(a) whether the Government has initiated a programe to develop Indian beaches and marinas under the Blue Flag Standards;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the total number of beaches in the country currently having the Blue Flag Certification, beach wise?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
(SHRI BABUL SUPRIYO)
(a) to (c):The Ministry has embarked upon a programme for ‘Blue Flag’ Certification for select beaches in the country. This Certification is accorded by an international agency, i.e., Foundation for Environment Education, Denmark, based on 33 stringent criteria in four major areas, i.e., (i) Environmental Education and Information, (ii) Bathing water quality, (iii) Environment Management and Conservation and (iv) Safety and services in the beaches. The ‘Blue Flag’ is an Eco-tourism model endeavouring to provide the tourists/beach goers a clean beach, hygienic bathing water, tourist friendly facilities/amenities and a healthy environment, besides endeavoring a sustainable development of the area.
Through the Beach Environment & Aesthetics Management Services (BEAMS) initiative of the Ministry, infrastructure development works, facilities and services are progressing in the identified beaches, as per the criteria laid down for ‘Blue Flag’ certification. So far, no beach has been accorded the ‘Blue Flag’ certification.
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