waste and garbage, and inconvenience to fishermen and others who depend on the coast for their livelihood and daily activities, the statement added.

The association also said permitting private events on beaches could gradually lead to the commercialisation of public coastal spaces. Public beaches must remain accessible to everyone and should not be turned into venues for private celebrations, according to J.M.S. Nagarjunan, general secretary.

The residents’ body urged the State government to withdraw the proposal and focus instead on protecting the coastal ecosystem and safeguarding the rights of coastal communities.