What point in modernising Shankumugham every year?

Throughout the years, successive governments have announced out-of-the-book plans to modernize Shankumugham Beach. Sadly, nothing has reached fruition. All were vague attempts to please the populace into believing that the government was putting effort into doing a revamp, but it never had the touch of honesty, but was more of a face-saving act. Every year, the DTPC religiously prepares plans for Shankhummugam renovation projects just to make headlines.

Local authorities seldom care while splashing crores for the construction of seats, high-mast lights, footpaths and parks. These high pompous constructions have very little life as it takes just one major sea attack to take down all these constructions to shreds. There is no point in constructing all such eye-catching balustrades without properly aligning with the environmental studies. There is also an allegation about the inept attitude shown by previous DTPC officials who have contributed to the current predicament.

When the Tsunami occurred in 2004, the Sankhummugam coast was destroyed by the sea. The Tsunami Park, built for 2.5 crores as a source of income for fishermen, has facilities to run a restaurant. However, after many years, these parks remain kaput and have grown creepers waiting for action from the government.

As of now, there is no proper way for people to enter the sea and the fear of sea erosion taking away the other benches situated near the coffee house also loom large.

On another note, the government can easily emulate the Mahabalipuram Beach project of protection and beautification. Located 58 km from Chennai, the sandy beaches here are golden in colour. The authorities have retouched the space with ample amenities such that the region is daily filled with tourists, thus bringing more to the state revenue.