Rushikonda Beach Regained Blue Flag Certification

Rushikonda Beach at Visakhapatnam recovered its Blue Flag certification when the beach lost its prestige following compliance problems. The Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) Denmark awards the certification to beaches that comply with both strict environment and safety requirements. The beach obtained its certification back since proper measures were applied to resolve compliance-related issues.

About Removal of Blue Flag:

Organisation Responsible:

• The global administration of Blue Flag certification belongs to Foundation for Environmental Education which operates out of Denmark.

Procedure for Removal of Blue Flag:

• The FEE-designated National Operator from each country conducts routine and unannounced control inspections of all Blue Flag beaches.

• In India, Blue Flag India under the Society of Integrated Coastal Management (SICOM) acts as the National Operator.

• National Operators implement control visits for evaluating the compliance of beaches with 33 environmental and safety criteria.

• The observations together with recommendations are delivered to local authorities.

• The local authorities will execute temporary withdrawal procedures when issues remain unresolved during a ten-day timeframe.

• To confirm compliance new audits must be conducted before the restoration of the flag.

Conditions for Removal:

• A minor breach of requirements involves one single problem unrelated to safety and health that requires repair within ten days.

• The facility faces a temporary withdrawal when it has two or three minor issues that need resolution.

• The presence of severe issues affecting visitor protection along with environmental preservation requires immediate removal plus a year-long certification loss.

• Climatic or unforeseen emergencies along with unforeseen circumstances cause temporary suspension of the certification.

About Rushikonda Beach

Location: Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.

Features:

• One of the only coastal frontages in Andhra Pradesh to gain Blue Flag status beginning in 2020.

• Rushikonda Beach attracts many visitors due to its golden shoreline that meets pristine blue ocean waters.

About Blue Flag Certification:

• The international eco-label originates from the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) in Denmark.

• The Blue Flag programme launched in France during 1985 then expanded its operations to worldwide regions in 2001.

• This award represents the most widely recognized voluntary standard that certifies beaches and marinas and sustainable tourism boats worldwide.

• Through four main criteria the certification system supports long-term environmental development in freshwater and marine environments.

  • Water Quality

  • Environmental Management

  • Environmental Education

  • Safety

• The Blue Flag organization works to advance sustainability across the tourism industry by implementing environmental teaching and protecting the environment alongside sustainable development methods.

Other Blue Flag Beaches in India:

1. Shivrajpur Beach (Gujarat)

2. Ghoghla Beach (Diu)

3. Kasarkod Beach (Karnataka)

4. Padubidri Beach (Karnataka)

5. Kappad Beach (Kerala)

6. Rushikonda Beach (Andhra Pradesh)

7. Golden Beach (Odisha)

8. Radhanagar Beach (Andaman and Nicobar Islands)

9. Kovalam Beach (Tamil Nadu)

10. Eden Beach (Puducherry)

11. Minicoy Thundi Beach (Lakshadweep)

12. Kadmat Beach (Lakshadweep)

Conclusion

Blue Flag certification at Rushikonda Beach demonstrates India's dedication to environmentally oriented development alongside sustainable travel activities. The Blue Flag certification both advances Indian beaches toward international recognition and stimulates tourism that respects the environment. The Blue Flag status requires permanent adherence to environmental and safety standards to retain this exemplary recognition.