India get “BLUE FLAG’ tag for eight of its beaches

India get “BLUE FLAG’ tag for eight of its beaches by International Jury comprising of eminent members from UNEP, UNWTO, FEE and IUCN.

With this India becomes the first country in the Asia-Pacific region which has achieved this feat in just two years time, claimed Union Forest and Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar. Earlier Japan, South Korea and UAE are the only other Asian nations who have been conferred with a couple of Blue Flag beaches, however, they took five to six years in achieving this target.

“India is now in the league of 50 "BLUE FLAG” countries and we take pride in this honour to our Nation, planning to take this journey forward to 100 such beaches in the country in the next five years,” Forest Minister said.

The Blue Flag is a certification by the Foundation for Environment Education (FEE) certifying that a beach, marina, or sustainable boating tourism operators meet its standards The Blue lag is a trademark of FEE, which is a non-profit Non-Government Organization. FEE consists of 65 organizations from its 60 member countries.

Standards in “BLUE FLAG” include quality, safety, environmental education and information. It also has the provision of services and general environmental management. The Blue Flag is sought for beaches, marinas, and sustainable boating tourism operators as an indication of their high environmental and quality standards.

Forest and Environment Ministry claims that 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” .

The beaches that have been awarded the ‘BLUE FLAG” are Shivrajpur (Dwarka-Gujarat), Ghoghla (Diu), Kasarkod and Padubidri (Karnataka), Kappad (Kerala), Rushikonda (AP), Golden (Puri-Odisha) and Radhanagar (A&N Islands).

India has also been awarded a 3rd Prize by the International Jury under the “International Best Practices” for pollution control in coastal regions.

“It is an outstanding feat considering that no 'BLUE FLAG' nation has ever been awarded for 8 beaches in a single attempt,” Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Prakash Javadekar said in a tweet message adding “this is also a global recognition of India’s conservation and sustainable development efforts”.

India began its humble journey in 2018 for development of pilot beaches (one each in   coastal states/UTs) and presented the first set of 08 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 “BEAMS” (Beach Environment & Aesthetics Management Services) under its ICZM (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 a 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.

1)     Shivrajpur (Dwarka-Gujarat):

Sivrajpur Beach is located near Dwarka and offers a picturesque view to the tourists. The cool blue waters, white sand and the stunning skies offer complete relaxation to the fatigued tourists. The beach is not very commercialized also, which makes it an ideal destination for families. If you are lucky, you can also spot dolphins and some beautiful birds. For making it an ideal tourist destination, the beach management has introduced water sports, food and shopping areas for the visitors. While making the itinerary this spot should not be missed.

2)     Ghoghla (Diu)

Ghoghla Beach is located at about 15 km from the main town area of Diu. The beach is extremely clean and also one of the less explored beaches of Diu. The beach is located at the Diu-Gujarat border and the sandy beach itself spans across both Diu as well as Gujarat.

The sandy beach is one of the largest, gentlest and the most spectacular beaches in the district of Diu. The golden sands appear to heave up and down to a point in the horizon where the waves of the Arabian Sea keep lapping constantly creating a hypnotic scene. The beach is an ideal destination for thrilling activities like swimming, parasailing, surfing and other exciting water sports. Those who are averse to aquatic sports can laze or loll over its soft and soothing sands. It is an ideal retreat for the lovers of solitude, peace and tranquillity in the lap of nature. It offers spectacular views of the fishing villages, churches and forts of Diu scattered around it. It also hosts a tourist complex that provides delicious food, comfortable accommodation and other amenities for those who wish to spend more time here.

3)     Kasarkod and Padubidri (Karnataka)

These two beaches of Karnataka is a less populated and clean beach. People here are very friendly and these are very cost-effective beaches from Karnataka, which provides peace and relaxing atmosphere to tourists.

4)     Kappad (Kerala)

Kappad, or Kappakadavu locally, is a beach near Koyilandy in the district Kozhikode, Kerala. A stone monument installed by government commemorates the "landing" by Vasco da Gama with the inscription, 'Vasco da Gama landed here, Kappakadavu, in the year 1498'. It is a historical beach as Portugal sailor landed here during his voyage to search sea route to India from Europe.

 

5)     Rushikonda (AP)

Rushikonda beach is widely known for its golden sands and tidy waves of Bay of Bengal. Surrounded by green plants, Rushikonda beach looks picture-perfect attracting nature lovers in huge numbers. With its vast stretch of waters, Rushikonda beach is the perfect place to enjoy water sports like swimming, water skiing and windsurfing.

 

6)     Golden (Puri-Odisha)

Puri Beach or the Golden beach is a beach in the city of Puri in the state of Odisha. It is on the shore of the Bay of Bengal and is known for being a tourist attraction and a Hindu sacred place.

 

7)     Radhanagar (A&N Islands)

Counted among the most beautiful beaches of Asia, Radhanagar Beach or Beach No. 7 is an incredibly astounding beach located on the gorgeous Andaman Island. The turquoise blue sea and white sand make this beach a perfect spot to bask in the midst of nature's bounty. Radhanagar Beach is positioned just 7 kilometres away from Vijaynagar Beach and Dolphin Yatri Niwas and about 12 kms from Havelock Island. The lush and verdant trees on the side of the beach offer tourists the opportunity to unwind and relish the serenity and nature's charm. The breathtaking sight of sunset on this beach makes the tourists forget all the woes of life.

 

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