Rushikonda Beach regained Blue Flag certification

Source: TH

Context: Rushikonda Beach in Visakhapatnam has regained its prestigious Blue Flag certification after temporary withdrawal due to compliance issues.

About Removal of Blue Flag:

• Organisation Responsible: The Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Denmark, administers and monitors the Blue Flag certification globally.

• Procedure for Removal of Blue Flag:

• In each country, a *National Operator designated by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) is responsible for conducting scheduled and surprise control visits to Blue Flag beaches. The Centre for Environment Education is India’s national Blue Flag Beach operator. Control visits are conducted by National Operator to assess compliance with 33 environmental and safety criteria. Observations and recommendations are shared with local authorities. Temporary withdrawal is implemented if issues are unresolved within 10 days*. After corrective actions, compliance is verified through audits before restoring the flag.

• The Centre for Environment Education is India’s national Blue Flag Beach operator.

• Control visits are conducted by National Operator to assess compliance with 33 environmental and safety criteria.

• Observations and recommendations are shared with local authorities.

• Temporary withdrawal is implemented if issues are unresolved within 10 days.

• After corrective actions, compliance is verified through audits before restoring the flag.

• Conditions for Removal:

• Minor non-compliance: Single minor issue that does not affect health/safety; rectification required within 10 days. Multiple non-compliances: Two or three minor issues; temporary withdrawal until resolved. Major non-compliance: Any serious issue impacting visitor safety or environmental integrity leads to immediate and season-long withdrawal. Climatic or unforeseen emergencies can also lead to temporary suspension of the certification.

• Minor non-compliance: Single minor issue that does not affect health/safety; rectification required within 10 days.

• Multiple non-compliances: Two or three minor issues; temporary withdrawal until resolved.

• Major non-compliance: Any serious issue impacting visitor safety or environmental integrity leads to immediate and season-long withdrawal.

• Climatic or unforeseen emergencies can also lead to temporary suspension of the certification.

About Rushikonda Beach:

• Located in: Situated in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.

• Features:

• Only Blue Flag-certified beach in Andhra Pradesh; first awarded in 2020. The beach boasts beautiful golden sands and clear waters, making it a popular spot for relaxation and swimming.

• Only Blue Flag-certified beach in Andhra Pradesh; first awarded in 2020.

• The beach boasts beautiful golden sands and clear waters, making it a popular spot for relaxation and swimming.