Blue Flag beaches

• The Tamil Nadu government has decided to commence works on identifying beaches across the State’s coastline to vie for Blue Flag status, which could get their names enlisted among tourist hotspots and attract more travellers.
• At present, Kovalam Beach, is the only site in the State and one of the 12 places in the country, to claim Blue Flag status.
• Other 11 include-
  • Golden Beach – Odisha
  • Shivrajpur Beach – Gujarat
  • Kappad Beach – Kerala
  • Ghoghla Beach – Diu
  • Radhanagar Beach – Andaman and Nicobar
  • Kasarkod Beach – Karnataka
  • Padubidri Beach – Karnataka
  • Rushikonda Beach – Andhra Pradesh
  • Eden Beach – Puducherry
  • Minicoy Thundi Beach – Lakshwadeep
  • Kadmat Beach – Lakshadweep

ABOUT BLUE FLAG CERTIFICATION

• The Foundation for Environment Education in Denmark accords the Blue Flag certification.
• The Blue Flag Programme was initially initiated in France in 1985, aiming to recognize environmentally responsible beaches.
• It has been implemented outside Europe since 2001.
• It is aimed at promoting sustainable development in freshwater and marine sectors.
• It encourages local authorities and beach operators to achieve high standards in the four categories – water quality, environmental management, environmental education and safety.