In a first, eight beaches spread across five states and two union territories in India have been awarded the international ‘Blue Flag’ certification.
The beaches are: Shivrajpur (Dwarka-Gujarat), Ghoghla (Diu), Kasarkod and Padubidri (Karnataka), Kappad (Kerala), Rushikonda (Andhra Pradesh), Golden (Puri-Odisha) and Radhanagar (Andaman and Nicobar Islands).
Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar broke the news on Twitter, “An outstanding feat, as no #BLUEFLAG nation has ever been awarded for 8 beaches in a single attempt (sic).”
He added, “Proud moment for India; all 8 recommended by government gets coveted International #Blueflag Certification (sic).”
Operated by Foundation for Environmental Education, Denmark, Blue Flag is a voluntary award for beaches, marinas and sustainable boating tourism operators which is awarded to those that meet and maintain the criterias of a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety and accessibility. A statement released by Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change revealed that India has also been awarded a third prize by the International Jury under the “International Best Practices” for pollution control in coastal regions.
