International 'Blue Flag' Certification For 8 Indian Beaches; Check Fascinating Facts About These Beaches

The Blue Flag certification is a globally recognised eco-label and accorded by Foundation for Environment Education (FEE), Denmark

Puri: An artist gives finishing touch to a sand sculpture after Puri's Golden Beach was awarded Blue Flag certificate, at Golden Beach in Puri, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020. (PTI Photo)(PTI11-10-2020_000148B)

New Delhi: On the environmental front, India has recorded a feat as eight beaches spread across five states and two union territories received the 'Blue Flag' certification. In the process, India has clinched the third prize by the jury under the "International Best Practices" for pollution control in coastal regions, as per the environment ministry. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was elated also tweeted about the feat describing the Blue Flag certification for eight beaches as a 'wonderful feat'. Modi added that it showcases the importance India attaches to protecting such spots and furthering sustainable development.

Meanwhile Union Minister Prakash Javadekar also took to the microblogging site and stressed on the India’s effort towards conservation and sustainable development.

"India is also the first country in "Asia-Pacific" region which has achieved this feat in just about 2 years' time," said the minister in a tweet.

Here are fascinating facts about the beaches being recognised with the prestigious international 'Blue Flag' certification. 1) Shivrajpur beach in Dwarka, Gujarat - Located at 12 km from Dwarka, Shivrajpur Beach is a beautiful beach with clear water and white sand. 2) Ghoghla beach in Diu - Golden sand beach in the village of Ghoghla is Diu’s largest beach famous for its splendid view.

3) Kasarkod Beach in Karnataka - The white sand beach, also known as Eco beach, has been developed as an eco-friendly picnic spot.

4) Kappad Beach - Locally known as Kappakadavu is a beach in the district of Kozhikode in Kerala. It is said that Vasco da Gama landed here at this beach in 1498.

5) Rushikonda Beach, Andhra Pradesh - Famous for its golden sands, this beach, situated at around 8 km from Vizag city, is also a spot for water sports.

6) Padubidri Beach, Karnataka - Developed as a model site, Udupi's Padubidri Beach is one of the most beautiful and cleanest beaches in Karnataka.

7) Radhanagar Beach, Andaman & Nicobar Islands - Recognised as the best beach in Asia and 7th best beach in the world by Time Magazine in 2004, Radhanagar beach's view is a sight to behold.   

8) Golden Beach, Odisha - Also known as the Puri Beach, this incredibly beautiful golden sand beach is famous for the works of sand artist Sudarshan Pattnaik. The beach is also popular with pilgrims who come to Lord Jagannath temple located nearby.

What is 'Blue Flag' certification? The Blue Flag certification is a globally recognised eco-label. This certification is accorded by Foundation for Environment Education (FEE), Denmark. Those beaches, marinas, or sustainable boating tourism operators are awarded the certification once they meet FEE's standards on the environment. Only those environmental bodies are awarded Blue Flag that meet a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility criteria. There are almost 33 criteria that have to be met to qualify for the certification. It cpmes under four major heads-i)environmental education and information, (ii) bathing water quality, (iii) environment management and conservation, and (iv) safety and services at the beaches. So fat, India remained the only country to receive the Blue Flag certification in two years' time. Japan, South Korea and UAE are the only other Asian nations that have been conferred with a couple of Blue Flag beaches in a time frame of about five to six years. Now, India is aiming to enter in the league of 50 'Blue Flag' countries. It also aims to achieve Blue Flag certification for 100 such beaches.