In a first, 8 Indian beaches recommended for globally recognized Blue Flag eco-label

New Delhi, September 18: On the eve of International Coastal Clean-Up Day, for the first time 8 Indian beaches have been recommended for the coveted ‘Blue Flag’ international eco-label, Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) Prakash Javadekar said.

 

Javadekar who couldn’t attend the event due to the ongoing parliament session said through a video message said, the government is committed to clean the beaches across the country as they are testimony to the environment in the coastal areas adding that clean beaches are a testimony to the good environment in coastal areas and India’s many beaches are among the best in the world. ‘International Coastal Clean-Up Day’ celebrated across 100 countries since 1986.

 

The eight beaches - Shivrajpur in Gujarat, Ghoghla in Daman&Diu, Kasarkod, and Padubidri beach in Karnataka, Kappad in Kerala, Rushikonda in Andhra Pradesh, Golden beach of Odisha, and Radhanagar beach in Andaman and Nicobar - were recommended an independent national jury composed of eminent environmentalists and scientists.

 

The flag hoisting program was conducted simultaneously at these 8 beaches virtually from MOEFCC and physically at the beaches by respective States/UTs through its MLAs and/or Chairman of Beach Management Committees (BMCs). He said, the issue of marine litter and oil spilling has caused disturbances to the aquatic life and the Government of India is undertaking various efforts for the sustainable development of coastal regions.

 

Javadekar also announced India’s eco-label ‘Beach Environment and Aesthetics Management Services’ (BEAMS) under its Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) project. With a view to protect and conserve the coastal and marine ecosystems and the environment through holistic coastal management, the Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change launched the Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) activities in India. It was for a holistic approach with an interactive, dynamic, multidisciplinary, and iterative planning process to promote sustainable development & management of coastal zones through its own wing SICOM.

 

 

Speaking on the occasion, Union Environment Secretary,  R.P. Gupta said that high standards are being maintained to clean the beaches to keep the environment safe and in the next four to five years 100 more beaches will be cleaned.

 

During the conference, World Bank’s country director Zunaid Khan applauded India’s efforts towards cleaning up its beaches saying that India with its strategies for sustainable coastal zone management shall act as a lighthouse for other countries in the region.

 

Blue Flag certification is a globally recognized eco-label accorded by an international agency ‘Foundation for Environment Education, Denmark’ based on 33 stringent criteria in four major heads–environmental education and information, bathing water quality, environmental management, and conservation and safety and services in the beaches. The ‘Blue Flag’ beach is an eco-tourism model endeavoring to provide the tourists/beachgoers clean and hygienic bathing water, facilities/amenities, a safe and healthy environment, and sustainable development of the area.