Two more Indian beaches get coveted 'Blue Flag' tag

New Delhi, Sep 22: Two more beaches in India have been awarded 'Blue Flag' certification, an international eco-level tag, taking the total number of such beaches in the country to 10. Blue Flag Certification tag has been accorded to Kovalam in Tamil Nadu and Eden in Puducherry beaches. Foundation for Environment Education in Denmark (FEE) which accords the globally recognized eco-label - Blue Flag certification, has also given re-certification for 8 nominated beaches Shivrajpur-Gujarat, Ghoghla-Diu, Kasarkod and Padubidri-Karnataka, Kappad-Kerala, Rushikonda- Andhra Pradesh, Golden-Odisha and Radhanagar- Andaman and Nicobar, which were awarded the Blue Flag certificate last year. Announcing the same in a Twitter message, Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav expressed happiness and congratulated everyone stating that it is another milestone in India's journey towards a clean and green India led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in its pursuit of “Sustainable Development” of the coastal regions of India  embarked upon a highly acclaimed & flagship program Beach Environment & Aesthetics Management Services (BEAMS) which is one of the initiatives under ICZM approach  that the MoEF&CC has undertaken for the sustainable development of coastal  regions of India,  with a  prime objective  to protect and conserve the pristine coastal and marine ecosystems through  holistic management of the resources. This was aimed for achieving the globally recognized and the coveted International eco-label "Blue Flag”, accorded by International Jury comprising of members from IUCN, UNWTO, UNEP, UNESCO etc. FEE Denmark conduct regular monitoring & audits for strict compliance of the 33 criteria at all times. A waving “Blue Flag” is an indication of 100% compliance to these 33 stringent criteria and sound health of the beach.