Two more Indian beaches have awarded the coveted “Blue Flag” Certification, bringing the total number of such beaches to ten. The certification was given to the beaches of Kovalam in Tamil Nadu and Eden in Puducherry by the Foundation for Environment Education (FEE) in Denmark.
The foundation also given re-certification for 8 beaches that were awarded the Blue Flag certificate last year, namely Shivrajpur in Gujarat, Ghoghla in Diu, Kasarkod and Padubidri in Karnataka, Kappad in Kerala, Rushikonda in Andhra Pradesh, Golden in Odisha, and Radhanagar in Andaman and Nicobar.
These eight beaches got the Blue Flag certification on October 6, 2020.
The Environment, Forests & Climate Change Ministry in a statement said, “This is yet another recognition of India’s commitment to protect and conserve the pristine coastal and marine ecosystems through holistic management of the resources.”
Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav expressed happiness over the development and said it is another milestone in India’s journey towards a clean and green India led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“Happy to announce India now has 10 International Blue Flag beaches with the addition of Kovalam & Eden beaches this year and recertification for 8 beaches which got the tag in 2020. Another milestone in our journey towards a clean and green India led by PM Shri @NarendraModi Ji,” Yadav tweeted.
FEE Denmark conducts regular monitoring and audits for strict compliance with the 33 criteria at all times. A waving “Blue Flag” is an indication of 100 per cent compliance to these 33 stringent criteria which are environmental education and information, bathing water quality, environmental management and conservation and safety and services in the beaches and sound health of the beach.
The Blue Flag beach is an eco-tourism model endeavouring to provide the tourists/beachgoers clean and hygienic bathing water, facilities, a safe and healthy environment and sustainable development of the area.
Blue Flag beaches are considered the cleanest beaches in the world.
The recommendations made by an independent national jury comprises of eminent environmentalists and scientists.
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