Work on accessible pathway in Marina Beach to start soon
The Hindu
The consultant engaged in creating a permanent pathway to the Marina Beach discusses the challenges inherent in the project
“The work on creating an inclusive pathway to the Marina Beach was challenging as the project is without a precedent.”
Those are the words of Vidhya Mohankumar, founder and principal, Urban Design Collective, the consultant engaged by Greater Chennai Corporation for implementing the project.
Though certain beaches in India are equipped with disabled-friendly infrastructure, the barrier-free permanent pathway being planned on the Marina sands would be the first of its kind.
Taking lessons from similar initiatives in from western countries was also not an option one could pursue.
Vidhya says the Marina is hugely unique. In fact, no two beaches are the same. “The currents in the ocean, geography, latitude and longitude and the seasonal shifting of the sands have to be considered while planning a project of this kind. So, we cannot do something based on what some other country did with a beach. In some nations, the pathway extends up to the water, but in such beaches, the tidal actions could be low. So, you could have a wooden structure leading to the water when the shore is flat. At Marina, from the high tide line there is a steep drop. Besides, the tidal movement undergoes variations throughout the year — sometimes, it will be very steep and sometimes gradual,” says Vidhya.
Getting the CRZ (coastal regulation zone) norms cleared was another challenge.
“There was a lot of hesitation from the authorities to get the clearance as this is being tried out for the first time, so a lot of homework had to be done. CRZ regulations said you cannot build anything permanent and certain materials were prohibited,” says Vidhya.
The All-India level NEET examination was started a few years ago to counter complaints of corruption during the joint entrance examinations held at the State level. AIDSO had warned the authorities that the solution to the menace of corruption was not changing the examination system, but to investigate the corruption and punish the guilty.
Kerala Assembly: UDF stages walkout over scarcity of Plus One seats in six districts in North Kerala
Kerala Assembly: UDF walks out over scarcity of Plus One seats in six districts in North Kerala