Latest news with #BlueFlagCertification
The Hindu
03-08-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Blue Flag beach: Deputy CM launches upgraded facilities at the Marina
Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin on Sunday inaugurated the eco-restoration infrastructure developed at Marina Beach under the Blue Flag Certification programme. The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) completed the upgradation works over a 20-acre area on the beach at a cost of ₹7.31 crore. 'Our iconic Marina Beach is now ready for its Blue Flag Beach Initiative,' the GCC said in a post on X. It also thanked over 500 volunteers from the National Service Scheme, along with other Tamil Nadu volunteers and citizens, for removing waste during a mass beach clean-up on Saturday, and said that such drives would be conducted regularly. The additions include bamboo shelters, seating arrangements, meditation centre, reading room, selfie spots, watch towers, play and fitness equipment, sanitation facilities, CCTV surveillance, drinking water stations, and a first-aid room. A total of 20 shade umbrellas, 40 recliners, and 12 benches have been installed. Additionally, disability-accessible sports and play equipment, and mother's nursing rooms have been set up. 'The Blue Flag initiative is an international certification programme operated by the Foundation for Environmental Education, a Denmark-based firm. Marina is the latest addition to Tamil Nadu's list of beaches being upgraded for Blue Flag recognition, following the certification of Kovalam beach in Chengalpattu,' a release said The initiative is part of the Tamil Nadu government's plan to increase the number of Blue Flag-certified beaches in districts such as Chennai, Cuddalore, Ramanathapuram and Thoothukudi. This is expected to boost tourism, support local fisheries-dependent communities, and promote sustainable coastal management, the release added.
Time of India
02-08-2025
- Time of India
Why Puri Beach Might Be a Better Bet Than Goa This Year
Goa has topped the charts for a beach vacation for a long time in India, but recently many people have reported that it has become an overhyped and overcrowded spot. Goa is considered to have inflated prices and lower quality hospitality, especially in North Goa. We think it's time to explore new options, and we've also found a cleaner and culturally rich location for you. It is… Puri Beach. Puri Beach offers clean shores, rich heritage and culture, and it is also undergoing major development. We have listed down all the reasons one must visit Puri this year: Blue Flag Certification Puri was recently given the prestigious Blue Flag certification, a worldwide known eco-label. This beach offers you clean water, safe swimming areas, solar panels to light surroundings, clean washrooms, and beautiful landscapes. In comparison to Goa, where cleanliness has taken a toll, Puri is a much better location. Offbeat and Calm Puri has a serene ambiance with a quieter atmosphere and is less crowded. This beach is managed by a local Beach Management Committee that ensures better cleanliness. Spiritual Heritage Meets Beach Time Puri is not only about sand and waves; it also holds spiritual significance as it is home to the sacred Jagannath Temple, which is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Get Cleaner Water in 2025 Leaf Home Water Solutions Learn More Undo The Shree Jagannath Heritage Corridor provides an accessible pathway for pilgrims and visitors, blending tradition and infrastructure beautifully. Sand Art and Puri Beach Festival This is a famous spot for sand art, as international sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik creates monumental sand sculptures on the beach. His art makes the beach even more attractive and inspires creativity among young minds. An annual Puri Beach Festival becomes alive with music, dance, local cuisine, and handicrafts that greatly depict the local culture. Modern Infrastructure This place has also been evolving rapidly. It has a newly developed Sipasarubali beach zone which is lined with luxury hotels, famous restaurants, and tourist amenities. Recently, it has started to become a polished seaside hub that is fresh and spacious. It has a diving training centre which offers a variety of water sports – parasailing, jet‑skiing, and windsurfing as well. Upcoming International Airport This airport will greatly improve the connectivity here. The Shree Jagannath International Airport in Puri was granted approval in May 2025 and environmental clearance in June 2025. Once it is operational, it'll handle up to 4.6 million passengers annually and also improve all kinds of access for domestic and international visitors. Sustainability Drive This beach is managed under Odisha's Integrated Coastal Zone Management Programme, which also includes a local Beach Management Committee responsible for cleanliness and waste control. Some areas here still face difficulty with microplastics, but the Blue Flag zone remains low in contamination as it has stricter protocols. Puri is not just another place that is blooming, it has a lot to offer, from the rhythmic chants at the temple to the calming shoreline. This place also lets you connect with traditions that are centuries old and creative expression in sand, and is also a great seaside destination. Let's embrace a blooming place with all the love we can! Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Friendship Day wishes , messages and quotes !
Hans India
04-07-2025
- Business
- Hans India
More Blue Flag Certification beaches to come up in AP
Visakhapatnam: Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh revealed that apart from maintaining the Blue Flag Certification standards at Rushikonda beach, steps will be taken for the beautification of beach stretches. Visiting Rushikonda in Visakhapatnam on Thursday along with Bheemunipatnam MLA Ganta Srinivasa Rao, Visakhapatnam District Collector Harindhira Prasad and GVMC Commissioner Ketan Garg, the minister informed that few more Blue Flag beaches would be developed in Andhra Pradesh. Assuring shopkeepers and lifeguards that the government would resolve their issues brought to his attention, the minister informed that they discussed measures required to increase the tourists' footfall at the beach. Later, Kandula Durgesh inspected the double-decker EV buses that will ply along the beach road. He said that the double-decker buses, which are going to be a tourist attraction, will soon be operated in Visakhapatnam. They will provide an enjoyable ride for the tourists and city residents. Minister Kandula Durgesh expressed hope that the double-decker buses will take Visakhapatnam's tourism sector to the next level. He said that Blue Flag Beach Certification is an international level recognition given based on meeting several parameters. This will increase the revenue sources for the government and create employment opportunities to the locals. Further, the minister stated that they are focusing on facilities to be provided to the visitors at the beach stretches, including play zones for children and increased greenery, he informed. The Tourism Minister stressed that priority will be given to watersports, wellness centres, eco and adventure tourism. He said that the Visakhapatnam Port Authority built the international cruise terminal with all amenities and it has been decided to operate it for four times till September. Later, steps will be taken to operate the cruise 365 days, he added. Later, the minister interacted with students on how the tourism sector aids in providing employment opportunities. The session was organised in the presence of Bheemunipatnam MLA Ganta Srinviasa Rao, Sun International Institute Tourism and Management chairman and managing director Srikanth Jasti, and executive director Asha Jasti. The minister lauded the efforts of the institution's management and added that it stands as the top institution in Andhra Pradesh in the hospitality sector. In the days to come, he assured that efforts will be taken to set up a tourism university in Visakhapatnam. Speaking on the occasion, Bheemunipatnam MLA Ganta Srinviasa Rao remarked that students are now showing keen interest in pursuing tourism and hospitality course and appreciated the Sun International management for its commitment and dedication in steering the students towards achieving their goals.
