Explained: What Is Blue Flag Certification That Has Been Awarded To Two Beaches In Lakshadweep

Indian beaches Minicoy Thundi and Kadmat, both in Lakshadweep, have been awarded the coveted international eco-label "Blue Flag." The country now has 12 beaches with the Blue Flag certification.

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Bhupender Yadav, Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change tweeted, ¡°Two more Indian beaches have made it to the list of Blue Beaches. Minicoy, Thundi Beach and Kadmat Beach - both in Lakshadweep - are the proud entrants in the coveted list of Blue Beaches, an eco-label given to the cleanest beaches in the world.¡±

PM Modi tweeted, ¡°This is great! Congratulations, particularly to the people of Lakshadweep, for this feat. India¡¯s coastline is remarkable and there is also a great amount of passion among our people to further coastal cleanliness.¡±

What is Blue Flag Certification?

The Blue Flag certification is a 33-criteria-based eco-label that has international recognition. These criteria are divided into four main categories: environmental education and information, bathing water quality, environmental management, conservation and beach safety services.

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Blue Flag beaches are regarded as the world's cleanest. It is an eco-tourism strategy that aims to provide tourists and beachgoers with facilities, safe and clean water, a healthy environment, and sustainable development of the area.

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the Danish non-governmental organisation Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) comprise the international jury.

Both beaches are heaven for tourists

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According to the PIB report, Minicoy Thundi Beach is one of the most beautiful and pristine beaches in the Lakshadweep archipelago, which has white sand and turquoise lagoon water. It is heaven for tourists and swimmers alike.

Kadmat Beach has pearl white sand, blue tidal pond waters, a moderate environment and friendly local people. Cruise tourists come to the island for water sports mostly.

Staff members are responsible for maintaining and cleaning the beaches and for the swimmers' security and safety. The 33 requirements set forth by the Foundation for Environment Education (FEE) are met by both beaches.

The other names on the list

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Shivrajpur in Gujarat, Ghoghla in Diu, Kasarkod and Padubidri in Karnataka, Kappad in Kerala, Rushikonda in Andhra Pradesh, Golden in Odisha, Radhanagar in Andaman and Nicobar, Kovalam in Tamil Nadu, and Eden in Puducherry are the other Indian beaches on the blue list.

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