There’s a regular drizzle at 6.30am and after I lookup, the skies are ominous. I’m standing on the nook of Besant Avenue street, subsequent to Dr Muthulakshmi Reddy Park. There’s a new addition to that nook — a towering arch in inexperienced and orange. A well-lit signal declares — ‘Healthwalk Begin’ and on both facet are silhouettes of two runners.

One among Chennai’s most idyllic stretches that delights pedestrians and motorists alike with a cover of timber — Besant Avenue Street — is now a part of a delegated stretch for an eight kilometre Well being Stroll, an initiative by the Tamil Nadu Well being Division. Impressed by strolling tracks he noticed on a visit to Tokyo, Well being Minister Ma. Subramanian, himself an everyday marathon runner, had introduced the creation of those designated areas throughout all districts. An inventory on the Directorate of Public Well being web site of those strolling corridors throughout the State merely mentions the start line of the stroll. I resolve to go the place the quiet and calm path takes me.

Signages for the Well being Stroll at Besant Avenue Street
| Picture Credit score:
Velankanni Raj B

Whereas I hesitate to stroll in by way of the arch given the climate, two runners jog previous me and that’s all of the motivation it takes. Just a few metres in, Girija Venkatesan, a resident of the realm, is briskly strolling together with her buddy carrying umbrellas. She pauses her smartwatch to speak. “I cowl this stretch on a regular basis from the nook of Besant Avenue Street until Arundale seaside street and again, and have been strolling right here for years now.” The statues, a brand new addition to the stretch are beautiful, she says.

“A correct paved space all by way of this stretch can be very useful, particularly for senior residents.” 

Whilst a long-time resident, there are pockets within the metropolis that one will get to find, and see in a brand new mild. S Ravichandran, a resident of the realm who has been strolling right here for many years says he hopes extra folks come right here to take a stroll. “This stretch is peaceable, neat and clear,” he says, earlier than hurrying off.

Walkers click on a photograph close to a sculpture on the Well being Stroll
| Picture Credit score:
Velankanni Raj B

On a wet morning, many walkers navigate by way of puddles for the reason that stretch doesn’t have a uniform pavement. Down Besant Avenue, because the street curves forward in the direction of Theosophical Society, the pavements grow to be broader in elements, punctuated by vivid pink bougainvillea. Benches are positioned at common intervals, and given how a lot brighter the greens are that morning along with the rain-washed roads, there can’t be a extra excellent place to take a seat and decompress.

The sculptures loom into view. Whereas one is of a person seated on a bench with the opposite facet vacant, there’s another of a lady strolling her canine. This appears befitting, on condition that I encounter a pleasant four-legged resident of Besant Avenue not too far-off.

Additional down, there’s one other sculpture of a boy mid-run, and a pair on a scooter cease to take an image: an fascinating addition for the Reels-makers and photographers who’ve for some time now haunted these roads.

Passers-by take a selfie with a statue on the Well being Stroll stretch on Besant Avenue
| Picture Credit score:
Velankanni Raj B

Resuming their morning walks after a break, Uma, Akhila Venkat, and Maheswari Mohan, mates and long-time residents of the realm inform me that this is without doubt one of the finest areas within the metropolis to stroll in. “Given how lovely this stretch is, we hope that there’s some velocity restrict imposed on the automobiles right here as nicely,” says Maheswari.

There are useful signages and distance markings all through. An indication declares ‘Stroll your technique to a vivid day’, and one other one aggressively states ‘Burn energy, not money’. I stroll into Besant Nagar Fifth Avenue Street and see the horizon within the sea. There may be the same old stream of walkers and joggers alongside the seaside, and the newly put in benches down the walkway there are already being put to good use. Many are occupied by folks, and one other statue makes an look.

A runner on the Well being Stroll in Besant Nagar
| Picture Credit score:
Velankanni Raj B

On the street by the seaside, the space markings point out that its been two-and-a-half kilometres from the arch, although it undoubtedly appears like much more given my leisurely tempo — taking within the sights and sounds. After taking a proper at Annai Velankani Street, I hit the three-kilometre mark quickly.

If the timber and extensive platforms of Besant Avenue marked the beginning of the stroll, the true morning hustle is right here. Enterprise is on in full swing on the many small tea retailers dotting this stretch, Vishranthi restaurant has all its tables full with early risers having fun with espresso and breakfast, and the nurseries alongside the roads are being arrange on the pavements. As I strategy the Olcott Memorial Faculty, a four-kilometre distance marker comes into view. It’s right here that for those who want to full a full eight kilometre stretch, you might be anticipated to take a U-turn and retrace your steps in the direction of the seaside, and are available again to Third Avenue, the place you may proceed strolling down Besant Avenue Street once more in the direction of the arch. 

The arch, which marks the beginning and finish level of the 8km Well being Stroll
| Picture Credit score:
Velankanni Raj B

As I retrace my steps to the arch, I go a person, deep in slumber on a bench, his head resting on the lap of the sculpture there. There’s something for everybody right here — be it a leisurely eight kilometre stroll, a jog, or perhaps a energy nap that’s assured to be rejuvenating given the sylvian environment