For a city that boasts of the second longest coastline, many beaches and water bodies, the water sports scenario in Chennai leaves much to be desired.
That may soon change though, if the Tourism Department approves the development of the notorious waters of North Chennai into a water sports haven and the Chetpet Lake into a boating hub.
With representations from assemblymen and sports enthusiasts, the project has received a positive push and may soon turn into reality.
T Nagar MLA, Kalairajan has asked for a boating facility to be set up at the Chetpet Lake. His request is being considered by the tourism minister, along with Radha Krishna Nagar MLA P. Vetrimaran’s proposal to set up water sports.
Kalairajan says, “The city lacks tourism facilities and scenic spaces. Everyone has to go to Muttkukadu now. If developed properly, youngsters will be able to enjoy boating within the city, just like Ooty!”
The legislators also feel that a lot of open space that has been left untouched could be encroached upon, if such measures aren’t taken.
Disha Oberoi, RJ at Chennai Live and a certified surfer, says, “I have surfed in Malaysia, Thailand and right here in Chennai, on ECR. To be honest, I am never too comfortable stepping into the waters in India because people misuse the beaches for washing just about everything! I hope the waters are cleaned before these sports are introduced. I would love it if I could kayak and ride water jets in Chennai! Right now, however, I don’t see underwater sports taking off in a big way.”
The Chennai Trekking Club is currently involved in cleaning up the city’s beaches and will continue to do so over the next week. But the volunteers have steered clear of North Chennai.
Peter Van Geit of the club says, “We haven’t gone North of Marina in our clean-up drive because the waters are rough and they are pretty much on the road. Boulders are the only things stopping them. My concern is about sustainable development. While on the one hand, this will boost tourism and draw attention to our great beaches, it will also increase footfalls and before you know it, plastic and other waste will start piling up around the waters. I hope this is avoided.”
Aarthi Vishwanathan, a 25-year-old water sports enthusiast from an early age adds, “I have done water sports in Hrishikesh and Malaysia and have gone swimming in a number of pools in Chennai. I would be delighted to see a thoughtful development plan for North Chennai’s beaches. Keeping in mind safety (both on water and off) and cleanliness, if the space offers world-class equipment, I would say, bring it on.”
But it isn’t just the waters that North Chennai is famous for. P.V. Subramanian, a wildlife photographer adds, “The coastal area of North Chennai is a haven for migratory birds. Spot-billed pelicans, painted storks and flamingos are just some of the birds that grace the shallow water areas of the Pulicat. Over the years, industrialisation has already taken its toll on the numbers.
"Now, if you add adventure sports I think we are looking at nearly a whole ecosystem being eroded. There are enough theme parks and water parks for humans, why not leave at least some areas for the birds?”
He further adds, “What would actually help is creating an environment conducive to the migration of the birds, and encouraging tourism to these places. It is amazing to see these birds in full flow and I am sure it would be as satisfying to observe them as it would to indulge in adventure sports.”
