Puri: Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar today hoisted Blue Flag at the Odisha’s popular Puri beach virtually.
The Union Minister flagged off the Blue Flag and the Tricolour at Puri beach and seven other beaches across the country.
“It is a proud moment for India that all the 8 beaches which were showcased have been awarded the coveted blue flag. I compliment and congratulate the State Governments, officials and people for this feat”, Javadekar said.
“ We have identified 100 beaches in the next phase and plan to make them neat and clean. With people’s participation we wish to make them of international standards in coming 3-4 years,” he added.
Eight beaches of India, spread across five states and two union territories, have been awarded the “Blue Flag” tag by an International Jury comprising of eminent members viz UNEP, UNWTO, FEE, IUCN in October this year.
The beaches are Shivrajpur (Dwarka-Gujarat), Ghoghla (Diu), Kasarkod and Padubidri (Karnataka), Kappad (Kerala), Rushikonda (AP), Golden (Puri-Odisha) and Radhanagar (A&N Islands).