India becomes the first country to get Blue Flag for 8 beaches at a single strike. Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Prakash Javadekar has recommended eight beaches for Blue Flag certification. Ministry announced that eight beaches in India were certified with ‘Blue Flag’ certification by an NGO the Foundation of Environmental Education. From July 2019, government is taking all necessary steps to meet the criteria in 12 identified beaches. Two beaches from Karnataka have been given Blue Flag Certification.

The Kasarkod and Padubidri beaches in Karnataka were the two among them. The udupi district administration is working hardly to get Blue Flag certification. The certification will encourage tourism, attracting tourists from foreign countries. Udupi Deputy Commissioner C G Jagadish said the district administration has given a proposal of Rs 5.98 crore to the State Government to improve amenities at the beach further. So far INR 8 crore has been spend by the district tourism department, released by the Union Government, and Rs 2.68 crore released from the State Government, for amenity creation at the beach. Chandrashekar, Assistant Director of the Tourism Department in Udupi told several amenities will be provided for the benefit of tourists at Padubidri beach while environmental conservation will be given top priority. 

The Shivrajpur Beach in Dwarka, Gujarat; the Ghoghla Beach in Diu; the Kasarkod and Padubidri beaches in Karnataka; the Kappad Beach in Kerala; the Rushikonda Beach in Andhra Pradesh; the Golden Beach in Odisha and the Radhanagar Beach in Andaman and Nicobar Islands are now 'Blue Flag' certified. The Minister has quoted it as a proud and outstanding moment for India. The Blue-Flag certification is given by the NGO, the FEE, Denmark. This is certified to all beaches, marina or sustainable tourism operator on the basis of the amenities available, cleanliness, safety, drinking water facilities, pollution-free atmosphere, and renewable energy generation that meets 33 criteria comprising environmental, educational, safety and accessibility criteria’s set by the FEE. FEE has members across 77 countries. India has also bagged 3rd prize under ‘Understanding Best Practices’ by the Jury.  

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