India’s efforts to make a clean and green country get another international recognition on Tuesday, 21st September. Eden and Kovalam from Puducherry and Tamil Nadu are two new Blue Flag beaches recognized for their sustainable and environment-friendly management.
Sharing the news on social media, Union Minister Bhupender Yadav said “Another milestone in our journey towards clean and green India led by PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji.”
Happy to announce India now has 10 International Blue Flag beaches with the addition of Kovalam & Eden beaches this year and recertification for 8 beaches which got the tag in 2020. Another milestone in our journey towards a clean and green India led by PM Shri @NarendraModi Ji. pic.twitter.com/UzocIJhyzD
— Bhupender Yadav (@byadavbjp) September 21, 2021
Earlier, 8 beaches had received the tag in a single attempt making India the first nation to do so and the new inclusion takes the tally to 10. Here’s the full list of those Indian beaches and how did they achieve the Blue tag.
What Is Blue Flag Certification?
via:marinereservation
A non-profit organization of Denmark- Foundation for Environment Education(FEE)– audits the beaches across the world in terms of tourist safety, environmental education, and management. The main aim of FEE is to promote sustainable management, reduce water pollution, and conserve the coastal ecosystems of beach and marine areas.
Only member countries are audited annually for the Blue Flag certificate. It also monitors the cleanliness standards, hygiene, and safety regulations followed by the beachgoers.
Also Read: Zee And Sony Announce Merger To Form Biggest Network In India
How Did India Achieve The Blue Flag Certificate?
via:WWF
To achieve all the 33 criteria listed for this tag; India is working on factors such as water quality, cleanliness, environment-friendly beach activities, and more. So far, the Ministry of Environment has succeeded in achieving the following results:
1. Saving more than 1000 ML water per year
2. Monitoring and testing of water quality at the beaches
3. Educating more than one lakh beachgoers
4. In the last 3 years around 85 percent of marine litter and 78 percent of plastic waste is reduced
5. Increasing livelihood opportunities for the people involved in water-based business to reduce pollution and preserve the ecosystem
6. The standard of cleanliness leveled up from C level to A ++ as per the PIB report.
7. Around 750 tonnes of marine litter is disposed of responsibly
Also Read: Best Beaches Around The World You Must See
List of Indian Beaches With Blue Flag Certification
via:indiatvnews
1. Kovalam, Tamil Nadu ( Recently added)
2. Eden, Puducherry ( Recently added)
3. Shivrajpur Beach, Gujarat
4. Rushikonda Beach, Andhra Pradesh
5. Raadhanagar Beach, Andaman, and Nicobar
6. Golden Beach, Odisha
7. Kappad Beach, Kerala
8. Kasarkod, Karnataka
9. Padubidri, Karnataka
10. Ghoghla, Diu
The Ministry of Environment aims to take this count to 100 within 5 years under its Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plan.
Talking about other countries in the list, Spain tops in the list with 578 beaches, Turkey stands second with 436 followed by Italy and France with 300 beaches.