Kappad beach in Kozhikode district is one of 8 Indian beaches that have been awarded the ‘Blue Flag’ certification by an international jury that comprises members from UNEP, UNWTO, FEE, and IUCN. The other beaches that have received the certification are Radhanagar (Andaman & Nicobar Islands), Kasarkod, and Padubidri (Karnataka), Rushikonda (Andhra Pradesh), Golden (Odisha), Ghoghla (Diu), and Shivrajpur (Gujarat).
Blue Flag certified beaches are considered to be the cleanest beaches in the world, and the certification is awarded after evaluating a number of factors such as environmental issues, safety measures, and sanitation standards.
The announcement was made by Union Minister of Environment, Forests and Climate Change Prakash Javadekar, who went on to say, “It is an outstanding feat considering that no ‘Blue Flag’ nation has ever been awarded for 8 beaches in a single attempt…this is also a global recognition of India’s conservation and sustainable development efforts”.
India did not have any Blue Flag certified beaches until now. The Indian Government had shortlisted Kappad beach in 2018, along with 12 other beaches for the Blue Flag certification. The Environment Ministry had asked for specific facilities to be developed for the beach to be eligible for certification. This included drinking water kiosks, changing rooms, container-based toilet blocks, off-grid solar PV panels, portable bamboo seating benches, sit-out umbrellas, watchtowers, and beach information hoardings.
On the eve of International Coastal Cleanup Day this year, a flag hoisting ceremony was conducted at the beach to declare the completion of all the major infrastructure and safety arrangement works. The region had been eagerly awaiting for the formal announcement from the international jury since.
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Feature courtesy: Kerala Tourism
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