Improvement works launched at Silver Beach in Cuddalore in an effort to get Blue Flag certification
Beautification and improvement works for winning the prestigious Blue Flag certification have begun on the Silver Beach in Cuddalore. A one-km stretch of the beach is being developed into a Blue Flag beach as per the norms laid down by the State Government.
Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare M.R.K. Panneerselvam laid the foundation stone for the improvement works on Sunday to be executed at a cost of ₹4 crore. The works will be executed by the Department of Environment and Forests and is expected to be completed in eight months.
Official sources said Silver Beach in Cuddalore is among the six beaches selected by the State Government for development as Blue Flag beaches for promotion of sustainable tourism. The other beaches are Thiruvanmiyur, Palavakkam and Uthandi in Chennai, Kulasekarapattinam (Tuticorin) and Keezhputhupattu (Villupuram).
According to an official, 'The objective is to reduce pollutants, responsibly manage solid waste and marine litter and promote sustainable development of the coastal regions. The certification is awarded based on 33 stringent criterial including environmental education and information, bathing water quality, environment management and conservation and safety and services in the beaches.'
The Blue Flag certification will lead to construction of environment-friendly temporary structures to promote tourism on Silver beach.. The moment a Blue Flag is hoisted on the beach it will be noticed by the Foundation for Environment Education in Copenhagen, Denmark, and propagated across the world for tourists to take note.
The beautification works include a jogging track, watch tower, LED streetlights, CCTV, improved parking facilities, comfort station complex and cafetaria. There will also be improved waste management systems, security arrangements for tourists, off-grid solar power plant, tourism information centre, and staff to explain the significance of the beach to tourists.
The work also includes a small-scale reverse osmosis plant, grey water treatment plant, modular toilets and changing rooms for tourists..
The official added, 'The Silver Beach is one of the major tourist destination in the district. Winning the certification will attract more tourists, leading to development and new jobs. Further, the local communities will be sensitised to the concept and its importance.'
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