Key Points:
- India’s 8 beaches received ‘Blue Flag’ certification.
- The certification serves as an ‘ECO-LABEL’ to the beaches.
- Kappad (Kerala), Shivrajpur (Gujarat), Ghoghla (Diu), Kasarkod and Padubidri (Karnataka), Rushikonda (Andhra Pradesh), Golden (Odisha) and Radhanagar (Andaman & Nicobar Islands) are the eight beaches with the certification.
- It is awarded by the Denmark-based non-profit Foundation for Environmental Education.
- Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar termed the certification as a “Proud Moment”.
- Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) of the beaches have been allowed infrastructure according to the ‘Blue Flag’ requirements.
India received the prestigious ‘Blue Flag’ certification for all the eight beaches recommended by the nation, said the Environment Ministry. India in Sunday received the prestigious ‘Blue Flag’ certification for all its eight beaches that it recommended, the environment ministry said.
8 of India’s serene beaches get the prestigious Blue Flag Certification. This showcases the importance India attaches to protecting such spots and furthering sustainable development.
Truly a wonderful feat! https://t.co/dy02H7AyaD
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 11, 2020
Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar termed the certification as a “Proud Moment” and said that this is a Global recognition of India’s conservation and sustainable growth efforts.
Proud moment for India; all 8 beaches recommended by government gets coveted International #Blueflag Certification.@narendramodi pic.twitter.com/j38BTnibl0
— Prakash Javadekar (@PrakashJavdekar) October 11, 2020
The ‘Blue Flag’ is a certification that can be obtained by a beach, marina, or sustainable boating tourism operator, and serves as an eco-label. The certification is awarded by the Denmark-based non-profit Foundation for Environmental Education, which sets stringent environmental, educational, safety-related and access-related criteria that applicants must meet and maintain. It is awarded annually to beaches and marinas in Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) member countries.
The eight beaches that has received the prestigious honour include:
- Kappad (Kerala),
- Shivrajpur (Gujarat),
- Ghoghla (Diu),
- Kasarkod (Karnataka),
- Padubidri (Karnataka),
- Rushikonda (Andhra Pradesh),
- Golden (Odisha)
- Radhanagar (Andaman & Nicobar Islands).
India also received the third prize under “International Best Practices” for Control of Pollution in Coastal Regions.
Infrastructure creation will be permitted by the Environment Ministry in the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) areas of the beaches.
Activities permitted in CRZ zones:
A) Portable toilet blocks, change rooms and shower panels, Cloak room facility;
B) Grey water treatment plant;
C) Solar power plant and Solid waste management plant;
D) Purified drinking water facility and First aid station;
E) Landscaping lighting;
F) Seating benches and sit-out umbrellas;
G) Outdoor play / fitness equipment;
H) CCTV surveillance and control room, Safety watch towers and beach safety equipment.
Other associated facilities or infrastructure, as per requirements of Blue Flag Certification.
