Report by Shuchi Giridhar
Kovalam, Pondicherry, Sep 24: Two more beaches in India have been awarded the coveted “Blue
Flag” tag, taking the total count to 10, as confirmed by the Environment Ministry. The eight other
beaches were certified on October 6, 2020 and have been re-certified this year. Kovalam Beach
and Pondicherry’s Eden Beach in Tamil Nadu are the 2 new blue flag beaches.
What all beaches in India have received this certification?
What is a Blue Flag tag?
The “Blue Flag” tag is a globally recognized certification awarded by the Foundation of Environment
Education located in Denmark. It is also awarded to marinas and boating tourism operators. To be
awarded the blue flag label, a beach needs to meet 33 quality standards that include water quality,
safety, environmental education & management. Spain is the only country that has maintained the
record for highest number of blue flag beaches till date.
What are the initiatives taken by the Indian government to earn this certification?
The biggest initiative taken to preserve the coastal regions of India is the Beach Environment & esthetics Management Services (BEAMS) flagship program that started in 1992. The program was adopted by India in the year 2018 when the
government strengthened efforts around sustainable development of Indian coastal regions.