New Delhi: The Union Environment Ministry informed that eight beaches of India have been awarded the distinguished 'Blue Flag' certification. One of the most recognised awards for beaches, marinas, and boats, Blue Flag is awarded only when the nominees qualify a series of 33 stringent criteria under the major heads -- environmental education and information, safety and services at the beaches, bathing water quality, and environmental management and conservation.
The eight beaches are spread over five Indian states and two Union Territories. They are Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Diu, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Calling it a "proud moment" for India, Prakash Javadekar, the Minister of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change said that this is a global recognition for India's efforts in conservation and sustainable development.
The certification is awarded by the "Foundation for Environment Education, Denmark." The international certification is awarded by an international jury of eminent members of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Denmark-based NGO Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).
The Blue Flag beaches are Shivrajpur in Gujarat, Ghoghla in Diu, Kasarkod and Padubidri in Karnataka, Kappad in Kerala, Rushikonda in Andhra Pradesh, Golden in Odisha, and Radhanagar in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
India is the first country in the Asia-Pacific region to achieve this in just about 2 years' time. Other countries like Japan, South Korea, and the UAE have been conferred with Blue Flag beaches, but in a time frame of about five to six years.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called this "a truly wonderful feat," saying that this shows the importance the country attaches to protect such spots, furthering sustainable development.