Rushikonda Beach Regains Blue Flag Certification
- vidyarthee2021
- Mar 26
- 2 min read
Rushikonda Beach in Visakhapatnam has once again received the prestigious Blue Flag certification, which was previously withdrawn due to maintenance issues. This recognition highlights India’s efforts toward sustainable coastal management and eco-tourism. Rushikonda is the only Blue Flag beach in Andhra Pradesh and one of the 13 Blue Flag beaches in India.
What is the Blue Flag Certification?
The Blue Flag tag is an international eco-label awarded to beaches, marinas, and sustainable tourism boats that meet high environmental, safety, and accessibility standards.
Awarding Body: Foundation for Environment Education (FEE), Denmark
Purpose: Encourages sustainable tourism and ensures coastal cleanliness.
Significance: Recognized globally as a symbol of clean and well-managed beaches.
Eligibility Criteria for Blue Flag Certification
Beaches must comply with stringent environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility standards set by FEE. Some key parameters include:
Environmental Quality: Waste management, water quality, biodiversity protection.
Safety Measures: Lifeguards, emergency services, proper signage.
Accessibility: Facilities for differently-abled visitors.
Education & Awareness: Eco-tourism initiatives, public awareness programs.
India’s Blue Flag Beaches
India currently has 13 Blue Flag-certified beaches, including:
Shivrajpur Beach (Gujarat)
Golden Beach (Odisha)
Kasarkod Beach (Karnataka)
Kappad Beach (Kerala)
Marina Beach (Tamil Nadu) (Pending certification)
The Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEF&CC), in partnership with the Society of Integrated Coastal Management (SICOM), oversees Blue Flag initiatives in India under the BEAMS (Beach Environment & Aesthetic Management Services) program.
Significance of the Blue Flag Tag
Boosts Tourism: Attracts both domestic and international visitors.
Improves Environmental Conservation: Encourages eco-friendly practices.
Enhances Coastal Economy: Supports local livelihoods through sustainable tourism.
Encourages Policy Initiatives: Helps India align with global sustainability standards.
However, challenges like coastal pollution, waste management, and over-tourism continue to threaten India’s efforts to expand its Blue Flag network.
UPSC Prelims Question
Which of the following statements about the Blue Flag Certification is correct?
It is awarded by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
It is given only to beaches that maintain high water quality.
Rushikonda Beach in Andhra Pradesh is among India's 13 Blue Flag-certified beaches.
Select the correct answer:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
UPSC Mains Question
Q. The Blue Flag certification is a recognition of India's efforts in sustainable tourism and coastal management. Discuss the significance of this certification and the challenges India faces in expanding its Blue Flag network.
(GS Paper 3 – Environment & Ecology)
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