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Puducherry beach all set for makeover

Rajesh Nair

INTACH has been assigned the Rs. 25-crore project

— Photo courtesy INTACH

BEAUTIFICATION: A view of the promenade of the Puducherry beach.

PUDUCHERRY: The beach, the territory’s best known landmark, will soon sport a new look with the Tourism Department all set to start the beautification of the promenade and the surrounding area.

Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), the agency entrusted with the task of preparing a project report for the work had submitted its report to the Tourism Department a few months ago.

“The Government has forwarded the preliminary report to the Government of India for approval and allocation of funds. Though the approval would take a few more months, we are going to start the basic works from next month,” a senior officer with the Tourism Department told The Hindu.

The Public Works Department will start with the laying of concrete roads and fixing of traditional C.I lampposts. This would be done at a cost of Rs. three crore, the official said.

Costing about Rs. 25 crore, the proposed makeover plan worked out by INTACH, will not only spruce up the surroundings but also add tourist-friendly facilities.

The beach would be a no-vehicle zone during morning and evening hours and the department proposes to operate battery-run vehicle, for which there would be aesthetically designed bus bays. The pavements on the eastern and western side of the beach road would be provided with dressed gray granite stone flooring, aligning it with the main thoroughfare that would be converted to concrete road.

Saplings of coconut trees or other suitable trees would be planted on both sides of the pavement. Besides, there would be much need litter boxes, additional toilet facility, a landscape around the Gandhi Statue and number of swanky food courts.

The best part of the beautification project was the proposed reconstruction of the old pier behind the Gandhi Statue. This would be in the second phase, as it needs approval from the Union Government, according to the official. The proposed pier would have a width of seven to nine meters and a length of 100 meters. At the end of the jetty there would be a giant fountain, says a member of the INTACH team.

Also, the façade of 31 Government buildings along the beach stretch would get a facelift by giving it a heritage touch. The proposed plan also envisages making the stretch from Subbaiya Salai to Botanical Garden an “enclave for recreational activities.” It also proposes to redesign the small park near the Park Guest House with more play equipment and a skating rink.

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