• Two more beaches in India gave been accorded the ‘Blue Flag’ certification, taking the total number of such beaches in the country to 10.
• Foundation for Environment Education (FEE) in Denmark awarded the certification to Kovalam in Tamil Nadu and Eden in Puducherry beaches.
• Last year, 8 beaches that were awarded the Blue Flag certificate namely 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.

Blue Flag

• Blue Flag is a voluntary eco-labels awarded to beaches, marinas, and sustainable boating tourism operators.
• The coveted International eco-label “Blue Flag" is accorded by International Jury comprising of members from IUCN, UNWTO ,UNEP, UNESCO etc.
• In order to qualify for the Blue Flag, a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility criteria must be met and maintained.

Foundation for Environment Education (FEE), Denmark conduct regular monitoring and 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," the ministry said.