The Madras High Court showed surprise on Friday over the large number of shops set up on Marina Beach. Currently, about 1,400 shops operate there. The court suggested reducing this number by allowing sales only of eatables, toys, fancy goods, and souvenirs. Other items should not be sold. Justices R. Suresh Kumar and A.D. Jagadish Chandira gave the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) time until January 8 to submit a new draft plan. This plan should specify how many shops can stay and what they can sell. The GCC had planned to create three "blue flag" areas along the beach. These areas would be free of hawkers. The judges proposed adding a fourth blue flag area covering about 35 acres where stray cattle graze behind leaders’ mausoleums. GCC Commissioner J. Kumaragurubaran agreed to this during a December 22 site visit. One blue flag area has already been set up with child play zones, seating for the elderly, and bamboo fencing. However, the court expressed concern over many shops found behind the labour statue, stretching 280 meters from the service road towards the high tide line. A drone survey showed 1,980 shops, but Advocate General P.S. Raman told the court the actual count is 1,417. The judges reminded that Marina Beach is a recreational spot, not a shopping mall or market. They emphasized limiting shops to protect the beach’s purpose and beauty.