Bhubaneswar: The Golden Beach in Puri has been recertified as ‘Blue Flag’ beach, a coveted international eco-label by the Foundation for Environment Education in Denmark (FEE).
The FEE, which accords the Blue Flag certification, has also given re-certification for eight nominated beaches Golden Beach in Odisha, Shivrajpur in Gujarat, Ghoghla in Diu, Kasarkod and Padubidri in Karnataka, Kappad in Kerala, Rushikonda in Andhra Pradesh and Radhanagar in Andaman and Nicobar. These beaches were awarded the Blue Flag certificate last year.
FEE Denmark conducts regular monitoring and audits for strict compliance of the 33 criteria at all times.
A waving “Blue Flag” is an indication of 100 per cent compliance to these 33 stringent criteria and sound health of the beach, the release said. The objective of BEAMS programme is to abate pollution in coastal waters, promote sustainable development of beach facilities, protect and conserve coastal ecosystems and natural resources, and seriously challenge local authorities & stakeholders to strive and maintain high standards of cleanliness, hygiene, and safety for beachgoers in accordance with coastal environment and regulations.