Kovalam Blue flag beach
India has a vast coastline, and it is home to several breathtaking beaches. 12 of them have received the coveted "Blue Flag" certification, as of the year 2023 with two beaches in Lakshadweep being the latest additions.
Among these, is the Kovalam beach near Chennai which is so popular and well-known, often attracting tourists from around the world. Kovalam beach has been awarded the prestigious "Blue Flag" certification in 2021, which is a significant achievement for any beach.
In this blog, we will explore what a blue flag beach is, how many such beaches are there in India, and what makes Tamil Nadu’s Kovalam Blue Flag Beach special.
What is a Blue Flag Beach?
The Blue Flag certification is an internationally recognized eco-label awarded to beaches and marinas that meet stringent environmental, educational, safety, and access-related criteria. The certification is awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), a non-profit organization based in Denmark.
To receive a Blue Flag certification, a beach must meet the following criteria:
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Water Quality:
The beach must meet specific water quality standards to ensure that the water is safe for swimming.
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Environmental Management:
The beach must have an effective management plan in place to protect the environment and prevent pollution.
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Safety and Services:
The beach must have appropriate safety measures in place, including lifeguards, first aid facilities, and proper signage. It must also provide facilities such as clean toilets, drinking water, and waste management.
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Environmental Education:
The beach must provide educational opportunities to raise awareness among visitors about the importance of protecting the environment.
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Access and Accessibility:
The beach must provide access for all visitors, including those with disabilities.
Blue Flag Beaches in India.
India has a long coastline of over 7,500 km, but only a few beaches have been awarded the Blue Flag certification. As of October 2022, India has 12 Blue Flag beaches, which are:
- Shivrajpur Beach, Gujarat
- Ghoghla Beach, Diu
- Kasarkod Beach, Karnataka
- Padubidri Beach, Karnataka
- Kappad Beach, Kerala
- Eden Beach, Puducherry
- Kovalam Beach, Tamil Nadu
- Rushikonda Beach, Andhra Pradesh
- Golden Beach, Odisha
- Radhanagar Beach, Andaman and Nicobar Islands
- Minicoy Thundi Beach, Lakshadweep
- Kadmat Beach, Lakshadweep
Location and Overview of Kovalam Blue Flag Beach
Kovalam Beach is located in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, about 40 kilometers from the city of Chennai. It is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, known for its clear blue waters, soft golden sand, and breathtaking sunsets.
In 2021, Kovalam Beach was awarded the prestigious Blue Flag certification, making it the 9th of the twelve beaches in India to receive this honor. Visit the "Kovalam blue flag beach ticket price" page to know about the Ticket prices and parking spaces on the beach premises.
What makes this beach special?
The Blue Flag certification is a significant achievement, and Kovalam Beach has worked hard since 2020 to meet the rigorous standards set by FEE.
Some of the factors that make this beach worthy are:
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Water Quality:
Kovalam Beach has pristine water quality, making it safe for swimming and other water activities.
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Environmental Management:
The beach has a comprehensive management plan in place to protect the environment and prevent pollution. Segregated dust bins are provided with labels for ‘Bio degradable’ and ‘Non-Bio degradable’, all over the beach premises.
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Safety and Services:
Kovalam Beach has all the necessary safety measures in place, including lifeguards, first aid facilities, and proper signage. Varieties of snacks are served on demand. It also provides clean toilets and drinking water.
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Environmental Education:
The beach provides educational opportunities to raise awareness among visitors about the importance of protecting the environment. This includes voluntary cleanups and workshops.
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Access and Accessibility:
Kovalam Beach provides access for all visitors including those with disabilities. The beach has a ramp for wheelchair users and other facilities to make it accessible to everyone.
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Apart from meeting the Blue Flag criteria, Kovalam Beach is also famous for its stunning natural beauty. As you can see in all the images on this page, the beach is surrounded by lush green plants such as spinifex, ipomoea, cat tails, and other plants and the clear blue waters provide an ideal location for water sports such as surfing and swimming.
The beach also offers amenities like recliners, a children's park, and shower/change rooms to relax and unwind while enjoying the stunning sunsets.
Kovalam Blue Flag Beach is a significant achievement for India and the state of Tamil Nadu. The certification recognizes the beach's efforts to maintain good environmental, safety, and educational standards. Kovalam Beach offers visitors a relaxing opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of the region while promoting sustainable tourism practices.
As India continues to focus on eco-tourism and sustainable development, we can hope to see more beaches across the country achieving Blue Flag status.
