It is a proud moment for India as 8 beaches of India, spread across five states and two union territories, have been awarded the “BLUE FLAG” by an International Jury comprising of UNEP, UNWTO, FEE, IUCN.
Blue flag refers to a eco-tag given to beaches which are cleanest among the world and are certified based on 33 criterias.
Beaches awarded the ‘BLUE FLAG” include
- Shivrajpur from Dwarka, Gujarat
- Ghoghla from Diu
- Kasarkod and Padubidri from Karnataka
- Kappad from Kerala
- Rushikonda from Andhra Pradesh
- Golden from Puri, Odisha
- Radhanagar from Andaman & Nicobar Islands
It is also important to note that India is the first country to be awarded 8 Blue Flag tags in a single attempt. India was also receieved 3rd Prize by the jury for “International Best Practices” for pollution control in coastal regions.
The #Blueflag certification accorded to India's 8 beaches by an international jury comprising of @IUCN , @UNWTO , @UNEP etc. is also a global recognition of India’s conservation and sustainable development efforts.
— Prakash Javadekar (@PrakashJavdekar) October 11, 2020
Details :https://t.co/I8uK2qIODl pic.twitter.com/YeaY2Ug8uM
Japan, South Korea and UAE are the only other Asian nations who have been conferred with multiple Blue Flag beaches, however it took them 5 to 6 years of time to bag the achievement.
India is now in the league of 50 “BLUE FLAG” countries and is planning to ensure 100 beaches in the country earn the title in the next five years.
India journey began in 2018 for development of pilot beaches, choosing one each in coastal states or Union Territory and presented the first set of 8 beaches for the certification for the ensuing tourist season 2020.
SICOM, MoEFCC, in its pursuit of “Sustainable Development” of the coastal regions of India embarked upon a highly acclaimed & flagship program Beach Environment & Aesthetics Management Services under its Integrated Coastal Zone Management project.
This was aimed at striving for the coveted International eco-label “Blue flag”, accorded by The Foundation of Environment Education, FEE Denmark.
The objective of the BEAMS program is to abate pollution in coastal waters & beaches, promote sustainable development of beach amenities/ facilities, protect & conserve coastal ecosystems & natural resources and encourage local authorities & stakeholders to strive and maintain high standards of cleanliness, hygiene, safety and security for beachgoers in accordance with coastal environment norms & regulations.
This program promotes beach tourism and recreation in absolute harmony with nature; and is unique in that sense.