Long‑time resident Subramaniam K.A., who has lived in Besant Nagar for 43 years, told reporters that the beachfront along Elliot’s beach is flooded with makeshift stalls on Sunday evenings, leaving little room for passers‑by to sit on the long stretch of seating that once welcomed families and walkers.
“Since the shops are facing the road, we are not able to sit on the long stretch of seating area. They tell us to move because apparently we are spoiling their business by sitting close to their shops,” Subramaniam said, adding that vendors on the opposite side of the promenade are also crowding the area with food and accessory stalls that multiply on weekends.
He noted that at least 20 different stalls sell the same items, creating a visual and commercial clutter that, according to some walkers, makes the beach “too dirty” on weekends.
Senior citizen Kanthi S., another Besant Nagar resident, highlighted additional problems: “There is also a dog menace, and vendors and visitors throw away wrappers and eatables. We are not able to come to the beach for a breath of fresh air. It is fully encroached by shops and we are unable to walk in the pathway either.”
A third resident, who asked to remain unnamed, called for regular eviction drives against stalls operating without licences or food‑safety clearances, saying the lack of enforcement has turned the popular promenade into a makeshift market.
Ward Committee Chairman R. Durai Raj of Zone 13 responded to the complaints, stating, “Some pedestrians have mentioned that there is little respite for walkers. We will look into this seriously and take action on the encroachments.” He indicated that the committee plans to organise eviction drives and enforce licensing requirements, though no specific timeline was given.
Elliot’s beach, locally known as Bessy, was once celebrated as Chennai’s cleanest beach. The recent surge in unregulated vending threatens not only the aesthetic appeal of the shoreline but also public health and the community’s right to open, safe recreational space.