India can add another feather to its environmental cap by marking 12 beaches with the renowned Blue Flag certification announced by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Denmark. This international recognition underlines India’s commitment to pristine, sustainable coastal destinations that meet some of the strictest global standards.
Blue Flag certification, which attests to compliance in 50 countries with 33 criteria, strongly emphasizes water quality, waste management, awareness programs for sustainable tourism, and biodiversity protection measures. The decisiveness represented by these specifications ensures that certified beaches deliver a great experience while serving marine ecosystems dynamically.
The certified beaches on India’s coast are Shivrajpur (Gujarat), Ghoghla (Diu), Kasarkod and Padubidri (Karnataka), Kappad (Kerala), Rushikonda (Andhra Pradesh), Golden Beach (Odisha), Radhanagar (Andaman and Nicobar Islands), Kovalam (Tamil Nadu), Eden Beach (Puducherry), and two beaches in Lakshadweep – Minicoy Thundi and Kadmat Beach. Each of these serves as an example of sustainable tourism development.
The credit for the Blue Flag Award goes to the synergistic effort of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and the Society of Integrated Coastal Management (SICOM) under the Beach Environmental and Aesthetics Management Services (BEAMS) program. This program includes measures such as the formation of plastic-free zones, development of sustainable infrastructure, and initiation of public awareness programs focused on maintaining the pristine condition of these beaches.
Besides creating conservation awareness, Blue Flag certification amplifies potential opportunities for tourism in India. The eco-label would attract traveling beachgoers from around the world conscious of the environment and create revenue possibilities for local communities in coastal regions beside generating new jobs. It is proof of how tourism can coexist with environmental conservation. More than just clean beaches, this recognition represents India’s broader commitment towards sustainable environmental management and responsible tourism practices. With continued coastal management programs, waste reduction initiatives, and biodiversity protection measures, India is taking its steps towards establishing itself as a global.