Description
Context: Two beaches in the Karnataka State are among the eight in the country that have bagged the coveted eco-label ‘Blue Flag’ from the international agency Foundation for Environment Education, Denmark.
- The two are Kasarkod beach near Honnavar in Uttara Kannada and Padubidri beach near Udupi.
- The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change had embarked upon a programme for ‘Blue Flag’ certification for select 13 beaches in the country.
“Blue Flag” beach
- It is an eco-tourism model to provide tourists clean and hygienic bathing water, facilities/amenities, safe and healthy environment and sustainable development of the area.
- The certification is awarded by the Denmark-based agency based on 33 stringent criteria in four major heads that is
- environmental education and information,
- bathing water quality,
- environment management and
- Conservation and safety and services in the beaches.
Kasarkod and Padubidri beaches
- Kasarkod and Padubidri beaches have grey water treatment plants, solid waste management plants, disabled-friendly equipment to enable them to enter seawater, seating arrangements, clean drinking water, washroom, changing room, bathing facility, disabled-friendly and general toilets, parking facilities, solar power plant, solar lighting etc.
- This certification will encourage other beach authorities to develop more beach to attract a large number of tourists for promoting tourism in the country.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/kasarkod-padubidri-beaches-accorded-blue-flag-tag/article32827723.ece?homepage=true
