Two more Indian beaches get coveted international ‘Blue Flag’ certification

Tribune News Service
New Delhi, September 21

In yet another recognition of India’s commitment to protect and conserve the pristine coastal and marine ecosystems through holistic management of the resources, the globally recognised and the coveted international eco-label “Blue Flag” has accorded the Blue Flag Certification for two new beaches this year—Kovalam in Tamil Nadu and Eden in Puducherry beaches—according to an official statement by the Environment Ministry.

A waving “Blue Flag” is an indication of 100% compliance to stringent criteria set by the Foundation for Environment Education in Denmark (FEE), which accords the globally recognised Blue Flag Certification

It has also given re-certification for eight nominated beaches Shivrajpur-Gujarat, Ghoghla-Diu, Kasarkod and Padubidri-Karnataka, Kappad-Kerala, Rushikonda- Andhra Pradesh, Golden-Odisha and Radhanagar- Andaman and Nicobar, which were awarded the Blue Flag, last year

Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav called it “another milestone in India’s journey towards a clean and green India” led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Ministry in its pursuit of “sustainable development” of the coastal regions of India has embarked upon the Beach Environment and Aesthetics Management Services (BEAMS) with a prime objective to protect and conserve the pristine coastal and marine ecosystems through holistic management of the resources, officials say

The objective of BEAMS programme is to abate pollution in coastal waters, promote sustainable development of beach facilities, protect and conserve coastal ecosystems and natural resources, and seriously challenge local authorities and stakeholders to strive and maintain high standards of cleanliness, hygiene and safety for beachgoers in accordance with coastal environment and regulations.

In the past three years or so, the Ministry achieved commendable results in environmental management of these 10 beaches, officials said, adding that it further committed to develop and deliver 100 more beaches under its ICZM initiative in the ensuing five years.