India Expands Blue Flag Beaches List: Kovalam and Eden Join Elite Clean Beach Network

India has received another recognition for its commitment to protecting and conserving pristine coastal and marine ecosystems through holistic resource management. The globally-recognized and coveted International eco-label “Blue Flag” has awarded certification to two new beaches this year. These beaches are Kovalam in Tamil Nadu and Eden in Puducherry.

The Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Denmark, which awards the globally recognized Blue Flag eco-label, has re-certified eight Indian beaches for maintaining high standards of environmental and sustainability practices.

The re-certified Blue Flag beaches in India include:

• Shivrajpur, Gujarat
• Ghoghla, Diu
• Kasarkod and Padubidri, Karnataka
• Kappad, Kerala
• Rushikonda, Andhra Pradesh
• Golden Beach, Odisha
• Radhanagar Beach, Andaman and Nicobar Islands

These beaches were originally awarded the prestigious Blue Flag certification last year for meeting strict international standards in cleanliness, safety, environmental management, and sustainable tourism.

India’s Progress Towards Clean and Green Beaches

The Blue Flag certification is one of the world’s most sought-after eco-labels, awarded only to beaches that maintain exceptional environmental and sustainability benchmarks.

Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav announced the re-certification in a social media message, expressing satisfaction over India’s continued progress in coastal conservation.

He highlighted that this achievement marks another milestone in India’s journey towards a Clean and Green India, aligned with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Strengthening Coastal Ecosystems Through Sustainable Tourism

India’s participation in the Blue Flag programme reflects its growing commitment to:

• Protecting marine biodiversity
• Promoting eco-friendly tourism
• Enhancing coastal cleanliness and safety
• Encouraging sustainable beach management

With more beaches meeting international environmental standards, India continues to strengthen its position in global coastal conservation efforts.

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has launched the Beach Environment & Aesthetics Management Services (BEAMS) programme as part of its broader Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) approach to promote sustainable coastal development in India.

This flagship initiative aims to protect and conserve India’s fragile coastal and marine ecosystems through holistic resource management and improved environmental governance.

Supporting India’s Blue Flag Beach Certification Programme

The BEAMS programme directly supports India’s pursuit of the globally recognized “Blue Flag” eco-label, awarded by an international jury comprising representatives from organisations such as:

• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
• United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)
• United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
• United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
• Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Denmark

Blue Flag certification is granted only when beaches comply with 33 strict environmental, safety, and sustainability criteria. Continuous monitoring and audits ensure full compliance, and a Blue Flag beach signifies 100% adherence to global environmental standards.

Objectives of the BEAMS Programme

The BEAMS initiative focuses on transforming India’s coastal regions by:

• Reducing pollution in coastal waters
• Promoting sustainable beach infrastructure
• Protecting marine biodiversity and ecosystems
• Improving hygiene, safety, and cleanliness standards
• Encouraging responsible tourism and stakeholder participation

Major Environmental Achievements in India’s Coastal Management

In the past three years, the programme has delivered significant results across India’s selected beaches:

• Restored 95,000 sqm of sand dunes using native plantation
• Reduced marine litter by 85% and marine plastic waste by 78%
• Scientifically disposed of 750 tonnes of marine waste
• Improved beach cleanliness from Grade C (poor) to A++ (outstanding)
• Saved 1,100 million litres of municipal water annually through recycling
• Conducted 3 years of continuous water quality monitoring (physical, chemical, and biological)
• Educated approximately 1,25,000 beach visitors on responsible behaviour
• Increased tourism footfall by 80%, supporting local economic growth
• Created alternative livelihoods for 500 fishing families through eco-friendly initiatives

Driving Sustainable Coastal Tourism in India

The BEAMS programme has strengthened India’s position in sustainable coastal tourism by integrating environmental protection with community development.

By improving infrastructure, reducing pollution, and enhancing awareness, the initiative ensures that India’s beaches remain clean, safe, and ecologically balanced for future generations.

A Model for Coastal Conservation

Through BEAMS and Blue Flag certification, India is setting a benchmark in coastal ecosystem management, demonstrating how scientific planning and community participation can drive long-term environmental sustainability.