The Elliot’s beach saga – 13 Play it again, Sam!

Wow, wow! NDTV’s Sam Daniel, who was present at the meeting (read previous post) made a neat presentation of the entire “beach beautification” story. He took notes carefully, got me to tell him about the issues and what our objections were ( I later sent him the visuals of the results of the beach survey).
The clipping, which was telecast half a dozen times today during various slots, covered the issue very well. There were visuals of Corporation’s proposed plan in all it gory details. There was footage of the Ridley turtles being found. Sam connected it neatly with the lights from the billboards. He spoke to a couple of Oliver Ridley conservationists who said the hatchlings were programmed to move toward light. Left to themselves they would reach the sea following starlight. But the bright lights of the billboards would attract them toward the street. On the way, they were bound to be devoured by the street dogs.
Members of the Civil Society Group spoke too, saying brick and mortar construction did not belong on the beach. An amphitheatre would certainly kill the peace and quiet.
At the meeting, members had objected to the fountains. Fountains! Which civic body in its senses would erect fountains on the beach?
In fact, none of the nearly 500 respondents thought “development” meant construction. All they wanted were some parking space, a row of hawkers making snacks (?) and a clean, quiet beach. The message of Sam’s video film was clear. Leave the beach alone after giving it a good cleaning-over.
Of course, Commissioner Lakhoni was asked to speak. He admitted the stake-holders did not want any construction on the beach, so he would come up with a new plan. I’m keeping my fingers (and toes for good measure) crossed. But I’m sure our preferences went home. As Sam put it, “the community has shown that governments are accountable to people for their “development” projects” – a message that’s coming out of different parts of the country.
My husband who has had no interest in all this (strange, he goes there regularly for a morning walk) thought the video was very well made.
In case you missed the program that was aired, you can catch it on www.ndtv.com under the title “Chennai drops beach plans” listed in the top stories.
Play it again, Sam! Thanks for all your help.